Chapter 815: Manuel and Hannah Team Up
"But you can't push Oscar too far," Manuel added.
"Is his ultimate goal revenge on the Collins family?" Hannah asked.
"No," Manuel replied bluntly.
Hannah remained skeptical.
"You and Lillian are his priorities," Manuel stated. "The baby, too."
Hannah sneered.
"Precisely, it's the baby," Manuel added.
This held little significance for Hannah. She could easily confront anyone except Lillian Collins. This provided the necessary answer.
"I'll deal with Sarah," Hannah declared frankly.
Manuel frowned, surprised by Hannah's eagerness to act. He, too, had been gathering evidence against Sarah. It seemed Hannah had gotten ahead of him.
"Tell me the details," Manuel requested.
"I don't care what Sarah's doing at Cooper Group. I've delegated management to you, so it's none of my business. However, Sarah's interfering with the staff. The Cooper Group itself isn't important to me, but the staff is. To ensure they can work effectively, Sarah must go—and she must go down hard," Hannah explained seriously.
"How can I help?" Manuel asked, suppressing his excitement. Hannah's statement suggested a straightforward solution.
Hannah then outlined her plan.
Manuel immediately agreed. "Great," he said without hesitation.
"Don't tell Oscar," Hannah cautioned.
Manuel fell silent, embarrassed.
"I don't want him interfering."
"He won't."
"He will if Lillian asks."
Manuel was speechless. Lillian's influence was undeniable. "I promise I won't tell him."
"Thank you, Manuel."
"Don't mention it."
Hannah hung up.
Manuel returned to the meeting room.
"Discuss the project. Miss Phillips will report to me later. I must leave," Manuel announced before departing quickly. Clara hurried after him.
Susan watched them go, curious about Manuel's abrupt exit. Turning to the others, she said, "Please report on the project list the President requested. I'll relay it to him later."
The others relaxed. Susan's presence always heightened the tension during Manuel's meetings. The meeting was long and involved much discussion. Exhausted, Susan returned to her office.
"Black coffee, please," Susan requested.
"Okay," Tammy replied, returning shortly with the coffee.
"Rest a bit. You don't need to sort these materials urgently. The President wants a report later, not now."
"What if he wants me now?"
"He shouldn't be unreasonable!" Tammy exclaimed.
"Unreasonable, yes, a perfect word. He expects me to work myself to death," Susan said wearily.
"I think Mr. Johnson cares about you," Tammy said, defending Manuel.
"Where did you see that? He always looks grim when I'm at his meetings. I wonder if I'm even necessary," Susan said angrily.
Tammy had heard similar sentiments. When Manuel held meetings, they would inquire if Susan would be attending. They felt as though they were heading into battle.
"I think Mr. Johnson's grim expression is his way of supporting you. You're an easy target, which isn't good for management. He wants you to learn from that, I think," Tammy suggested.
"He could just tell me that instead of being so serious," Susan retorted.
"I think Mr. Johnson has told you," Tammy blurted, then hastily added, aware of Susan's temper, "Maybe he wants you to change gradually."
"Why are you always defending him?" Susan asked, agitated.
"I'm just stating what I see."
"That's enough. Get out," Susan said impatiently.
Her secretary left. Susan easily became agitated when discussing Manuel.
Leaning back in her chair, Susan felt mentally drained. She wondered if the constant pressure would lead to depression.
"Does he care about me? Or is he torturing me?" Susan mused. "Whatever. The future is long."
She calmed herself and resumed work, carefully sorting through the files, wary of making mistakes. Later, after finishing, she went to Manuel's office.