Chapter 506 Reunion with an Old Friend
Susan locked eyes with Todd and noticed he was giving her that look of admiration.
Her mind started to drift. Was he actually admiring Catherine? She could see the genuine emotion in Todd's eyes.
Susan quickly blurted out, "My mom's just a housewife, not super educated, and doesn't get much. She can't compare to Carol. Carol's from a fancy family, she got a high education and even started a big company. That's really something!"
She wasn't trying to overdo it with the Carol praise; she just wanted to remind Todd he had a family and shouldn't be getting any funny ideas.
Todd, being a sharp guy, caught on quick. His smile froze, and he looked awkward, like he wanted to say something but couldn't.
Just then, the door to the private room swung open.
Leon walked in first. "Mr. Todd Anderson, Mrs. Susan Anderson, Mrs. Carol Anderson, and Ms. Anderson with her husband have arrived."
Leon stepped aside, and in rushed a young woman, around twenty-six or something, rocking a pearl-colored coat, a Chanel handbag, and big curly hair.
Susan knew this was Seb's sister, Rylee. She quietly checked her out, noting her fair skin and delicate features, a lot like Carol's.
"Dad!" Rylee threw herself at Todd's legs, kneeling, looking up at him with eyes full of affection, guilt, and joy.
"Rylee." Todd reached out to touch her hair, his eyes tearing up.
No wonder, folks said Rylee hadn't been back in over two years.
Rylee cried, "Dad, I'm sorry. You were hurt so bad, and I couldn't be there for you."
"Your studies are important. I know you had your thesis defense and couldn't leave," Todd said, all understanding.
Susan couldn't help but feel moved.
Rylee was definitely lucky. Todd must be a great dad, not only loving her but also sending her abroad for education, with loved man by her side. She was also very attractive, now a master's degree holder, with a strong mom and a successful brother. She was definitely winning at life.
Seb stepped forward to comfort her, "Rylee, you should be happy to see Dad. Don't cry."
Rylee wiped her tears and stood up, spotting Susan next to Todd. She glanced at her and then smiled. "Seb, is this my sister-in-law who has you so smitten?"
Hearing this, Susan couldn't help but lower her head and smile. She thought, 'This Rylee is a straightforward girl, with all her thoughts written on her face, quite different from Carol.'
Seb immediately put on a stern face and said, "You've been studying at Averlake for five years and haven't made any progress. Hurry up and greet her properly."
Rylee, still in awe of Seb, quickly smiled and bowed. "Hello, Susan!"
"Hello." Susan was a bit thrown off by the sudden bow.
"Just a hello?" Rylee tilted her head at Susan.
"Huh? What else?" Susan was puzzled by Rylee's question.
Rylee flashed a smile at Susan, and Seb stepped in. "The gift money will be given to you tomorrow."
"Make sure it's a big one," Rylee said with a grin, then strolled over to Carol and hugged her arm.
Hearing this, Susan realized what Rylee meant and kicked herself for not being prepared. She should've brought a gift for Rylee since it was their first meeting.
Seb then took Susan's hand, and when she looked up, he smiled at her, his eyes clearly saying not to sweat Rylee's words.
Susan glanced up and saw Carol still had that stern look on her face.
Seb squeezed Susan's hand and gave her a look, clearly signaling her to go ahead and greet Carol.
Susan had already braced herself. Carol was definitely not going to be nice, but since she was an elder and the wedding was the next day, Susan didn't want to rock the boat. So she smiled at Carol and said, "Mom, you must be tired from the trip. Let me get you some water."
Saying this, Susan let go of Seb's hand and stepped forward to pour some water.
Carol, however, dragged out her words, "No need, don't tire yourself out."
Hearing this, Susan's hand froze mid-air for a moment before she pulled back, lowering her head without a word.
The room got tense.
Rylee, still holding Carol's arm, said, "Mom, please sit down. Susan, my mom does want some water."
After Carol sat down, her expression softened a bit. She kept her eyes on Rylee, clearly feeling much better seeing her.
Susan quickly nodded, stepped forward, and poured a cup of water, respectfully placing it in front of Carol.
For a moment, the vibe in the room got better.
Todd glanced around and asked, "Where's my son-in-law?"
"Dad, he got an overseas call and is outside taking it," Rylee said, her face lighting up at the mention of her husband.
Everyone then took their seats.
Leon poured drinks for everyone, and the waitstaff started serving the dishes.
"How are your thesis and defense going?" Todd asked Rylee.
Rylee proudly said, "Dad, I barely passed. But he's different; he got all A's in his courses. If I hadn't insisted on coming back, he could have stayed on as a faculty member. His advisor thinks very highly of him."
Hearing this, Todd nodded and said, "It's good that you graduated smoothly. Seb and I were worried you wouldn't make it."
"Dad, Seb, you underestimate me," Rylee pouted.
Carol, stroking Rylee's hair, said lovingly, "Don't listen to them. I knew you would graduate smoothly."
"Mom, you're so sweet," Rylee said, snuggling into Carol's arms.
Seeing Rylee being showered with love, Susan couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Her husband must be amazing and love her dearly, as her eyes sparkled whenever she mentioned him.
Just then, the door to the private room opened, and a handsome man in a black suit walked in.
Seeing him, Susan was stunned, her hand trembling, almost dropping the cup!
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