Chapter 812: Inferiority

Susan returned to her office. Her secretary, Tammy, was surprised; she'd assumed Susan wouldn't be back until tomorrow and had already rescheduled her workload.

"Miss Phillips?"

"Brew some coffee, please," Susan requested. "Black coffee, no sugar."

Tammy was stunned. Susan always took hers with copious amounts of sugar and milk. Nevertheless, she prepared the coffee. Returning a short time later, she presented Susan with the cup.

Susan's expression after taking a sip was peculiar. Tammy, stifling a laugh, offered, "Can I make you another?"

"No, thank you. Black coffee helps," Susan replied flatly.

"You look exhausted, and your eyes are bloodshot. You need rest," Tammy said, concerned.

"Really?" Susan seemed doubtful.

"Yes, it's quite noticeable. Here's a mirror," Tammy offered a vanity mirror.

Susan hadn't planned to work, so she wore no makeup. Seeing her reflection—lusterless and with bloodshot eyes—she couldn't understand Manuel's apparent heartlessness.

Returning the mirror, Susan said, "I'm just going to freshen up. Please call a meeting of the managers."

"Certainly," Tammy replied respectfully.

Susan splashed cold water on her face, attempting to compose herself. She spent the afternoon discussing proposals, finalizing the plan. Exhausted, she fell asleep at her desk, oblivious to Manuel's arrival.

Tammy quickly explained, "Miss Phillips has been in meetings since she returned. She's very tired; her eyes are bloodshot. She's been asleep for a while."

"You may leave," Manuel said softly.

The secretary departed, wondering if Manuel cared for Susan. The thought of their rekindled romance filled her with a flutter of excitement.

Manuel approached the sleeping Susan, snoring softly. He hadn't expected to find her still at the office, assuming she'd be home. Only a report from the sales manager had revealed her presence. He looked down at her, noting the drool, and chuckled. He reached out to wipe it away.

Susan awoke with a start, startled to see Manuel. She scrambled to her feet, protesting, "I wasn't sleeping!"

Shame washed over her.

Manuel withdrew his hand, slightly disappointed. "Wipe your drool," he stated seriously.

Susan, momentarily confused, quickly dabbed at her mouth, flushing with embarrassment.

"It's inappropriate to sleep in the office," Manuel continued.

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I'll freshen up," Susan said, retreating to the office washroom. A sofa bed was available, but exhaustion overwhelmed her. Looking in the mirror, she felt utterly unattractive to Manuel.

Shortly after, Susan emerged to find Clara present, bearing a document for Manuel's signature. Susan couldn't help but observe Clara's delicate, refined makeup and tailored secretary's uniform. At Phillips Bank, secretaries' uniforms were custom-made, reflecting company image. Clara's, however, seemed deliberately shorter and tighter, accentuating her figure.

Susan, in casual clothes and sneakers, never felt out of place except when compared to Hannah, whom she considered divinely favored. In terms of appearance and attire, she'd always considered herself Hannah's equal. Yet, now, facing Clara, she felt inferior.

Clara greeted her with a sweet smile, "Miss Phillips."

Susan merely acknowledged her, returning to her desk and resuming her work, seemingly oblivious to their presence.