Chapter 904: Manuel’s “Threat”

Hannah reached Susan, her voice heavy with fatigue. "Hannah, I can't be with you today," Susan sighed, her self-reproach evident.

"Are you in the Capital?" Hannah asked, her inquiry devoid of any anxiety about Una's banquet.

"No," Susan gritted her teeth. "Going there would kill me."

Hannah chuckled. This love-hate dynamic, she mused, would likely follow Susan throughout her life. But if Susan remarried Manuel, she would inevitably encounter the Wells family. That was a story for another time. Given Manuel's deep affection for Susan, he would likely grant her anything she desired. Hannah saw no reason to worry about their relationship being influenced by her and Oscar. Her concerns were now superfluous. Above all, she was relieved Susan and Manuel were reunited. Manuel would be the best man for Susan—no, the best man in the world.

"I was going to sleep in and come over, skip work; I was exhausted last night. Manuel said he could give me paid leave," Susan explained, a touch defensively.

"Too tired?" Hannah queried.

"Hee hee hee! Manuel's mine!" Susan's tone shifted, a smirk coloring her words.

Susan had previously confided in Hannah her frustration with their intimacy. She'd felt Manuel was unresponsive, even when she was nearly nude, leaving her doubting herself and his feelings. Hannah had reassured her to trust him and not rush things, but Susan struggled to settle her anxieties. Now, Hannah sensed Susan's exhilaration through the phone.

"Congratulations," Hannah giggled.

"I used to think he didn't care much for me, even that he hated me, that he was reluctant because I was pestering him. But after last night, I think Manuel loves me to death!" Susan exclaimed joyfully.

"Hannah, what was it like... with Oscar?" Susan's sudden question caught Hannah off guard.

Hannah hesitated, unwilling to divulge details.

"Will you..." Susan began.

"No," Hannah interrupted. "We make love purely for physical needs, unlike you and Manuel. I have no other feelings."

Susan's voice faltered, a touch of sadness evident. She understood Hannah's situation—forced to be with Oscar. She wished Hannah could escape him.

"You were saying you took a paid day off," Hannah gently reminded her.

Susan, realizing her digression, said, "Oh, yes. Manuel let me rest, and I planned to see you after sleeping, but my secretary called. I have a business event this afternoon followed by a dinner party. It'll be at least nine o'clock by the time it ends. You'll be asleep by then."

"Yeah."

"So I can't keep you company," Susan lamented, again burdened by self-recrimination.

"I'm fine with Sal and my parents. You tend to your business."

"I'll come over next time."

"Okay."

"Hannah, are you alright?" Susan's tone was laced with worry.

"Do I look sad?" Hannah retorted.

"Hannah, how can you move on so fast? If I were you, I might have cried myself to death in the toilet!"

"Don't worry, Manuel won't let you cry to death in the toilet," Hannah joked.

"I think so," Susan said, her delight with Manuel unconcealed. "You say they're from the same ancestor—how could Oscar and Manuel be so different?!"

A pause.

"Right, I gotta go."

Susan ended the call abruptly. Jumping out of bed, she stumbled and fell. Her knees buckled.

"Ouch!" she cried out, the pain a consequence of their passionate night.

She rose slowly, trembling, and went to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she saw numerous love bites, a testament to Manuel's dominance.

Afterward, she retrieved her phone, took a selfie, and sent it to Manuel with sweet satisfaction.

Meanwhile, at the banquet, Manuel received the photo. His heart pounding, he hastily switched off his phone. After a time, he cautiously turned it back on and replied, "Are you up?"

Susan, brushing her teeth, typed, "Shouldn't you be asking if it hurts?"

A moment's hesitation. Then, Manuel messaged, "It hurts?"

Susan beamed. Faced with this submissive yet powerful man, she found herself softening.

"How are you gonna make it up to me?"

"I'll be gentle next time."

"How long until 'next time'?"

"Tonight."

Susan's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't intended to seduce him.

"I have to work."

"Hmm?"

"My secretary called. A business event tonight, dinner with clients."

"I'll cancel it for you."

"No, I'm okay."

Susan herself was surprised by her newfound dedication to work.

"You mean... I didn't try hard enough last night?"