Chapter 159 She Understood What Austin Meant
Susanna felt a sudden sense of satisfaction seeing Austin so bluntly rebuke Maud.
Maud's smile froze on her face. She didn't expect Austin to be so disrespectful.
She wondered, 'Is it because Aaron canceled Erica's engagement last time, and he's holding a grudge? What's next? Will the Jones family agree to let Erica marry into the Abbott family?'
Austin cast a cold glance at Aaron, then his gaze fell on Susanna. "The surgery will take a long time. I suggest the family members wait outside and arrange shifts to keep watch."
Susanna knew these words were meant for her, reminding her to take care of herself.
She already knew the surgery would take a long time, but she had taken leave from school and planned to stay at the hospital all day.
After speaking indifferently, Austin turned and left the ward.
The Abbott family members followed, heading towards the operating room from the elevator. The patient took a dedicated elevator, so they had to walk this way.
However, they encountered Erica waiting at the elevator.
Maud showed a surprised expression when she saw Erica. "Erica, I didn't expect you to come to the hospital today."
"Grandma Maria is having surgery today. I have to come and see her, but I was stopped at the elevator, saying no one outside the Abbott family is allowed to visit today," Erica complained.
She mustered a smile, having never been stopped before, especially when she was with Susanna. Yet, that darn Susanna could waltz in without a hitch, leaving her furious.
Maud's expression paused. "Erica, I'm sorry. I'll reprimand the bodyguards later. How could you be considered an outsider?"
Erica glanced at Elaine, feeling wronged. "I even called and texted Elaine, but she didn't respond."
Elaine explained quickly, "Erica, I put my phone on silent on the way here to avoid disturbing Grandma's surgery. I'm sorry. If I had known earlier, I would have come to get you."
After speaking, Elaine exchanged a glance with Maud. They had been aware in advance, but the rules were set by Aaron, and none of them could override the bodyguards' decisions. To prevent any awkwardness, Maud instructed Elaine to feign ignorance of Erica's messages.
Of course, they couldn't tell Erica this directly.
Hearing their explanations, Erica felt a bit better. She had to regain face in front of Susanna.
Erica glanced at Aaron and said hypocritically, "Aaron, don't worry. With my brother performing the surgery, there won't be any problems."
She had to remind Aaron that her brother was performing the surgery today so he would remember this favor.
Maud added immediately, "That's right. I definitely trust your brother's skills."
Erica showed a smug smile, glancing at Susanna. Her gloating was obvious. No matter what, Maria's successful surgery depended on the Jones family.
Susanna remained expressionless. She knew Erica was showing off, but as long as Maria's surgery went well, she wouldn't mind so much.
With Austin supervising and Erica's brother as the lead surgeon, there shouldn't be any major issues.
At this moment, Aaron looked at Erica with a cold face. "You can leave now."
Erica looked incredulous. She didn't expect Aaron's first words to be to drive her away.
Didn't Aaron know Austin was performing the surgery today?
Wasn't he afraid of offending Erica and affecting the surgery?
Maud tried to smooth things over. "Aaron, Erica came specifically to see Maria. Isn't it inappropriate to ask her to leave?"
Aaron replied coldly, "To prevent any interference with the surgery results, Grandma prefers not to have certain individuals around her."
Susanna almost laughed out loud at this. She didn't expect Aaron to be so sharp-tongued.
'Doesn't he see Erica was almost in tears from anger?'
The next second, Erica tearfully exclaimed, "Aaron, how could you treat me like this? It's because of me that we have today's surgery!"
Aaron stared coldly at Erica. "Are you sure is it because of you? Erica, have you lied so much that you believe your own lies?"
Erica's expression wavered. Under Aaron's piercing gaze, she was overwhelmed with guilt, almost as if he was privy to her secrets, even though he was supposed to be in the dark.
She glanced at Susanna instinctively, wondering, 'Did she dare to tell Aaron the truth?'
Erica thought Susanna wouldn't dare tell Aaron that she had messed around with Austin to get him to agree to perform the surgery!
No man could tolerate his wife cheating. Susanna, trying to win Aaron back, wouldn't dare reveal the truth.
So, she confidently took credit for Susanna's efforts.
Susanna stood there, feeling strange about the looks Erica and Aaron were giving her.
'Why are they looking at me?'
Erica said to Aaron, "Aaron, when did I lie? I don't know what you're talking about."
Aaron's expression darkened, showing his reluctance to confront her.
He didn't want to mention Susanna and Austin's relationship. If his mother found out, it would definitely reach Maria.
Grandma was just starting surgery, and even if it were successful, she would be very weak. So, Grandma couldn't know about this.
Maud saw her son's bad expression and pulled Erica aside quickly. "Erica, the surgery will take a long time. It's so sweet that you came to see Maria. I'll let you know when there's good news."
If things got too tense, what about the future marriage alliance between the Abbott and Jones families?
Erica saw Maud giving her an excuse and reluctantly agreed, "Alright, but I'll wait downstairs. Let me know as soon as the surgery is over."
"Erica, I'll wait with you downstairs. It's boring to wait alone."
Maud thought to appease Erica. It didn't matter where they waited, but she had to repair the relationship. Once Maria's surgery was over, Aaron wouldn't need to keep Susanna, and Erica could marry in smoothly.
Erica felt a bit more satisfied. This was the attitude the Abbott family should have. She glanced proudly at Susanna.
Maud said, "Susanna, you shouldn't stay here either. You won't be of any use once the surgery starts. Just leave."
Susanna rolled her eyes and dropped the document in her hand in front of Erica casually. It read, 'Abbott Group Heir Agreement.'
