Chapter 310: Alluring Body

Hannah asked peacefully, after a deep breath, "Susan, have you ever considered whether Henry truly loved you?"

"What do you mean?" Susan replied.

"If he truly loved you, he wouldn't have stood by while you married another man. He wouldn't have let you go. Of course, there are exceptions, like Manuel. But Manuel released you because you didn't love him. He had no choice but to accept your separation. However, a man who truly believes in his lover wouldn't let go so easily," Hannah explained emphatically.

Susan countered, "Henry let go because he didn't want me to get hurt. Manuel threatened me with that accident. Henry didn't want to see me in jail. That's why he chose to let go."

"What about last night? He simply walked away and left you alone while you were drugged? Do you think that's how he should have acted if he truly loved you?"

Susan was speechless. Why had he left?

"You refused Manuel several times last night, right?" Hannah asked.

Susan, biting her lip, nodded. She had begged him to send her back to Henry.

"Did Manuel agree?"

Of course not. She wouldn't have felt so bad if he had.

"Do you understand what that means? Every man is possessive. No man would allow his beloved to sleep with another. Yet Henry didn't seem to care. He left you alone in the hotel. Do you think he loves you?" Hannah's voice sharpened.

Tears welled up in Susan's eyes. "I don't believe it! Henry and you are the people I trust most. Even if my father abandoned me, I believed Henry would stay. He must have been trying to protect me! You're wrong!" Susan sobbed.

Hannah hesitated, then decided against further pressing the issue. To some extent, Manuel's concern had been justified. Susan, though appearing tough and energetic, was sensitive and vulnerable. She feigned indifference to avoid being hurt; once hurt, recovery was difficult.

"I just wanted to explore my doubts," Hannah said softly. "But I think you should ask Henry about last night. You need to understand."

Susan only cried.

"Alright, stop crying," Hannah changed the subject. "What's done is done. You need to look forward. Besides, I don't think losing your virginity to Manuel was a tragedy. At least he's superior to you in many ways…"

"Hannah, are you blind? How can you say he's superior in every way?" Susan retorted.

Susan's best quality was her lack of resentment. No matter how harsh Hannah was, she never grew angry.

"Can't you see my body? Don't you know how alluring it is?"

"No, I don't. But perhaps Manuel does," Hannah teased.

"Hannah!" Susan exclaimed angrily.

"Alright, I'm hanging up!" Susan ended the call. The conversation had only increased her distress. She buried herself under the quilt, then threw it off. Hannah was right. She needed to understand Henry's actions last night. She took a deep breath, calmed herself, and dialed Henry's number. He answered promptly.

"Susan?"

"Henry, can we meet? I need to talk."

"Okay, me too."

"Where?"

"The café next to my office."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Susan chose a smart suit and applied light makeup. Opening the door, she found Manuel and Tia finishing breakfast. Tia was asking Manuel for language learning tips, and he was patiently answering, correcting her pronunciation.

As Susan exited, Tia said kindly, "Ms. Phillips, are you feeling better? Would you like some breakfast? I can get you some."

"No," Susan responded impassively.

"Ms. Phillips, where are you going? To the office? Will you be back for lunch? Dinner?" Tia pressed.

"Stop asking!" Susan snapped.

"I just want to know when you'll be home for meals. Mr. Johnson said you enjoy some of my dishes. If you're dining at home, I want you to try them," Tia said, slightly upset.

Susan felt a pang of guilt. Tia had been acting out of kindness.

"I won't be back for long," Susan replied.

Tia was surprised. She hadn't expected an answer.

"Can't you hear me? I won't be back for dinner! Don't cook anything!" Susan huffed.

Tia was confused by her sudden outburst.

"Okay…"

Susan glared at her and left. Tia returned to the couch, noticing Manuel remained calm, seemingly accustomed to Susan's volatile nature. Before asking another study question, she remembered something. "Oh, Mr. Johnson, about the bloodstain on your bedsheet… should we have it changed?"

"No need," Manuel replied casually, though his ears were flushed.

Tia smiled secretly. Though she disliked Susan's temperament, she had to admit her allure. Even she had found Susan's naked body intoxicating that morning. No wonder Manuel seemed so satisfied.