Chapter 955: Susan's Guts

Oscar disliked unnecessary social events, usually sending Theodore in his stead. Theodore was accustomed to this, but this time, he hoped Oscar would attend. The meeting was crucial for fostering international trade.

"Remind me when the time comes," Oscar agreed, his rationality surpassing Theodore's; he wouldn't shirk necessary duties.

"Now that Manuel has left, I'm leaving too," Theodore announced. "Goodbye."

"Okay."

Theodore departed. Oscar watched him go before turning to Salem and Una. "Did you two have fun today?"

"It was so much fun!" Una exclaimed. "Auntie took us for ice cream, a fancy dinner, a movie, and I even saw my favorite Little Bunny!"

Oscar smiled faintly. "As long as you're happy. But after a full day out, you both need showers before dinner."

"Okay."

"Max, Zea," Oscar called.

"Yes?"

"Take the children to shower, separately."

"Yes, Commander."

Salem and Una went with Max and Zea. Oscar remained alone in the spacious living room, sitting quietly for a while before returning to his room.

Four years had passed. Time sometimes flew, other times crawled. He often questioned his purpose. Was it solely because of Hannah's words—to care for Salem?

In the car, Susan's incessant complaints about Theodore's flirtatiousness amazed Manuel. Her boundless energy was incredible.

He interrupted, "Wasn't it tiring taking Salem and Una out today?"

"How can playing be tiring?" Susan retorted sarcastically.

"Don't take them without asking Oscar next time."

"Manuel, are you stupid? With all the guards, do you think I could sneak off with two kids? Oscar allowed it!"

Manuel thought Susan's cleverness sometimes worked against her.

"Manuel," Susan said, her sudden sadness noticeable.

Manuel's usual nervousness at Susan's sentimentality returned.

"I saw a woman today," Susan said, tears welling. "From behind, she looked exactly like Hannah." The image lingered, despite recognizing the woman's face wasn't Hannah's.

"Susan, there are no such miracles."

"But we never found Hannah's body."

"Because Oscar didn't order a search. Maybe he couldn't bear to see her and accept what happened. But survival was unlikely under those circumstances."

"But I feel Hannah's still alive," Susan insisted stubbornly.

"Susan, people don't come back from the dead..."

"Manuel, are you hoping Hannah's dead?"

Manuel mentally groaned; he didn't want to disappoint her again.

"How could you be so heartless?" Susan cried.

"Don't cry. It's not good for the baby."

"Our baby? You only care about it now! What about me?!"

Manuel, weary of her irrationality, compromised. "You're the only one in my heart."

"See! You're lying!"

"Susan..."

"You're always making excuses!" Susan interrupted.

Manuel impulsively hugged her, kissing her before she could react. She froze, then reciprocated passionately. The driver, initially surprised by the sudden silence, discreetly looked away via the rearview mirror.

They kissed for a long while. Afterwards, Manuel's face burned. He looked innocent, while acting like a beast; people would think Susan bullied him, a thought that angered her.

"Susan!" Manuel gasped.

"Yeah?" she responded, her anger lingering despite the kiss's pleasure.

"I fucking love you! Can't you feel it?!" Manuel gritted his teeth, whispering in her ear.

Susan was stunned; his rare use of endearments and profanity shocked her. His confession deepened his blush.

"Really?!" she asked, delight evident.

"So, you'll spoil me without getting mad or hurting me again?"

Manuel's lips tightened. "Yeah."

"Then I'm attending Karami's product launch in the Capital next week," Susan announced playfully, clinging to his arm.

Manuel stared, speechless.

"I knew you wouldn't refuse," Susan purred, leaning against him.

Manuel realized he'd been manipulated. He wondered if her outburst had been a ploy to secure his attendance. Of course, she wouldn't admit it.

Leaning into him, she said, "Manuel, I feel Hannah is alive. I truly believe it."

This time, Manuel didn't deny her. Deep down, he hoped Hannah was alive too; if she were, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way for Oscar.