Chapter 165 Who Are You Accusing of Harassment?
Susanna froze for a moment when she saw Erica, who was supposed to have left. Maria's surgery was already done. Erica was probably just here for appearances. Susanna doubted she really cared about Maria.
The tension in the air was palpable. Austin felt a knot in his stomach when he saw Erica. Why was she here too? He cursed under his breath, "Damn, if Erica spills the beans, today's secret is toast! What now?"
On the other side, Erica's jealousy flared when she saw Susanna with Austin. That witch Susanna was really cozying up to him! Erica regretted inviting Susanna to her engagement party. If she hadn't, Susanna wouldn't have had so many chances to get close to her brother.
Considering Susanna's orphaned background, mingling with someone as affluent as Austin was typically out of the question. Erica's gaze turned grim, her lips caught between her teeth as she advanced, determined."I must unveil Susanna's true essence and enlighten her on the stark disparities in our statuses!"
When Susanna saw Erica striding over in high heels, a flash of caution crossed her eyes. If she clashed with Erica, Austin would definitely defend her! Austin had just started making a name for himself at the hospital. Offending Erica would mean offending her genius surgeon brother, which would definitely mess up Austin's future.
Susanna ran through a bunch of scenarios in her head. Even though she had started to let herself go, she didn't want to mess up her brother's career. In a split second, she made her decision.
As soon as Erica stopped in front of her, Susanna walked over and hugged her. "Why are you here? Maria's surgery is over, and she's been moved to the ICU. She's not here anymore. Let me take you to see her."
While talking, Susanna led Erica toward the nearby elevator. Erica was stunned, staring at Susanna in disbelief, as if she hadn't processed what was happening.
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Susanna half-hugged, half-pushed Erica inside. Once the doors closed, Susanna breathed a sigh of relief. This way, Austin shouldn't be able to catch up.
Susanna looked down at Erica in her arms and blinked. The two women locked eyes, and the next second, they quickly separated. Susanna coughed and said nothing.
Feeling uncomfortable, Erica adjusted her clothes. "Susanna, what the hell was that? Why did you hug me?"
"I saw the elevator open and didn't want to miss it," Susanna replied. She definitely wasn't going to tell Erica her real reason.
Erica snorted coldly, "Susanna, you're definitely feeling guilty, aren't you? I'm warning you, don't think I don't know what you're up to!"
"I'm just taking you to see Maria. Don't be ungrateful," Susanna countered.
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and Susanna walked out directly.
Erica's voice came from behind Susanna. "You're feeling guilty. You did that on purpose to take me away, didn't you? You're afraid of what I might say to him, right?"
Susanna's back stiffened. 'When did this airhead Erica get so smart? She actually saw through my intentions,' she thought.
She turned to see Erica's smug expression. "What do you want?"
Susanna almost forgot that Erica's brother was also a doctor. Maybe Erica knew Austin too. Erica had meddled in the demolition of her old neighborhood before. If she found out about Susanna's relationship with Austin, it could spell disaster.
The next second, Erica, with a haughty expression, said, "Susanna, I advise you to give up. You're not worthy of Austin. Stop daydreaming."
Hearing the familiar statement, Susanna arched an eyebrow. Aaron had also said she and Austin weren't suitable for each other. Of course, Susanna and Austin weren't suitable; they were siblings. How could they be together?
So it seemed both Erica and Aaron misunderstood her relationship with Austin, thinking they were a couple. In that case, things would be much easier.
Susanna smirked, "Erica, don't you think you're overstepping?"
"Alright, I'll go tell him myself, and you'll see if I'm overstepping." Erica finished speaking and was about to walk into the elevator.
Seeing the situation, Susanna quickly pulled Erica back and pushed her against the wall. She couldn't let Erica go to Austin today!
Erica, furious, said, "Let go of me."
"I won't!" Susanna pressed Erica's shoulders, pinning her against the wall. They were very close. Susanna just realized she was half a head taller than Erica. This frail, petite woman couldn't push her away.
"What are you doing?" Aaron's cold voice cut through the tension. Susanna turned to see Aaron and Maud approaching. Their gazes were complicated, hard to read.
Aaron, with a stern face, said, "Let go of her now." He looked at the two women standing together, or rather, Susanna pinning Erica against the wall. From a distance, their posture looked particularly ambiguous.
Maud quickly walked over and said loudly, "Susanna, what are you trying to do to Miss Jones?"
Seeing Maud, Erica immediately put on a pitiful expression. "Aunt Maud, I don't know what Ms. Miller means. She suddenly stopped me from leaving, and my hand hurts from her grip."
Susanna instantly let go and replied, "I was just joking with Miss Jones."
Maud looked up. "Is this how you joke with Erica? Aaron, you saw it yourself!"
Susanna noticed Aaron's visibly grim expression, which made her feel a twinge of sadness. Did he truly harbor such deep concern for Erica? She didn't do anything to Erica.
Erica then looked pitifully at Aaron. "Susanna just harassed me. Luckily, you came in time. Otherwise, I don't know what would have happened. I'm straight and only like men."
Susanna was momentarily speechless, gazing at Erica in disbelief. "Could you please explain to me, where have your morals gone?"
'I harassed her?' Susanna sneered inwardly.
