Chapter 591 Forced Marriage
Lloyd went to the memorial service. The pastor glanced at Lloyd's back and asked Susan, "Is that your youngest son?"
"Yes, he is the youngest in the family," Susan said. "He was away for thirty years and only recently came back."
The pastor said, "He has a heavy aura of violence."
Susan was surprised. "How come? Lloyd said he was just in the wine business. He was a bit arrogant when he was young, but he's much more well-behaved now."
The pastor said, "In the presence of God, one does not deceive. A person's eyes and face reveal the truth. Keep a close watch on him to prevent further mistakes.."
Susan had known the pastor for many years. When George passed away, Susan couldn't get over it and stayed at the church for a long time.
Susan glanced in the direction Lloyd had left and said to the pastor, "Alright, I see. I will keep a closer eye on him."
Susan thought of the recent troubles at home and sighed deeply.
‘Could it be that his resentment had not been resolved?' she thought.
Susan stayed at the church with Lloyd for three days. Thinking about the pastor's words about Lloyd, she stayed a few more days.
During their time at the church, Susan had Lloyd accompany her, hoping to cleanse him of his violent aura and sins.
A week later, Susan took Lloyd back to the Abbott family.
As soon as they arrived home, they heard arguing inside.
It was Paula, demanding that Jude take responsibility. She claimed that she was in her thirties, and marrying Jude, who was in his fifties, wasn't a bad deal for him.
Jude had no intention of marrying her and was getting a headache from Paula's constant pestering.
"How much do you want?" Jude asked, exasperated. "Tell me how much. I will pay but I won't marry you."
"Jude, don't try to fool me," Paula insisted. "I don't want your money; I want you to marry me. You've divorced Celia. Why won't you marry me?"
"How could you said that? The surveillance footage shows we went in together willingly," Jude said, still confused about what had happened. But the footage was clear, and he had convinced himself that he must have done it.
The two were arguing fiercely, not noticing Susan entering the house.
Susan didn't interrupt them, just quietly walked in and sat on the living room sofa.
Jude noticed her then. "Mom, Lloyd, you're back."
Paula cried out, "Mrs. Abbott, you're back. I need your help. Jude slept with me and now he just denied it."
Susan, holding her cane, glanced at Paula and Jude. Her aged face exuded authority. "Lloyd, Jude, you may go out now.I need to have a word with Ms. Ward."
Manners were essential in a prestigious family,
Despite her anger and dissatisfaction with Paula, Susan still addressed her as Ms. Ward.
"Alright, Mom, I'll take Jude out," Lloyd said, pulling Jude away.
Lloyd was also curious about how Susan would handle Paula.
Paula watched Jude leave, feeling a bit defiant, but she didn't dare act out in front of Susan, knowing Susan's status in the family.
If Susan agreed, she could marry Jude.
"Mrs. Abbott," Paula said, looking aggrieved. "I need your help.I'm not married, But Jude has taken advantage of me. How can I face others in the future?"
Susan, having seen all kinds of situations, saw through Paula's intentions immediately.
Susan said, "You don't want money.You want Jude to marry you. Anyone with a bit of sense would choose to marry Jude."
Money was a one-time thing, but marrying into the Abbott family meant a lifetime of wealth and status.
Paula, feeling exposed, appeared slightly guilty. "Mrs. Abbott, that's not fair. Jude genuinely slept with me. Your esteemed families should have a conscience and take responsibilities."
Susan gave Paula a cold look. "Celia married into the Abbott family because she was pregnant. What do you have?""
Paula immediately said, "I will have children too. I promise you will have some grandchildren this year."
Susan was silent.
"I already have a great-grandchild. What made you think I want another grandchild?"
Paula's expression stiffened. Susan said, "The Abbott family is not something you can manipulate. It's important to know your place. Take what you can get and don't overreach, or you'll end up with nothing."