Chapter 528 What Are They to Each Other?
At six sharp, Susan hopped into Michael's white BMW.
"Right on time," she grinned at Michael.
"Had to be, can't keep a gorgeous lady waiting," Michael joked. Truth was, he'd been hanging around for an hour just to make sure he wasn't late. He'd rather chill for an hour than have her wait even a minute. That waiting game? Weirdly, it made him happy. It'd been a while since he felt this buzz, but he was digging it. Having something to look forward to? Total blessing.
"You're looking stunning tonight," Michael said, eyes twinkling.
Susan wasn't in some fancy dress, but she was definitely more dolled up than her usual work look. Her makeup was on point, and she was so stunning he couldn't stop staring.
Honestly, she was always a knockout, just in different ways.
To Michael, Susan was flawless.
At the dinner party, people were streaming in.
Susan clung to Michael's arm.
"Mr. Johnson, long time no see," two sharp-dressed guys walked up.
"Yeah, it's been a while."
One of them eyed Susan with interest. "And this lovely lady is..."
"Do you even need to ask? Obviously, she's Mr. Johnson's girlfriend. Mr. Johnson, your luck with the ladies is something else..."
Michael shot him a look. He didn't want Susan hearing about his divorce from anyone else; he wanted to break the news himself.
The guy wisely zipped it.
"We're just friends," Susan clarified.
"Oh, friends..." The two guys smirked knowingly.
Susan felt a bit stuck. Going to these things together always led to misunderstandings, but explaining never helped. They wouldn't believe her anyway, so why bother? She wouldn't see them again.
Michael knew a ton of people, and these mix-ups happened all the time. Susan was over explaining.
An hour ticked by.
"When's your friend showing up?" Susan asked.
"Yeah, where is he? Weird. Lemme give him a call."
"Sure."
A bit later, Michael came back, looking sheepish. "Sorry, something came up last minute. He can't make it."
Susan felt a bit let down, but it wasn't Michael's fault. She shook her head. "No biggie."
But now, she didn't see much point in sticking around and would rather be home with Oliver.
Still, leaving right away felt off. Susan figured she'd hang out a bit longer before bailing.
Michael read her mind and said, "You've been working all day, must be beat. Let's give it another fifteen minutes, then head home."
He had a big thing to do tonight—tell Susan he was divorced.
"Sounds good," Susan agreed.
"You haven't eaten anything tonight. Must be starving. There's cake over there; I'll grab you some," Michael suggested.
"I'll come with you," Susan said.
She was actually pretty hungry. Just sipping champagne without any food was messing with her stomach. She grabbed a small piece of cake and took a bite.
Michael suddenly grinned at her.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"You got cream on your lips," Michael said.
"Really? Do I?" She felt embarrassed.
Susan quickly licked her lips.
Michael's throat tightened. That move was seriously hot. He had no bad intentions, but his male instincts kicked in, making his mouth dry.
"Is it still there?" Susan licked her lips a few more times.
"I'll help you," Michael said, holding his breath as he reached out to wipe the cream off her lip. But before he could touch Susan, a hand intercepted and pushed his away.
A tall figure suddenly stood between them, radiating a frosty vibe.
Susan's heart skipped a beat.
'Caleb. What the hell is he doing here?' Her first thought was that this was bad news. Caleb was so petty, he'd definitely get the wrong idea.
"So, this is the guy you were talking about?" Caleb asked coolly, glancing at Susan.
Susan stayed silent.
"And you are?" Michael asked, feeling a bit intimidated. Caleb had this intense presence that made him feel small.
Caleb looked down at Susan, his expression icy. "Tell him who I am."
Susan's heart was racing. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her cool. "This is the Vice President of the Eilish Group, Caleb."
Caleb frowned. 'Seriously? That's what she says?'
Michael was taken aback. "So you're Mr. Eilish."
Even though he wasn't in business, the name was famous. Caleb was a big deal in the financial world, no wonder he had such a strong presence.
"Susan, how do you know Mr. Eilish... Oh, you work at the Eilish Group now," Michael nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Eilish, for looking out for Susan."
Caleb was fuming. 'Who does this guy think he is? Acting like they're a thing and so self-righteous? Who gave him that confidence? Doesn't he know his place? I'm the one who was Susan's man!'
"Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, you know Mr. Eilish?" The guy from earlier wanted to come over and connect with Caleb.
Susan's heart sank. This was bad; now it was hard to explain.
She could feel the temperature around her drop, and Caleb's face got even darker.
"Mrs. Johnson?" Caleb gritted his teeth.
"No, I'm not..." Susan denied.
"Not? Then tell him, who is your man?" Caleb stared intensely at Susan.
Michael looked at Susan, then at Caleb. Their relationship seemed off, but he couldn't figure it out.
"Susan?" Caleb called.
Susan's scalp was sweating. She regretted coming to this dinner. But regret was useless; who knew Caleb would show up.
Wait. Maybe it wasn't a coincidence.
Was Caleb following her again?
A trace of annoyance crossed Susan's mind. "Mr. Eilish, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't know? You..."
"Michael, let's go," Susan took Michael's arm.
Caleb's face turned ashen, wanting to rip his arm off right then and there. 'Holding another man's arm in front of him, she's really something! Damn impressive!'
"Susan, wait a sec. I see an old friend; I'll go say hi." Michael chimed in.
"Michael..."
"I'll be right back," Michael replied.
Susan was left to face Caleb alone. Her heart was pounding and numb.
She turned to leave.
Caleb stepped in front of her. "Did I say you could leave?"
"This is a public place. I can go wherever I want without your permission," Susan said coolly, "Please move."
"Do you really not want to see me?" Caleb asked.
Susan didn't speak, but her silence was an admission to Caleb.
Caleb didn't expect her to dislike him this much, not even wanting to look at him.
This made Caleb feel ridiculous, like a piece of gum stuck to her, only to be despised.
He had never experienced this before. But he wasn't willing to let her go just like that.
He had to find out what her deal with that presumptuous Michael was.
Most importantly, what was their relationship?
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