Chapter 366 Nora's Subdued Confrontation
Suzy was constantly reminding herself of her status as an illegitimate child. She was a master at creating discord, stirring the pot with an uncanny ease. Nora, however, chose to remain silent, finding it too tiresome to engage with her. Emma, catching Suzy's eye, furrowed her brows and chided, "Enough, keep your words to yourself when we're in public."
The true identity of Nora was a secret known only to the Hamiltons and a select few of the Woodhouse family members. But since Ebenezer had publicly acknowledged her biological daughter at the banquet, she had no choice but to accept the truth.
"Mom, let's not forget about poor Ryan," Suzy interjected, shifting the focus onto him. "His hand was nearly destroyed, and he's supposed to be a future pianist!" She was attempting to incite anger from Emma and Mrs. Woodhouse, using Ryan as a pawn in her game.
Mrs. Woodhouse, however, was unfazed. "Nora has assured us that Ryan's hand can recover to 99% after treatment," she stated, implying that as long as there was a cure, everything would be fine. But was she really that easy to sway?
Suzy shot her a glance, responding with a casual air, "Only 99% recovery? Mrs. Woodhouse, you're remarkably open-minded. If it were me, I doubt I'd be so accommodating." Mrs. Woodhouse offered an awkward smile, aware that these two were like oil and water, and further conversation would be futile.
Nora had initially chosen to ignore Suzy, but her persistent prodding forced her to speak up. "Mrs. Woodhouse is naturally broad-minded; otherwise, she wouldn't have raised such a lovely child like Ryan. When you and Jackson have children in the future, you should seek her advice on raising a child who is honest, upright, and has a polite heart."
She paused, noticing Suzy's glare, but continued unabated. "Also, I heard that Jackson and Ken are becoming close. The saying goes that he who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. So, you should advise Jackson to stay away from him.."
"And you, in the future, shouldn't seek advice from Ken and his wife, or else your children might be raised to be just as cunning and ruthless as their son."
Her words, though calm and measured, hit Suzy like a punch to the gut. Suzy's face twisted with rage, but she was too furious to respond. Nora smirked, ignoring her and turning to Mrs. Woodhouse, "Mrs. Woodhouse, I'm going to the restroom." Mrs. Woodhouse nodded, a knowing smile in her eyes.
Nora's quick wit was truly admirable. She either remained silent or delivered a perfectly aimed blow.
"Mom, did you hear what she said?" Suzy's eyes welled up with anger. "She's deliberately striking where it hurts. She knows I had no choice but to marry Jackson."
Emma, growing weary of Suzy's incessant complaints, sighed, "Alright, can you please quiet down?" Seeing Emma's lack of support, Suzy felt a surge of resentment. Had Nora won Emma over too? Emma was her last hope, and she needed to keep her on her side.
Nora remained in the restroom, primarily to avoid running into the irksome Suzy. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, her thoughts turned to Sandy, who was in the hospital with a threatened miscarriage. Deciding to pay her a visit, Nora dialed her number.
Upon connecting, Nora asked, "Sandy, are you still in the hospital with a threatened miscarriage?"
"Yes."
"Okay, I happen to be in the hospital. I'll come visit you later," Nora said.
"Okay," came Sandy's reply.
Once Nora had ended her phone call, she allowed herself a moment of stillness. She cast a glance at the clock, noting that Ryan's treatment time was drawing to a close. Rising from her seat, she moved to his side and gently removed the needle from his arm.
"Rest well, Ryan," she instructed softly, her voice a soothing balm. "I must leave for now, but I promise to return tomorrow."
Ryan nodded in understanding, his gaze obedient and trusting.
Mrs. Woodhouse, having observed Nora's preparations to leave, interjected, "Nora, must you leave so soon? Dinner will be ready shortly. Why not join us?"
Nora offered a polite smile, shaking her head gently. "There's no need, Mrs. Woodhouse. I'm not particularly hungry."
"Very well, then. Allow me to escort you out," Mrs. Woodhouse replied, not pressing the matter further. She guided Nora out of the ward, her actions filled with a warmth rarely seen.
From the corner of the room, Suzy watched the exchange with a spark of jealousy flickering in her eyes. Mrs. Woodhouse was usually so aloof, even towards her. Could it be that she had warmed to Nora?
A flurry of thoughts swirled in Suzy's mind, prompting her to voice her concerns. "Mom, does this mean Uncle Andrew won't help Jackson in his quest for power?"
Emma, who had been suffering from sleepless nights and the resulting headaches, massaged her temples. "I am just a housewife, Suzy. I cannot meddle in their business affairs."
Suzy's brow furrowed in confusion. This was not the response she had expected.
"Mom, this is unbearable!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "I've always been super fortunate, from childhood until now. But look at who Nora has married. I refuse to be overshadowed by her. You must help me, Mom. I want to stand beside my husband with dignity and respect."
Emma's headache intensified at her daughter's words. "Suzy, do you truly believe Jackson is your ideal match? If you wish for a peaceful life with him, advise him to abandon his grand ambitions."
"Mom!" Suzy's voice was a mix of disbelief and indignation.
"I haven't finished," Emma interrupted, her tone stern. "If you no longer wish to be with him, consider a divorce. Once it's finalized, I will help you find a suitable husband. Jackson's alliance with Ken reveals his cunning nature. It would be a daunting task to spend your life with such a man."
Suzy's anger flared at her mother's words. "Mom, I am married to Jackson. Nora is the root of all these problems. But if I divorce, I will be a divorcee. How can I find a good husband then? I can't accept that."
Emma's patience was wearing thin. "Even if you are divorced, you are still my daughter. With the backing of the Hamilton family, the husband I find for you will not be inferior."
"But I want someone superior!" Suzy protested, her voice filled with desperation.
"Enough, Suzy," Emma cut her off, her tone final. "We will not discuss this in front of Ryan."
Suzy fell silent, a sense of suffocation creeping over her. Her only hope was that the heir of the Turner family would be powerful enough to eliminate Nora from the picture.
Meanwhile, Nora had left Ryan's ward and made her way to Sandy's room. Kenneth was also present, his female secretary bustling around him with food and documents. After Kenneth had signed the necessary papers, he handed them back to her.
As the secretary accepted the documents, she noticed a stray hair on the collar of Kenneth's crisp white shirt. "Mr. Hamilton, would you lower your head a bit? I'll tidy that up for you."
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