Chapter 195 Lost Understanding
Aaron listened to the phone call, then looked at Susanna. His face darkened.
After a moment, he croaked, "I get it."
Susanna saw his change in expression and felt a knot of unease in her stomach.
Then Aaron spoke, "You testified for Dick, accusing me of kidnapping and assault?"
Susanna remembered taking Dick to the police. Her eyes flickered; she needed leverage.
She hadn't expected Maria to wake up now.
Though Susanna knew using Maria was wrong, she felt desperate. She only mentioned Maria, not intending real harm.
She knew Aaron would cave for Maria.
But she didn't expect Aaron to suggest not divorcing and accepting the baby, which shocked her.
'Didn't he say he didn't want the baby? What's his game?' she wondered.
While Susanna was lost in thought, Aaron stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Answer me."
He had someone rough up Dick to protect her, yet she sided with Dick!
Aaron had never felt this way. He wasn't one to show mercy, but he'd made exceptions for Susanna.
And she betrayed him!
Susanna swallowed. "If you don't hurt my baby, I can get Dick to drop the charges and not testify."
Aaron sneered, "You think you can frame and threaten me? I made sure there are no loose ends. I didn't touch Dick, and even if they find the guys who did, they'll take the fall. Susanna, you're naive."
Susanna's breath caught, and she stepped back. Aaron's gaze was dark and intense, adding to the tension.
Just then, she felt a hand on her shoulder and heard Austin's voice. "Mrs. Maria Abbott's exam is done."
She turned and saw Austin, feeling relieved.
But the tension between the two men was palpable.
Aaron's gaze at Austin was dark. If Austin weren't Maria's surgeon, he wouldn't tolerate it.
Austin found Aaron equally displeasing. Luckily, Susanna was about to divorce him. Once Edward sorted out the details, he could take Susanna away from Lindwell.
The men exchanged a glance and quickly looked away, both annoyed.
Susanna turned to Austin. "Where's Maria?"
"She's in a regular ward. She needs rest and minimal disturbance," Austin replied.
"How are the results?" Susanna asked.
"Great. If Maria takes care of herself and stays positive, she'll recover well. I'll make sure to check on her regularly."
Austin's last words were meant for Aaron to hear. If Aaron dared to harm Susanna or the baby, Austin wouldn't hesitate to step in.
Aaron got the message. These two were using Maria's situation to keep him in check.
He took a few steps back and left the ICU, his tall figure looking a bit defeated.
Susanna watched him go, expecting a showdown with Austin, but thankfully, nothing happened.
Austin broke the silence, "Susanna, don't worry. He won't dare hurt you."
"Austin, what did you say to Aaron in private?" Susanna asked, concerned.
"Just told him to stay away from you."
"Austin, I don't want you getting into trouble because of me."
Seeing her concern, Austin felt a pang of sadness. "Susanna, it's no trouble. I'm capable, and I'm overseeing Maria's care. Aaron wouldn't dare touch me."
"But you didn't perform Maria's surgery," Susanna pointed out.
"I'm responsible for her follow-up. The chief surgeon had to go back to Novaria."
"I see." Susanna felt a bit more at ease, knowing Aaron wouldn't risk anything extreme for Maria.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Brian.
She remembered sneaking out and getting a call about Maria waking up. She rushed to the hospital, almost forgetting she had sent Brian to get her clothes.
She handed the phone to Austin. "Austin, I snuck out. Don't let Brian know."
"They'll find out eventually. Anyway, you're coming back to Novaria with us," Austin said.
"We'll talk about it later."
Susanna knew her brothers were good to her. She didn't want to complicate things now; she just wanted to leave quietly and quickly.
By the time her documents were ready, Maria should be mostly recovered.
Austin couldn't resist Susanna's pleading eyes. He took the phone and answered, "It's me. Susanna's at the hospital changing her dressing. I'll bring her back soon. Make some food or get her favorite snacks and fruits."
Brian didn't suspect anything. "Okay, leave it to me."
After hanging up, Susanna took the phone back. "Thanks, Austin."
"Take ten minutes to see Maria, then we'll leave together." Austin knew Susanna couldn't let go of Mrs. Maria Abbott or Madison.
Susanna headed to the upscale private ward upstairs, where bodyguards stood watch, creating a serene atmosphere inside.
As she approached, she saw Aaron by the bed. She hesitated, unsure whether to go in or come back later.
But Taylor saw her and quickly opened the door. "Mrs. Susanna Abbott, why are you standing outside? Mrs. Maria Abbott was asking for you."
Susanna steeled herself and entered. She walked to the bedside and saw Maria connected to a respirator, looking pale but alert.
Susanna took Maria's hand. "Maria, I'm so glad you're okay. I'll visit you often from now on."
Maria nodded and placed her hand on Susanna's belly.
