Chapter 817: An Awkward Dinner

Susan applied delicate makeup, determined to look her best. She succeeded, to a degree. But upon arriving at the restaurant, Justine still noticed her red, puffy eyes. "Did you cry?"

Susan wanted to roll her eyes. How could Justine see that under her makeup?

"I don't think crying is appropriate for an adult," Justine sniffed contemptuously.

Susan bristled. Just as she was about to sit beside Justine, the latter directed her to the opposite seat. "Take that seat."

"I know you hate me. Why did you ask me to dinner? Are you enjoying this?" Susan retorted.

"It's not just us."

"Who else...?" Susan's question was cut short by Manuel's approach from the restroom.

Shit. Why did they invite me? Do they expect me to pay? Holy shit. Manuel has my dad's property! How shameless! Susan thought furiously.

Knowing her words held little weight, she remained outwardly polite. As Manuel drew near, she stood respectfully. Justine frowned, surprised by Susan's reaction. She wondered what had transpired, but maintained her composure. Manuel, equally surprised, also remained calm and approached the table.

"President," Susan greeted him respectfully.

Manuel offered a slight, almost haughty nod, then sat beside her. Susan, now seated, felt acutely uncomfortable. She hadn't wanted dinner with Justine, and Manuel's presence only amplified her unease, dredging up memories of their previous encounter in his office. She bit her lip, trying to avoid thinking about him and Clara.

"Have you ordered yet?" Susan asked, embarrassed.

"Not yet," Justine said. "I'm waiting for you. It's a ten-minute drive from the company. How did you take forty minutes?"

"Traffic," Susan mumbled weakly, quickly changing the subject. "Just order whatever you want. I'll pay."

Justine and Manuel ordered expensive meals. Seeing the prices, Susan, despite a fondness for material things, felt the sting of the impending cost. She considered ordering the cheapest option, believing it might somehow elevate her status, but ultimately ordered an expensive meal, despite her reluctance. Another awkward silence followed. She listened passively to Justine and Manuel's conversation.

"When will Oscar be back?" Justine asked.

"Maybe in a week."

"How are Hannah and the child?"

"Fine. Don't worry. Hannah's rational; she's unlikely to overreact."

"I know, but..." Justine sighed. "And you?"

"Let it run its course," Manuel replied with a smile, evading the question.

Susan sipped her lemonade, thinking Justine needn't worry about Manuel's relationships; perhaps a grandchild was on the horizon.

"At this age, I just want to keep my family together. I can't bear anyone leaving," Justine said.

"I see," Manuel replied.

Their conversation continued, often over Susan's head, adding to her discomfort. Luckily, the food arrived. Susan ate quietly.

"Why so quiet?" Justine asked, noticing her silence.

Susan wiped her lips. "A little hungry," she explained, knowing silence was her only refuge in this conversation.

"You look thinner," Justine observed.

"Really?" Susan beamed. "I've been trying to lose weight! I'm glad it shows."

Justine remained silent, perceiving Susan's innocence. Manuel glanced at Susan, noting her thin wrists, her vulnerability. He pressed his lips together, eating little.

"Why don't you visit your father?" Justine asked Susan.

"I was away on business for half a month," Susan replied. For a long time, she'd felt rootless, answerable to no one. Justine's question, therefore, was unexpectedly touching. She hadn't expected Justine to remain by her father's side.

"If you have time, visit him. Maybe he'll regain consciousness," Justine said sadly, still struggling with Edward's illness.

"Okay," Susan replied. "Even if Dad doesn't wake up, I'll care for you when you're old, for him."

Justine looked at Susan. Susan immediately felt embarrassed, realizing her impulsive words. She lowered her head, blushing. "If you don't mind," she added softly.

Manuel saw a small smile play on Justine's lips, though Susan, with her head down, missed it. Manuel also smiled subtly.

"I hadn't expected that. I suppose you'll ask me to help with your children then?" Justine teased.

"I won't have children," Susan stated vehemently. Her declaration startled them both. "I mean, I'm not in a relationship. How could I? Don't worry, I won't burden you. You just need to care for Manuel's children."

The thought of Manuel and Clara's impending child was a sharp pang of pain.