Chapter 468 Car Accident
Susan had to give it to Todd; the guy was sharp. No wonder he used to be a big shot. With just a few questions, he had Carol totally stumped.
Then Todd got all serious. "Carol, I heard you going off earlier. How many times have I told you not to bring your power trips and drama into our home? This place is supposed to be about love and warmth. If everyone acted like you, would it still be a happy place? Who'd want to come home to that after a long day?"
"Why are you siding with her?" Carol, feeling pretty humiliated by Todd's words, was deflated.
Todd, keeping his cool, said, "Carol, I'm doing this for your good and for the good of this family. Susan, Carol's still your elder. You were out of line too. So, let's just drop it. In this house, you all need to behave and respect each other, or there won't be any peace!"
Susan saw Todd give her a quick wink.
She knew Todd was trying to smooth things over and protect her while also considering Carol's feelings. After all, Carol was Seb's mom and his wife, and he had to keep things cool for her.
Susan respected Todd a lot, so she nodded right away. "Dad, I get it."
But Carol wasn't having it. "She, a junior, dared to lay hands on me, and I still have to get along with her? That's not fair!"
Seeing Carol dig in her heels, Todd's tone got sharper. "Carol, you're clearly in the wrong here. Look at yourself; do you act like a mother-in-law? How can you expect the kids to respect you like this?"
Carol was fuming. She glared at Todd, then at Susan, like she just had an epiphany. "Todd, why are you always defending her? I'm your wife. Has she seduced you too? Got both you and Seb wrapped around her finger?"
Susan was floored and took a step back. She couldn't believe Carol, usually so high and mighty, would say something so gross. It made her want to puke!
Todd was livid, raising his hand to hit Carol.
But Carol didn't flinch. She lifted her chin and said, "What? Did I hit a nerve? Are you so ashamed you want to hit me?"
Todd's hand shook in the air, but he didn't follow through.
After a few tense seconds, Todd lowered his hand, looking pained. "It's my fault for marrying the wrong woman. Truly a curse on this family!"
Carol got even more fired up. "What did you say? You married the wrong woman? You want a divorce?"
Todd closed his eyes, clutching his chest, looking really distressed.
Seeing Todd like that, Susan was worried about his health but didn't dare step in. Carol's words had been brutal. If she showed concern for Todd now, it might just make things worse.
Then Susan, trying to keep it together, said to Carol, "Mom, do you know why we've put up with you this long? Because you're family. So please, don't waste our feelings anymore. They can't take it!"
"Who do you think you are? I don't need you to lecture me! Besides, you're not even my family," Carol snapped, totally ignoring Susan.
"Carol, why are you so stubborn?" Todd looked at her, exasperated.
"Your heart's been away from me for ages, so now everything I do annoys you," Carol shot back, her voice tinged with sadness.
Todd looked up at the ceiling, clearly frustrated. After a moment, he said, "We've come to this point. Can't you see your own faults? Is it all my fault? Don't you have any blame in this?"
"Fine, it's all my fault, okay? Since you all can't stand me, I'll leave!" Carol turned to storm out.
Susan frowned, thinking, 'Carol's getting older. If she really leaves and something happens, I'll be responsible, and it'll be hard to explain to Seb when he gets back.'
So, Susan stepped forward to block Carol's way.
Seeing Susan in her path, Carol snapped, "What? I can't provoke you, and I can't leave either?"
Susan took a deep breath and said, "Mom, this is your son's home. If anyone should leave, it should be me. I'll go!"
With that, Susan headed towards the foyer.
Seeing Susan actually leaving, Carol shouted after her, "If you're leaving, leave now and never come back!"
Todd couldn't help but stomp his foot. "Could you just shut up?"
Carol plopped down on the sofa with a smug look, sneering, "She's willing to leave. I didn't drive her away."
"They were doing fine. Why did it turn out like this as soon as you came?" Todd grumbled and then turned to chase after Susan.
"Todd, where are you going?" Carol yelled as she saw him leaving too.
But Todd didn't respond and headed towards the foyer.
By this time, Susan had already changed her shoes and walked out of the villa.
Once outside, Susan looked up at the clear blue sky and took a deep breath. She thought, 'The air out here is so much fresher. Leaving for a bit is a good idea. No more arguing with Carol, Todd won't be stuck in the middle, and I can chill for a while.'
"Susan!" Todd's voice suddenly called from behind.
Susan stopped and turned to see Todd hurrying towards her.
"Dad, why did you come out?" Susan took a couple of steps to meet him.
Todd looked a bit embarrassed. "Carol's got a bad temper. Don't take it to heart."
"Dad, I get it," Susan nodded.
"I know you're a good kid. Carol's just mad right now. Go to work, and come back for dinner tonight," Todd said.
Susan felt a bit conflicted. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Dad, you know Mom's angry right now. How about letting her cool down first? We'll talk when Seb gets back. What do you think?"
Todd thought for a moment and finally nodded. "Alright."
Susan nodded and said goodbye to Todd.
She turned and walked in the opposite direction. After walking a few dozen feet, she looked around to call a taxi. Just then, she heard the screech of urgent braking behind her!
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