Chapter 147 Edward Stood Up for Susanna
Erica knew something was wrong and said immediately, "Edward, today's incident is certainly unrelated to the demolition of that old neighborhood."
Upon hearing Erica's words, Edward narrowed his eyes slightly. "How do you know?"
Erica replied in an unnatural tone, "Because the people living in that old neighborhood are all lower-class individuals. How could they have such capabilities? So, Edward, I think you're overthinking it."
When Edward heard the words "lower-class individuals," his face turned cold. "Lower-class individuals, huh? Have you forgotten your own background?"
Erica's expression shifted dramatically, and she swiftly interjected, "Edward, this is a separate issue. Leave the demolition matter to me; I won't let you down."
Edward wasn't a fool; he had already started to suspect that this incident was indeed related to the demolition.
After all, Susanna wouldn't invade the company's network for no reason. He had faith in Susanna's integrity.
At this moment, someone from the security department exclaimed loudly, "Boss, the hacker has invaded our system again and sent an audio file through the internal email."
A look of surprise flashed in Edward's eyes. "Play it and see what it is."
When Erica heard that the hacker had invaded the system again and uploaded an audio file, she suddenly had a bad premonition. 'Could it be a recording of their earlier conversation?Could it really be Susanna who orchestrated all this?'
She regretted not realizing sooner that Susanna lacked the capability to hack into the network naturally, but she could have easily enlisted someone else.
The recording was played, and it was indeed a conversation between two women.
As soon as Erica heard this, her expression changed dramatically, and she vehemently denied it. "Edward, that's not my voice; it's synthesized."
When Edward heard Erica's arrogant tone towards Susanna, his face turned particularly grim.
He stared at Erica. "Do you think I'm an idiot? Easily deceived? What did you mean by those words? Did you withhold the demolition funds for that neighborhood? Erica, you've crossed a line!"
Now, Edward understood the whole story.
He glared at the demolition department manager, his tone icy. "You explain! If you can't clarify this today, you're all fired!"
Sensing the escalating tension, the assistants swiftly excused themselves, leaving only the demolition department manager and Erica in the room.
She swallowed hard. "Edward, we were just following procedures. The demolition funds weren't released because some paperwork was incomplete and needed to be supplemented."
Edward looked at the demolition documents and threw them in Erica's face. "What do you mean incomplete? Where is it incomplete?"
Susanna's documents were prepared by people he trusted; they couldn't possibly be incomplete.
Shocked by the accusation, Erica took a moment to collect herself before speaking up. "Edward, I admit I have a personal issue with that woman and intentionally singled her out. Please, don't get involved; I'll take care of it on my own."
'A personal issue?'
Edward sneered and told the demolition department manager directly, "Go to HR and process your termination. If you don't want the company to hold you accountable, you'd better apologize to that homeowner immediately, or wait for the company's legal notice."
The demolition department manager, hearing he was fired, turned to Erica. "Miss Jones, I was just following your orders. You need to explain this to the president; it has nothing to do with me!"
Now, the only person who could save him was Miss Jones.
Erica kept her head down and said nothing. She couldn't even protect herself now; how could she speak for this man? It was all his fault for not handling things properly, which led Susanna to come knocking!
After the department manager was taken out of the office, Erica finally spoke pitifully, "Edward, let me handle this matter."
As the eldest daughter of the Jones family, didn't she have this much authority?
"Erica, you're not qualified to handle this. And why are you targeting this family?"
Edward couldn't quite understand why Erica was targeting Susanna.
Erica replied coldly, "Because Susanna interfered in my relationship with Aaron. How can someone of her low status compare to me? I just wanted to give her a small warning."
Hearing this, Edward recalled the incident at the International Flower Competition, where Susanna was supposed to be the winner but ended up last.
Erica had said it was an accident, and he believed her.
But now, it seemed that none of it was an accident; it was all Erica's deliberate arrangement.
It seemed Erica really couldn't stay any longer.
Edward finally sighed and made a decision. "Erica, sign the agreement to terminate our adoption relationship that I mentioned to you before."
Erica seemed stunned, not expecting Edward to bring up this topic. She resisted, "Edward, I haven't even gotten engaged to Aaron yet. Didn't you say that after I married Aaron and had support, we would terminate our deal?"
'But the engagement was canceled last time, all because of Austin. Shouldn't the Jones family be responsible for everything about her?' She meditated.
Edward took out the document from the drawer and placed it in front of Erica directly. "Sign it."
He felt he couldn't keep Erica any longer.
Erica dared to scheme against Susanna, which had crossed his bottom line.
Erica glanced at the document. "Edward, do you really want to drive me away?"
"Erica, our relationship ends here. I don't believe you should remain a part of the Jones family any longer," Edward said.
If Erica stayed in the Jones family, the conflicts with Susanna would only increase. How would they explain this to Susanna in the future?
"Edward, why are you driving me away? You have to give me a reason. Is it because of that bitch Susanna?"
Edward's attitude changed as soon as Susanna was mentioned.
Edward's face turned cold. "Erica, why are you so vicious?"
"What, did I hit a nerve? Austin was deceived by Susanna, and now, you're also bewitched by that woman?"
When Erica saw Edward take out the termination agreement, she went a bit crazy. The identity of the Jones family heiress was her only leverage.
She questioned to herself, 'How could I stand in Lindwell in the future? How could I marry Aaron Abbott?'
Edward frowned. "I don't understand what you're saying. Susanna is not a liar."
He knew Susanna best; she was so kind, innocent, and lovely. How could she be a liar?
On the contrary, Erica had lied repeatedly, exhausting his trust and patience.
"Susanna is a liar. She was ambiguous with Justin before, and now she's ambiguous with Austin. She's a shameless woman who can't keep her legs closed!" yelled Erica.
"Shut up!"
Edward raised his hand and slapped her.
