Chapter 271 A Twist of Fate
When Susan saw Dorothy again, she barely acknowledged her, exchanging only a few pleasantries. It was clear they had drifted apart. Without Catherine, they probably wouldn't bother keeping in touch.
The realization weighed heavily on Susan, leaving her with a sense of resignation.
Catherine, sensing the tension between them, felt uneasy and persisted in trying to bridge the gap.
"Dorothy, stop being glued to your phone. Come check out Susan's makeup!" Catherine shouted.
Dorothy reluctantly put down her phone and walked over.
Glancing at Susan in the mirror, Dorothy said, "Mom, the makeup artist Mr. Anderson hired is like a big deal in Maple Valley. Of course, it looks good. No complaints here."
Susan knew Dorothy was just being polite for Catherine's sake. She didn't expect any real feedback.
Catherine frowned. "Who's this Mr. Anderson? Just call him George. Keep it casual," she corrected.
"Okay," Dorothy replied, crossing her arms.
Catherine smiled and patted Susan's shoulder. "Dorothy's been spoiled since she was little. Don't take it seriously. I'm going to the restroom."
With that, Catherine left.
The makeup artist had gone to the next room to work on the bridesmaids and flower girls, leaving Susan and Dorothy alone. Serenity was there too, playing with Spring, but the tension was thick.
Dorothy, arms still crossed, said, "Susan, you sure know how to handle men. Two kids deep and you've still managed to bag a catch like George, who's totally smitten with you. spill the beans, what's your secret sauce?"
Susan heard the sarcasm. She never thought Dorothy would talk to her like her enemy Amelia did.
Feeling both angry and sad, she glanced toward the restroom.
Inside was Catherine. If she and Dorothy argued, it would upset Catherine. Besides, today was supposed to be a special day. Having a showdown in the lounge would just be awkward.
In one swift move, Susan suddenly stood up.
Dorothy took a cautious step back. "What are you doing?"
Susan could tell Dorothy was still a bit scared of her, probably thinking she might get physical.
Back when they were kids, Susan had disciplined Dorothy for Catherine. But that was when they still cared about each other. Now, Dorothy had ruined that bond.
Glaring at Dorothy, Susan said, "I'm going to the restroom!"
She lifted her dress and walked out.
Leaving the lounge, Susan entered a glass corridor connecting the lounge to the main hall.
This area linked the hotel's back hall to the front. Through the glass, she saw flowers, plants, and hot air balloons swaying in the wind. It was beautiful. The wedding planners George hired had done a fantastic job decorating the hotel.
Leaning against the glass, Susan felt a wave of sadness. She thought about Hayden, who had clung to her, crying uncontrollably, not wanting her to get married. By the time Hayden returned, she and George would be married. Would Hayden be heartbroken?
Lost in thought, Susan suddenly saw a familiar figure dart into the nearby restroom. It was Patrick, one of the jerks who had approached George a few days ago. His chubby frame and baseball cap were unmistakable.
Susan was stunned. 'Why is Patrick here on my wedding day? The whole first-floor lobby and second-floor banquet hall are booked. This can't be a coincidence. There must be a plot,' she thought.
Determined to find out, Susan walked to the restroom door. She glanced at the men's restroom sign and gently pushed the door open. Inside, it was empty. Patrick must have gone into one of the stalls. Susan quietly stepped in and hid in another stall, the sound of flushing masking her entrance.
Sitting on the toilet, Susan felt a bit scared. What if Patrick discovered her and tried to silence her?
She quickly gathered her dress and lifted her feet, hoping to stay hidden. Soon, she heard someone leave a stall and dial a phone.
"Mr. Anderson, I'm in the first-floor restroom. You better show up in a minute, or my brother will find you in the lobby. We don't want to make a scene on your big day," Patrick said before hanging up.
Susan frowned. 'Why is he looking for George again? Is he trying to extort him?' she wondered.
From Patrick's tone, it was clear he was here to blackmail George, using the wedding as leverage. Susan knew how scumbags operated. Once they had something on you, they'd keep demanding money. That was why shady dealings were a bad idea—they ruined lives.
Nervously sitting on the toilet, Susan waited for George. She decided that if Patrick tried to extort him again, she would step out and confront them. Patrick wouldn't get another penny from their family.
If Patrick tried to make a scene, she'd call the police. In the end, it would be Patrick who suffered.
George had made a mistake, but she was about to become his wife. She had a responsibility to protect him and ensure he stayed away from these scumbags in the future.
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