Chapter 628: Sorry, You Misunderstand Me

Manuel drove to work after breakfast, feeling more nervous than ever before. He parked in the garage, took a deep breath, and entered the Phillips Bank building. Everyone stared. He was a senior leader, and undeniably handsome.

In his office, Callie greeted him, "Good morning, Mr. Johnson."

Manuel nodded, glancing at his desk.

"Miss Phillips hasn't arrived yet," Callie said. "Should I call?"

"No," Manuel replied. "Make me coffee, then show me the Botter Group progress report."

"Okay."

Callie, having seen pictures of his new attire in private chat groups, found him even more striking in person. Something about him had changed. The thought of him escorting Susan home brought a smile to her face. Susan’s tardiness, coupled with Manuel’s considerate demeanor, fueled Callie's excitement; their relationship was clearly progressing.

Manuel worked, appearing somewhat distracted. His thoughts drifted to Susan—was she on her way? Would she come to his office? This unprecedented distraction left him on edge.

He called Callie. "Let Susan in. She has something to do."

"Mr. Johnson, Miss Phillips hasn't arrived yet."

It was already 10:00 a.m. Manuel was confused.

"Should I call her?" Callie asked.

"She slept late. Let her sleep more," Manuel said, though it sounded strange even to him.

"Yes, she was very tired last night. Let her sleep," Callie echoed.

Manuel hung up. The morning passed without Susan's appearance. In the afternoon, his inability to concentrate intensified. He thought of Susan's smile, felt a constant thirst, and drank several cups of coffee. Finally, he called her, affecting a cold, serious tone.

Susan didn't speak when she answered.

"It's late. Why aren't you at work?"

Silence. He worried his tone was too harsh, that he should be gentler, given their recent intimacy. Still, it was a vast improvement over his previous manner.

He softened his voice. "Are you sleepy?"

Still no response.

"Then sleep more. Don't worry about work today. I'll pick you up for dinner," he said gently.

"Go to sleep."

He was about to hang up, understanding Susan's laziness and her bad temper when tired. He was prepared to compromise.

"Manuel," Susan said abruptly, her voice cold.

He sensed something was amiss but didn't dwell on it.

"What's wrong?"

"About last night…" Susan trailed off.

A smile spread across Manuel's face. They could finish what they'd started tonight, he thought.

"Just forget it," Susan said abruptly.

His smile vanished. He thought he'd misheard.

"I'm sorry you misunderstood," Susan said.

Maintaining his composure, he asked softly, "Should I give you some time?"

"No, I'm awake now," Susan said. "I'm sober, and I know what I'm talking about. I've told my father I won't be your assistant. I'll be deputy manager in the Group Customer Department—Henry's deputy."

The weight of her words hit him. Last night was a dream? His hopes and expectations were illusions? He was speechless.

"I'll pick up my things from the office in half an hour."

He smiled, asked no questions, and hung up. He'd been abandoned. It had all been wishful thinking.

Susan's tears fell. No one knew her sorrow as she made that call.

"Susan," Henry called from behind.

She quickly wiped her tears. He saw she'd been crying, but pretended not to notice. He'd used cruel methods to keep her. He'd attempted suicide last night, suffering eight stitches to his wrist. His house was covered in blood. His goodbye call had shocked her, and they'd been at the hospital since 3:00 a.m. She'd been forced back to him.