Chapter 904

Hannah and Susan’s phone call reveals the stark contrast in their current lives. While Hannah remains in the quiet, stoic isolation of Kensbury—resolutely indifferent to the fanfare surrounding Una Wells’ banquet—Susan is bubbling over with a mix of physical fatigue and romantic triumph.

Susan, usually doubtful of Manuel’s attraction to her, is now "gleeful." After their night together, she finally feels "loved to death." However, the conversation takes a somber turn when Susan asks about Hannah’s intimacy with Oscar. Hannah’s blunt admission—that her encounters with Oscar are merely for "physical needs" without emotional connection—leaves Susan heartbroken for her friend.

The reality of Susan’s night of "orgy" catches up with her physically. When she attempts to jump out of bed, her knees buckle, a literal punishment for her indulgence. Despite the pain, she is deeply fulfilled. She sends a suggestive selfie to Manuel, who is currently at the formal banquet in the Capital.

Manuel’s reaction is swift and uncharacteristically bold. When Susan teases him, asking if he should be inquiring about her pain, he responds with a promise and a threat: he will be "gentle" next time, and that "next time" is scheduled for tonight. When Susan tries to hide behind her work schedule, Manuel’s final text—"You mean... I didn't try hard enough last night?"—leaves her both terrified and exhilarated by his hidden eroticism.