Chapter 16 Are You Pregnant?
Tyler didn't say anything more, just nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Aaron suddenly called out. "Let the competition committee know I'm throwing my hat in the ring to be a judge for the finals."
"Got it, I'll handle it right away." Tyler couldn't help but grumble internally. He doubted he'd ever meet anyone more capricious than Aaron.
As Tyler left, Aaron stared at the documents in his hand for a long time without turning a page. For some reason, he kept thinking about the timid Susanna. It felt like he didn't know her at all. A wave of irritation washed over him. Without delay, he seized the phone and punched in Tyler's number. On hearing Tyler's swift response, "Mr. Abbott, any other instructions?"
Aaron tried to sound calm. "Did you find out about the person I asked you to investigate?"
"What?" Tyler was momentarily confused. "You mean the guy who was with Mrs. Abbott at the registration site? Mr. Abbott, he was wearing a mask and a hat. I've checked all the nearby surveillance footage, but I can't get a clear shot of his face. Mr. Abbott?"
Before Tyler could finish, Aaron hung up. Feeling exhausted, Tyler wondered why an assistant's job could be so nerve-wracking.
After hanging up, Aaron couldn't focus on work anymore. He tossed the documents onto the desk and yanked off his tie in frustration. He hated feeling out of control.
The next morning, while Susanna was working on her design sketches, she got a call from the hospital. "Susanna, it's time for your prenatal check-up."
Gently caressing her belly, she reflected on the tiny life blossoming within. She concealed her pregnancy from all, even Madison. Knowing that no one would agree to her keeping the child, she decided to go for a prenatal checkup in secret.
When she stepped out of her room, she found the living room empty. On the table was a note from Justin that read, "Susanna, I have some work to handle. I'll be back in about two hours. Stay put, alright? When I return, we'll grab a bite at a great spot."
Susanna saw the note, which seemed like a playful message meant for a child, and couldn't help but smile wryly. Her brothers had been taking turns accompanying her to draw design plans these past few days, and she was deeply touched. However, they had their own jobs and lives in Novaria, and she didn't want them to revolve their entire lives around her.
During the check-up, the doctor said, "Everything looks normal. The baby is healthy. Remember to take folic acid and vitamins."
"Thank you, doctor."
Balancing the folic acid and a bundle of test result documents, Susanna stepped out into the corridor as a voice called out from behind, "Susanna, what are you doing here?"
As Maud approached, Susanna's heart began to race. Caught off guard by the unexpected encounter at the hospital, she swiftly lowered her hand, feeling as though luck was not on her side at that moment.
Maud walked over, scrutinizing her. "Susanna, why are you at the hospital, and in the obstetrics department no less? Are you pregnant?"
"No, just my periods are irregular, so I'm here for treatment." Susanna firmly denied being pregnant. She knew Aaron wouldn't want the baby, and Maud, who wanted Erica to be her daughter-in-law, wouldn't be kind to the child either. She had to protect her baby.
Seeing Susanna's nervous expression, Maud sneered, "Susanna, do you really think I'll believe you? You're obviously lying. Show me your medical records!"
Despite her inner nervousness, Susanna endeavored to appear composed. Feeling trapped, she made a daring choice. Summoning all her courage, she passed the documents to Maud. "Feel free to take a look. These are my medical records, not Aaron's," she stated firmly.
Maud, taken aback by Susanna's straightforwardness, scrutinized her for a moment before letting out a cold laugh. "So, you're here for infertility treatment? Are you trying to tarnish Aaron's reputation? I don't care to see your records. What's there to look at?"
Susanna secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said calmly, "Believe what you want."
"Hold on, Susanna. Did I hit a nerve? Let me tell you, don't waste your time. Aaron will only have kids with Erica. Don't think you can trap him with a pregnancy," Maud said.
A hint of sarcasm flashed in Susanna's eyes. "I've never thought of using such despicable means."
Maud's tone was haughty. "You better not. Erica is the rightful heiress of the Jones family, born into privilege. It's only fitting for someone of her caliber to be with Aaron. Only Erica's offspring will be recognized as heirs. As for you, you're from nothing, so don't even think about it." With a condescending flip of her high heels, she sauntered away.
Susanna clutched the medical records tightly, feeling a wave of bitterness. Watching Maud's retreating figure, she whispered to her belly, "Baby, you have six uncles who will protect you."
On the way back, Susanna hid the folic acid in a vitamin bottle to avoid detection.
That evening, as she was resting in her room, Flandre called, "Did you see my post the other day? Guess what? A big company reached out to me. They want to offer you a high-paying job!"
"Really? Which company?" Susanna was intrigued since she was in dire need of money.
Flandre continued, "The Abbott Group. They scout talent from our school annually. It's a tough nut to crack, but the perks are top-notch. They usually overlook regular folks, but you? You're special; they handpicked you."
The Abbott Group, Aaron's firm? Susanna realized she couldn't pursue that opportunity, yet she couldn't divulge the true rationale to Flandre. Opting for a momentary pause, she replied with a feigned sense of indecision, "I'll give it some thought."
Flandre, always blunt, said, "You're turning down the Abbott Group? I know your dream is Silverpeak Innovations, but they only have a branch here. Their headquarters are in Novaria. Are you really going to leave Vincent and Madison to work in Novaria? That's not realistic."
"I know." Susanna appreciated Flandre's concern, even though Flandre remained unaware of her internal dilemma regarding how to gracefully decline the Abbott Group's offer. Recalling how she had once wholeheartedly pursued Aaron, only to be dismissed by him and his family, Susanna was resolute in not getting entangled with him again. The sudden interest from Aaron's camp served as a stark reminder that sacrificing her career for a romantic endeavor was indeed imprudent. She informed Flandre that she preferred to await the competition results before committing to any choices.
Acknowledging Susanna's strong will, Flandre wisely refrained from pressing further. Instead, she offered her unwavering support, assuring her that she would stand by her, irrespective of the path she chose.
