Chapter 836: Tammy’s Compensation

Tammy couldn't understand Clara's actions, her fury evident in her reddened nose and eyes. Susan, reluctant to explain, simply offered, "Let's go for a drink; it's on me."

To Susan, Manuel and Clara's relationship remained private. She didn't know why, but she felt no obligation to publicize their affair. She let her frustrations pour out. Looking at Susan, Tammy was surprised by her willingness to indulge her.

"I need to de-stress, or I'll do something drastic and regret it! Come on, let's go to Kensbury City's best restaurant."

They took a taxi. Before their food arrived, they began drinking, gradually calming down as their intoxication deepened.

Tammy abruptly asked, "Miss Phillips, don't you think Clara likes Mr. Johnson?"

Susan responded indifferently, "Manuel is attractive and capable. Every woman likes him."

Tammy pressed, "But you, don't you?"

Susan continued drinking, simply stating, "I'm blind."

Tammy, serious now, said, "Miss Phillips, why don't you sleep with Mr. Johnson?"

Startled, Susan spat wine, accidentally splashing Tammy's face.

Tammy, near tears, pleaded, "Miss Phillips, you can blame me for costing you your job, but why did you spit on me?"

"I didn't mean to," Susan apologized, hastily grabbing tissues. "But what you said shocked me."

"I was serious. Mr. Johnson must like you, I believe."

"Why do you think so?"

"I saw it with my eyes, and I felt it in my heart."

"Don't you see how badly he treated me?"

"Don't you realize he was trying to help you? To mentor you, to improve your work? Isn't he only 'bad' to you because he's pushing you?"

"So I should be grateful to him?"

"I'm not joking. I think he cares for you, and his eyes are still on you!" Tammy insisted. "You should apologize to Mr. Johnson, or use your charms. I'm sure he won't fire you."

Susan was speechless. "How can you suggest such a foolish thing? Just to avoid being fired? That's awful."

"It's not foolish, it's clever. It will reveal whether Mr. Johnson likes you or not. If he does, he won't refuse to stay in contact. If not, now that you've quit, you'll never interact. You lose nothing," Tammy reasoned calmly.

But Susan wouldn't dare. She avoided Manuel, like a mouse fleeing a cat.

"Think of Clara, think of what she's done!" Tammy persisted.

Susan frowned slightly.

"You know the harm she's caused us, can't you fight back? If you win Mr. Johnson over and become his wife, Clara won't be so arrogant. You could slap her, and she wouldn't dare retaliate!" Tammy exclaimed excitedly.

Susan laughed. She wanted to slap Clara, but she feared Manuel because of Clara. Even without charm, she wouldn't become another woman to destroy their relationship.

"Just drink! You're not even that drunk, yet you're talking nonsense!" Susan said, changing the subject.

"I'm not drunk! I'm just giving you advice—"

Tammy was interrupted by a mouthful of food. She didn't understand Susan's reluctance. Everyone knew Manuel liked her; Clara's interest was likely self-delusion.

They didn't finish drinking until late afternoon. Having worked late on the project, both women were sleepy. Susan awoke at dawn, her back aching. Leaving Tammy asleep, she paid the bill, instructing the waiter to wake Tammy and tell her to go home.

She took a taxi, planning to collect her belongings from the office, avoiding the awkwardness of facing her colleagues. Arriving at the Phillips Building, however, she felt reluctant to leave. She sat at her desk, gazing at the items, mostly heirlooms from her father, Edward, who had dedicated his life to the Phillips Group. Realizing she couldn't clean up everything herself, she took a few personal items, planning to hire movers.

She stood to leave, then hesitated, pressing a button in the elevator. The doors opened, revealing Manuel's office. If he was still there, she'd speak to him in person; otherwise, it would be the end. Despite her decision, she hesitated before knocking.

"Come in."

Surprisingly, Manuel was still there, almost 9 PM. Susan, startled by his voice, opened the door.

Manuel sat idly, seemingly enjoying the city view from his large office window.

Susan approached slowly. He glanced at her shopping bag. Catching his eye, she began, "This is all I can take now. I'll get someone to move the rest tomorrow."

Manuel remained silent and cold.

"I won't be working tomorrow, and I don't need this month's salary. But there's something I need your help with."

He continued to stare coldly.

Susan mustered her courage. "I hope you'll give Tammy extra unemployment compensation."