Chapter 90 Sinking Deeper and Deeper
George really valued Susan; he personally showed her to her new office.
The finance manager's office was pretty nice. It wasn't huge, but it had a view of Maple Valley and two small plants on the desk, giving it a fresh vibe.
Susan worked extra hard in the following days. Everything went smoothly, except for one assistant who didn't follow her instructions. Overall, it was nearly perfect.
The finance department was small - just Susan and two others. Maria Edwards joined the company with Susan, and the long-time employee was Fiona Evans, who was the uncooperative one.
Susan soon found out Fiona had wanted the finance manager job. The company didn't promote her and hired Susan instead, which made Fiona resentful and subtly obstructive.
Susan, familiar with office politics, countered Fiona's moves. She needed to secure her position as the new hire.
Christmas Eve arrived, and George gave Susan a bonus, encouraging her to keep up the good work and look forward to becoming a permanent employee next year.
Susan was happy with the job, both the environment and the pay, so she planned to keep working hard.
On Christmas morning, after George handed out bonuses, everyone got the day off.
As Susan left the company, her phone rang. It was a call from home. She frowned, feeling mixed emotions.
She had been away for almost a month, and Catherine hadn't contacted her. Susan had called twice, but Catherine always made excuses to hang up quickly.
Feeling lonely on Christmas, Susan eagerly answered the call.
"Susan, it's Christmas! Why aren't you coming back?" Catherine's angry voice came through.
Catherine used to scold her like this when she was mad. Susan knew Catherine's anger had subsided.
"I'm on my way home. Do I need to buy anything?" Susan quickly asked.
"Just get back here, you don't need to buy anything!" Catherine shouted and then hung up.
Susan hurried home, feeling cheerful again.
As soon as she entered, a delicious aroma greeted her.
"Susan, you're back?" Dorothy, setting the table, greeted her.
Hearing Dorothy's familiar greeting, Susan's anger faded. She handed Dorothy a pre-prepared gift. "Don't just grow older without growing wiser!"
This was Susan's yearly line when giving Dorothy a gift. She thought she wouldn't get to say it this year, but here she was.
"I'll grow wiser as I grow older," Dorothy replied, as usual.
Susan smiled and went into the kitchen, where Catherine was finishing the last dish.
"Mom, let me help," Susan offered.
"No need, just wash your hands!" Catherine lightly slapped her hand.
"Got it." Susan cheerfully went to the bathroom.
Everything was back to normal: same house, same family.
This Christmas felt like any other, and Susan had bounced back from her heartbreak. She was still the resilient Susan!
Soon, the dining table was packed with Catherine's dishes, and she even opened a rare bottle of red wine.
"Can we eat now?" Susan, eager for Catherine's cooking, asked impatiently.
Catherine didn't answer but glanced at the clock.
Susan looked at Dorothy, confused. Dorothy pouted and said, "Mom invited James for lunch."
Susan frowned but didn't react strongly. Her relationship with Catherine had just improved, and she didn't want to stir up trouble over James.
"I'll make a call," Catherine said, stepping away with her phone.
"Does he still come over often?" Susan asked Dorothy.
Dorothy pouted. "Since you moved out, he's come over twice, asking if you and Seb might get back together. He leaves quickly, but Mom doesn't see through him!"
Susan knew James wouldn't come today. He probably visited secretly behind Sophia's back, but today was a family day, and he couldn't get away.
Catherine returned, looking dejected. "Let's eat," she said.
Dorothy, being young, immediately started eating.
Seeing Catherine's gloomy face, Susan felt uneasy. But she understood Catherine. If a woman deeply loved a man, it was hard to erase him from her life.
"Mom, you should eat too!" Susan said, placing a rib in Catherine's bowl.
"Okay." Catherine ate, but it was clear she had no appetite.
Dorothy chimed in, "Mom, why can't you see James for who he really is? He only sweet-talks you when he needs something. When he doesn't, he ignores you!"
"Dorothy!" Susan quickly stopped her, worried Catherine couldn't handle it.
But Catherine looked up and said, "I understand now. I won't let him manipulate me anymore. You can be my witnesses!" Then she started eating in big bites.
Susan and Dorothy exchanged a happy glance. If Catherine could move on from this failed marriage, it would be the best outcome.
On Christmas night, Susan stayed home.
Susan and Dorothy shared a room. Dorothy, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "Susan, I'm sorry about last time."
Seeing Dorothy's guilt, Susan smiled. "It's all in the past. We're still good sisters."
"Then why don't you move back in?" Dorothy suggested.
"I want to find a place near the company to save on commuting," Susan said.
"That makes sense," Dorothy nodded.
"By the way, you and Henry..." Susan hesitated, concerned about Dorothy and Henry.
Dorothy candidly said, "He's very serious with me now, doesn't even joke around, and keeps his distance. So, I'm just focusing on my studies."
Susan felt relieved, thinking Henry was a man of his word. She felt grateful to him.
"But my feelings for him haven't changed. If he doesn't want to date a student, I can wait until I graduate to pursue him. He's my ultimate goal!" Dorothy declared, raising her hand.
Susan frowned. She'd thought Dorothy was over Henry, but clearly, her feelings were only deepening.
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