Chapter 912: Clara's Fate

The next morning, Susan didn't want to get out of bed. The alarm blared insistently; she lacked the energy to silence it, but thankfully, someone had already done so. She drifted back to sleep after a futile attempt to roll over. She awoke to a kiss on her forehead and the comforting weight of Manuel beside her.

It was noon when she finally opened her eyes to find Manuel sleeping close by. His handsome face, framed by long lashes, captivated her. He was strikingly attractive; an overwhelming desire surged through her.

She leaned in, kissing his forehead, then his nose. Finally, she kissed his lips, surprised by their softness. These lips were hers, and a simple peck quickly evolved into a passionate kiss, satisfying her intense longing.

Suddenly, a heavy pressure descended on her head. Manuel's deep kiss left her breathless. Was he feigning sleep? As he pressed his weight upon her, opening his eyes, she saw burning desire mirrored in his gaze. A volatile energy crackled between them.

Susan, recognizing the intensity of his expression, quickly changed tactics. "Manuel," she said anxiously, "I'm hungry."

Her stomach rumbled loudly.

"How coincidental," Manuel replied, his voice magnetic. "I'm hungry too."

"Let's get up and have breakfast," Susan suggested.

Manuel smirked, biting her ear. "You're tastier."

Susan's eyes widened. His recklessness startled her. She felt utterly drained, a stark contrast to his apparent vitality.

"I'll make porridge for you; you can sleep a little longer," Manuel said gently.

Susan muttered to herself, "Don't act so innocent." All she could think about was his passionate nature in bed.

After he dressed, she threatened, "If you touch me again, I'll die!"

He laughed, his handsome face radiating amusement. "Go to sleep," he said, kissing her forehead softly.

Susan's heart softened. This man, she mused, would make a fortune as a gigolo.

She watched him leave, her body aching, feeling utterly depleted. She regretted taking the birth control pill and agreeing to his six-month arrangement. Would she survive the next six months?

The phone rang. Susan struggled to answer, "Don't even think about making me come back to work. I can barely move."

Her secretary paused. "Did you indulge yourself excessively again?"

"Off the chart!" Susan replied bluntly.

Tammy, her secretary, chuckled. "It's not about work this time… you should check the news."

Susan's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

"Just look," Tammy replied mysteriously.

The news app opened to a headline: "Daughter of Director X Involved in Scandalous Night with Two Men!"

Susan immediately recognized Clara. Sitting up, she clicked on the article. Pixelated images and a suggestive video left little to the imagination.

Terror washed over her. She had sent Clara to the hotel as revenge, envisioning her humiliation, but never anticipated this massive scandal. Clara, it seemed, had not revealed her identity to her assailants, leaving them unaware of her connection to Susan. The ensuing investigation, spurred by the scandal's potential for sensationalism, had focused on determining the identities of those involved.

A wave of relief washed over Susan. Clara deserved this retribution; the scandal not only ruined her but also implicated her father and family.

The phone rang again—her secretary, barely concealing her excitement.

"Miss Phillips, have you seen it?"

"Yes."

"Clara's been exposed! This karma is glorious!"