Chapter 221 Hypocrisy
In no time, it was Amanda's birthday. Henry booked a five-star hotel. Susan and Catherine went together.
Susan left Spring with a neighbor, planning to drop off the gift and leave quickly. She was worried about Spring and wanted to avoid Henry. To keep things smooth and avoid Dorothy's suspicions, she decided to stay low-key.
In a small banquet hall with about ten tables, most guests had already arrived.
From afar, Susan saw Henry and Dorothy mingling. Dorothy wore a pretty pink dress, while Henry, as usual, looked sharp in a white shirt.
Dorothy was moving through the crowd with a tray of gifts from relatives and friends.
"Dorothy's over there," Catherine pointed.
"Yeah," Susan nodded, following Catherine.
Henry noticed them and started walking over. Dorothy saw this and quickly called out, "Henry!"
Henry paused, and Dorothy caught up, taking his arm and smiling as they approached Catherine and Susan.
"Mom, Susan, you're here?" Henry's expression was a bit off when he greeted Susan.
"Where's Amanda?" Catherine looked around but didn't see her.
"She got sleepy, so the nanny took her to the lounge to nap," Dorothy replied.
"Oh, kids are like that," Catherine laughed.
Catherine then handed Dorothy a velvet box. "This is a gift for Amanda. Keep it for her."
Dorothy accepted it happily. "Thank you, Mom."
"Catherine, you didn't have to, that's too generous." Henry said, embarrassed.
"No biggie, I like Amanda a lot." Catherine laughed.
Susan quickly took out her gift, glanced at Dorothy, and handed it over. "This is my gift for Amanda."
As expected, Dorothy accepted it with both hands, smiling. "Thank you, Susan."
"You're welcome," Susan forced a smile.
Susan felt Dorothy was being fake. When alone, Dorothy could be harsh and sarcastic, but in front of others, she acted friendly, making it seem like they were close.
Susan felt like she was just playing a role with Dorothy. She was tired and didn't want to continue.
Henry looked at Susan and asked, "Long time no see. How's work at Lindell Harbor?"
Susan glanced at Dorothy, who tightened her grip on Henry's arm. Susan knew Dorothy hadn't told Henry about her recent situation. Henry still thought she was working at Lindell Harbor.
Susan didn't want to interact with Henry more, so she replied indifferently, "It's going okay."
"That's good. Let's have a family dinner sometime," Henry suggested, implying Dorothy and Catherine would join.
"Sure." Susan smiled and nodded, just to be polite.
Dorothy, holding Henry's arm, chimed in, "Susan, you haven't visited our home this time, have you? You must come over before you leave!"
Susan frowned, thinking, 'When did I say I was leaving?' With Spring being so young, staying at Catherine's house provided support. She had no plans to leave.
Susan took a moment to realize Dorothy's words were meant for Henry.
Sure enough, Henry asked, "Are you going back to work at Lindell Harbor?"
Susan didn't know how to respond.
Catherine then asked, "Susan, why are you going back to Lindell Harbor? You're alone with..."
She stopped herself, glancing at Henry, realizing she almost let something slip. Susan's situation of having a child out of wedlock wasn't something to be proud of. With Henry's relatives and parents present, it would be embarrassing if it got out, making it difficult for Dorothy with her in-laws.
Dorothy said, "Mom, Susan told me herself last time. Isn't that right, Susan?"
Susan met Dorothy's eyes and was momentarily at a loss for words. Dorothy was unbelievable, even lying like this.
But Dorothy just wanted Henry to think she was far away in Lindell Harbor, so Susan decided to go along with it.
Susan nodded and said, "Yes, that's my plan."
Henry nodded, looking a bit disappointed.
"I have something to do, so I'll leave now." Susan felt suffocated and quickly left.
"Susan, I'll go back after dinner," Catherine quickly said.
"Okay," Susan nodded.
Dorothy handed the tray to Henry, stepped forward, and took Susan's hand, smiling. "Susan, let me see you out!"
"No need." Susan subtly pushed Dorothy's hand away.
"I insist!" Dorothy persisted, pulling Susan towards the exit.
Once outside the banquet hall, Susan shook off Dorothy's hand.
"They're inside. You don't need to pretend anymore!" Susan said coldly.
Dorothy withdrew her hand and sneered, "Fine, let's be clear then."
"What do you want?" Susan stared at Dorothy, knowing she must have a motive.
Dorothy stepped forward and said, "I hope you never come to my house again!"
Susan sneered, "Even if you invited me, I wouldn't want to go."
Although her words were sharp, Susan felt pain in her heart, realizing that her relationship with Dorothy had come to this point.
"And if Henry invites you to dinner, I hope you decline. Just say you're busy. In short, you need to avoid any contact with him!" Dorothy demanded.
Susan was very annoyed by Dorothy's commanding tone, but in this situation, it was pointless to fall out with her.
"Dorothy, listen carefully. I don't want to have any interaction with Henry or you in the future!" With that, Susan turned and left.
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