Chapter 898: Clara’s Plot

Susan hurried from the office, hoping to leave before Manuel. When Manuel finally finished his work, a knock sounded at the door. He expected Susan, but it was Clara. Since transferring to the integrated department, Clara had barely spoken to him. He wasn't annoyed; instead, he blandly asked, "What's the matter?"

"There's an anniversary activity next week, separate events for staff and the public. We've prepared a proposal and I wanted to report to you," Clara said respectfully. Her work in the new department had been satisfactory so far.

Checking the time, Manuel replied, "But it's time to leave."

"I'm so sorry," Clara said apologetically, but she didn't relent. "This is my first project since starting. I don't have time to report later, and I heard you won't be in tomorrow."

Manuel remained silent. He was leaving for a banquet in the capital and had planned to spend the evening with Susan. Susan had insisted on not compromising with the Wells family; he'd let it be.

"I've been in this position three months. While I don't feel I mesh well with my colleagues, work comes first. That's why I hesitated to cause trouble due to my inexperience," Clara continued. Her implication was clear: she had nowhere else to turn within her team. She was working alone, and Manuel's refusal would only worsen her situation.

Since Susan hadn't come to leave with him, he assumed she was working late. Usually, she waited for him in his office at the end of the day.

"How long will the report take?" Manuel asked.

"Half an hour, I'll keep it brief."

"Okay."

Clara grinned, pleased her plan was underway. She was feigning helplessness; no one dared offend her, especially given she’d usurped someone else’s anniversary proposal. She’d never actually managed the program, only participated. Afterward, she'd bypassed her team and presented it directly to Manuel, solely to attract his attention.

For three months, she’d burned with jealousy over his intimacy with Susan, but she’d waited for the right moment to drive a wedge between them. She began her presentation.

The proposal was well-structured, a standard annual program with few points needing discussion. If followed, it should proceed smoothly. However, Clara overstated every detail. Manuel interrupted several times, and she promised improvements, but her explanations devolved into lengthy monologues.

Hours passed. At home, Susan grew increasingly impatient. She’d planned a surprise for Manuel's arrival and hadn’t called because of it. After over two hours of waiting, and with Justine’s return imminent, anxiety drove her to call Manuel.

"Miss Phillips, this is Clara," the voice answered.

Susan's face burned. Clara was still pursuing Manuel, even after her transfer. Controlling her anger, she asked, "Where's Manuel?"

"In the bathroom."

"Clara, what trick are you playing now?" Susan asked through clenched teeth.

Clara’s alertness grew. Manuel was in the bathroom, his phone buzzing on his desk, which she’d quickly answered. She was intentionally misleading Susan.

"After you tried to make me think you were sleeping with him, this is your next trick, huh?" Susan taunted.

Clara was stunned.

Susan continued coldly, "The misunderstanding between Manuel and me is over. We both know your schemes. You think you can keep up this innocent act?"

Clara was mortified.

"For your father's sake, Manuel and I haven't publicized your actions. But your shamelessness is astounding! I'd resign if I were you, let alone face Manuel," Susan mocked.

Though she knew it was part of Clara's ploy to provoke her, Susan was exasperated – Manuel hadn't even given her the chance to talk to him. 'Manuel, don't you know who she is? Are you that stupid?' she raged silently. Was he actually enjoying Clara's fawning? Waiting alone, while he spent time with another woman – whatever the reason, Susan was furious.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Clara huffed, refusing to admit anything.

Noticing Manuel exiting the bathroom, she quickly adopted a pitiful expression. "I don't know why you're misunderstanding... I answered because I didn't want you to worry about Mr. Johnson. We're almost finished, and he'll be home soon. Miss Phillips, I was just doing my job! I did nothing wrong. Don't humiliate me!" Tears welled in her eyes.

Susan frowned at the sudden shift in Clara's tone. Then she heard Manuel's voice, "Susan."

Clara was still deceiving Manuel, attempting to create conflict between them. Susan had to concede—she'd been played. Exasperated, though believing Manuel wouldn’t cheat, she couldn’t forgive him yet.

"Manuel, you asshole!" Susan yelled into the phone.