Chapter 118 You'd Better Stay Away From Susanna
Erica was loath to sign the document. She had long considered herself the Jones family's heiress, and her betrothal to Aaron hinged on this status. She wasn't about to give up her ace in the hole.
Edward pursed his lips and said, "There is no other reason for this matter, it's just time to end it according to the original agreement."
Before Erica could say anything, the assistant rushed in and said, "Miss, the Abbott family have arrived."
Erica's expression changed, she quickly handed the document to the assistant, then turned to Edward, pleading, "Edward, can we discuss this matter after the engagement banquet?"
Edward nodded, "OK, but apart from compensation, there's nothing else to discuss."
Erica's hands clenched into fists. Did he mean that no matter what, he would make her sign this document to terminate the adoption relationship? Why? She had devoted so much to the Jones family over the years, why did he want to drive her away?
Austin's tone was cold. "Erica, you've gained enough from our family over the years, and we don't owe you anything."
Now that they had found their biological sister, Susanna who had endured so many years of hardship, they would definitely want Susanna to return to the Jones family and not let anyone make her unhappy.
So Erica couldn't continue to stay in the Jones family. Now that Erica was going to marry Aaron and become his wife, her future wouldn't be poor at all.
Erica remained silent and had her assistant hide the document from sight. At that moment, the Abbott family entered the mansion's hall.
Erica adjusted her expression and greeted them, "Aunt Maud, here you're."
She glanced at Aaron beside her with a hint of anticipation. As long as today's engagement banquet went smoothly, she would soon become his wife.
Aaron remained expressionless throughout, his gaze shifting to the three men from the Jones family. His eyes settled on Austin, recalling the morning he heard Austin's voice when he called Susanna.
This matter had been bothering him. Elaine, upon seeing the three handsome men, couldn't help but stare.
Edward was married, but Arthur and Austin were still single, both talented young men. If only she could marry one of them.
Maud smiled and took Erica's hand. "You're still calling me Auntie, you should change that."
Erica smiled shyly, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
Elaine quickly said, "Erica, we'll be family in the future. When does the engagement ceremony start? You haven't even started getting ready. Do you have enough time?"
"I was waiting for you to help me, after all, I don't have any female friends or elders here in Lindwell." Erica replied.
With a wave of her hand, Maud said, "It's okay, we'll help you out, let's go."
Erica nodded and looked at Edward. "Edward, I'll take them upstairs to get ready."
"Alright." Edward nodded, then glanced at Aaron with a hint of displeasure.
He had heard from Arthur that Aaron had intentions towards Susanna.
The hall was now left with four men. The three brothers all stared at Aaron, each eyeing the other with disdain.
Austin was the first to speak. "Mr. Abbott, after today's engagement, you must wholeheartedly live your life with Erica and not have any improper thoughts towards other women."
He must not have any thoughts on Susanna! How could a man who had been married twice and divorced dare to covet his own sister?
Aaron sensed the underlying threat in his words, but on what grounds did Austin say such a thing?
He narrowed his eyes. "What's your relationship with Susanna?"
"It's none of your business, but remember it, she's not someone you can covet. Stay away from her!" Austin was straightforward, it was better to be clear.
The atmosphere in the hall became tense.
Aaron adjusted his tie, uttering, "You're being too overbearing. My grandmother entrusted me to take care of Susanna, so her affairs are my affairs."
Edward couldn't hold back upon hearing this. He was already engaged to Erica, did Aaron still want to toy with Susanna's feelings?
Aaron remained expressionless, showing no signs of backing down, which only fueled Edward's anger.
He immediately stood up, grabbing Aaron by the collar, and said, "What's with that look? Retract what you just said, or I will definitely beat you up today!"
How dare he openly express interest in her sister!
Aaron's gaze was arrogant and defiant. "I won't retract it."
Austin spoke coldly, "Aaron, do you think you deserve Susanna's kindness? I didn't want to agree to Maria's surgery at first. I never help people I don't like, and you happen to be one of them. But Susanna begged me to help."
Aaron was shocked and after a moment, hoarsely asking, "Are you saying Susanna asked you to perform surgery on my grandmother?"
"Yes, that's right. It was because of Susanna that I agreed to operate on Mrs. Maria Abbott. After all, she had taken good care of Susanna, and I'm not someone who doesn't repay kindness. So I agreed to the surgery!"
Aaron felt as if his body had turned to stone, he was utterly shocked. His trembling lips managed to utter. "So you didn't agree to operate on my grandmother because of Erica?"
Austin directly denied. "No."
Aaron felt as if all his strength had been drained, he sat down on the sofa, supporting himself with one hand, his gaze fixed on Austin.
He had always thought it was because of Erica. Never did he imagine it was because of Susanna, that she had pleaded with Austin to perform the surgery on his grandmother! Why hadn't Susanna ever mentioned this to him?
Oh, right, that morning when he heard Austin's voice on the phone with Susanna, he had assumed their relationship was very close, which is why they were together so early in the morning.
Just the thought of it made Aaron extremely angry!
Austin found Aaron's behavior strange, sensing that he was far from stable emotions.
Unable to hold back, he said, "Aaron, Susanna didn't tell you about this before, but now that you know, I hope you stay away from her in the future, don't get close to her again!"
Aaron's voice was hoarse. "I don't accept the condition of this."
"Right now, you have no choice but to accept it. Only I can successfully complete your grandmother's surgery, her body can't afford any delays. If you have even a shred of filial piety left, you should agree!" Austin threatened.
Previously, Austin thought it was indecent to threaten people with such conditions. But now, for Susanna's sake, he didn't care anymore.
Edward snorted, "Susanna getting close to your family will only bring misfortune. Every time she got into trouble before, was it not related to you? Since you look down on her, why bother getting entangled again?"
Aaron abruptly fell silent. Upon careful consideration, he realized the truth in their words. Slowly, he rose to his feet and gazed at them.
