Chapter 312: Danger (1) The Accident in Langley Town

Manuel recounted the events to Hannah, revealing the truth. "Back when your father and I convinced Henry to break up with Susan, we promised him a significant share of Phillips Bank, plus a large sum of money. The condition? He had to promise never to have sex with her."

Hannah finally understood. "No wonder he didn't sleep with Susan last night. I can't comprehend why he left her alone. Was he trying to protect her? But if so, why did he stand by while she was with another man?"

"Exactly," Manuel agreed. Without that condition, Henry likely would have slept with Susan; she wouldn't have refused him.

Hannah sighed. "He's not someone to be trifled with." She thought about Henry swallowing his humiliation at Susan's infidelity. What a calculating man! She remembered Charles, who, despite not loving her then, would never have allowed another man to touch her. Men are inherently possessive, yet Henry could suppress his pride to achieve his goals.

"What are you going to do?" Hannah asked.

"Since I've slept with Susan, there's nothing more I can do," Manuel replied.

"At least take the initiative. Strive for it," Hannah advised.

"But that might make her hate me even more."

Hannah responded, "Manuel, you worry too much about her feelings. That's why you never express your love. She can't tell if you don't show it. Last night's situation proves this. Frankly, Susan has no right to blame you; you're the victim. Don't be swayed by her. You have every reason to assert yourself. You're married; intimacy is expected. You don't need to feel sorry for her. It's a marital duty."

Manuel smiled. "Well, you've convinced me."

"No, you must convince yourself. Take the initiative. Don't avoid her for fear of upsetting her. Susan even complained last night that you didn't come to her. Perhaps, deep down, she wants that intimacy." Hannah paused. "You said you'd tell her why Henry pursued her after winning her heart, right? You've decided; take action. If you don't fight for her, she'll never fall for you."

"Okay, I will take the initiative," Manuel agreed, fully convinced. He'd worried about Susan's disgust, always keeping his distance. He'd forgotten that distance prevents improvement, not worsening, their relationship.

"Also, gather evidence against Henry. Expose his plot when necessary. I worry that girl will fall into his trap," Hannah warned.

"Okay," Manuel replied.

"Alright, that's it. Strive for her love."

"Thank you."

Hannah hung up, relieved. Susan's life was still on track. Now it was up to Manuel. But as she put down the phone, a news alert appeared: 'Unexpected Explosion at a Langley Town Factory. Numerous Casualties Reported.'

Langley Town? That was where Oscar had visited. An explosion? Was Oscar there? Worried, she called him, but his phone was off. Was it the explosion? Perhaps he was far from the blast. The news reported: "A firework factory exploded. A hundred workers were trapped; the fire consumed the building. Twenty-one were killed, fifty-two seriously injured, and twenty-three suffered minor injuries. The police are investigating..."

While a firework factory explosion wasn't unusual, Hannah sensed it wasn't a simple accident. She called Oscar again; his phone remained off. He always kept his phone on. Something was wrong.

Remaining calm, she called Theodore. "Theodore, did you hear about the Langley Town explosion?"

"I saw the news."

"Do you know Oscar's schedule today?"

Theodore didn't answer.

"Was he visiting that factory?" Hannah pressed.

"I don't know. He didn't tell me."

"But I can't reach him! His phone's off!"

"Neither can I."

"He wouldn't turn off his phone!" Hannah worried.

"Maybe his phone died."

"No. He's not that foolish."

Theodore cut her off. "Sorry, I have something else. I must go."

"Theodore…"

He hung up. His unusual indifference struck Hannah as odd. She turned to Jimmy. "Jimmy, take me to Langley Town in half an hour."

Surprised, Jimmy complied. Hannah then made an internal call. "Rose, prepare a department meeting in two minutes. I have assignments."

"Yes."

After assigning tasks, Hannah left, informing her father only after she departed. She didn't disclose her destination, fearing his worry. He assumed she'd taken leave due to exhaustion.