Chapter 204 Harsh Punishment
When Susanna called the cops, she kept her eyes locked on Erica and Elaine.
Elaine smirked, "What's the point? You really want everyone to know about your deal with Mr. Carter?"
Erica's face showed a flicker of surprise. She didn't think Susanna would actually call the police.
Susanna grinned, "Yeah, aren't you two witnesses? Show the evidence to the cops, or how else will they arrest Peter?"
Erica quickly jumped in, "Do we really need to involve the police over something so small? Can't we just drop it?"
"Why not call the police? I don't remember anything about what you said. If Elaine's friend really saw me at the hotel, then I must've been drugged. Someone's gotta pay for that," Susanna shot back.
Even Elaine, usually clueless, realized the mess she was in. She had made up the story about her friend seeing Susanna and Peter at the hotel to ruin Susanna's reputation.
But now Susanna had actually called the police. If they investigated, the truth would come out.
With a cold stare, Susanna said, "We'll sort this out when Mr. Carter gets here."
Elaine, feeling nervous, started thinking of a way out.
Erica frowned, silently cursing, "Elaine, you idiot, you've given Susanna the upper hand."
If this blew up, Erica would look bad in front of Peter too.
'How can I get Peter to go after Susanna now?' Erica thought, glancing at Elaine. "Elaine, you better explain. Did you really see anything? Don't make stuff up," she said firmly.
Elaine hesitated. She had lied to handle Susanna.
Erica whispered, "If Mr. Carter finds out you lied, you'll never meet those famous pianists. Don't make this worse."
Elaine got it but still looked at Susanna unwillingly. "I just remembered, I only heard about it. I didn't actually see you with Mr. Carter at the hotel."
"Tell that to the police," Susanna said coldly.
She turned away to continue decorating the grand hall, but Erica's voice stopped her. "Susanna, Elaine was just joking. You don't need to call the police. If they come and the paparazzi find out, it'll hurt the school and the music team."
Erica didn't want Susanna to win, but she couldn't let her call the police.
Susanna smirked, "Easy for you to say. You weren't the one being slandered."
Erica gritted her teeth. "What do you want then?"
Susanna looked at Elaine. "Whoever started this mess owes an apology."
"I'm not apologizing!" Elaine snapped. She would never apologize to Susanna.
Erica, though uncomfortable, walked over to Elaine and whispered, "Elaine, this music team is part of Brian's company. If this blows up and my brothers find out, you'll leave a bad impression. How will you marry into the Jones family then?"
Elaine seethed with anger, thinking, "I can't let Susanna ruin my chances of marrying into the wealthy Jones family."
Finally, Elaine reluctantly approached Susanna. "I'm sorry, I was talking nonsense earlier. Just forget it ."
Susanna looked her up and down. "You knew it was nonsense, yet you said it so seriously. How can you be so malicious?"
Elaine had no comeback. No matter how much she hated it, she had to endure it. She couldn't let Susanna blow this up.
Erica quickly added, "Susanna, Elaine has apologized. Call the police and tell them it was a misunderstanding."
Susanna stood her ground. "I'll wait for the cops. But before they show up, Elaine, you've got to do something to prove you're serious."
"You think you can boss me around?" Elaine snapped, but Erica quickly restrained her.
Elaine finally gritted her teeth. "What do you need me to do?"
"It's simple. Help me move these lanterns from the first floor to the second floor."
Susanna pointed to a pile of red and white lanterns, crossing her arms. "Elaine, if you move these without help, I'll explain to the police when they arrive. Fair enough?"
The one who spread rumors and then casually apologized never faced any consequences. Why should Susanna accept the apology and the harm from the rumors?
Elaine had never done such hard labor. With a sigh, she grabbed a lantern and trudged up the stairs, then returned. "It's filthy up there, and the stairs are a nightmare. And I'm wearing new high heels today."
Erica stood idly by. "Take your time, Elaine. No need to rush."
Susanna understood their intentions and coldly said, "If you don't finish before the police arrive, I'll still tell the truth."
Elaine retorted with anger, "How can I finish this?"
Susanna turned away. "It's up to you. If you don't finish by the time I come back, sorry."
She had no time to bargain with these two women.
Elaine stomped her foot in frustration. "What should I do? I can't finish this. Erica, you have to help me."
Erica, thinking about the weekend's music performance, gritted her teeth. "I'll help you."
Susanna watched in secret as the two women kicked off their high heels and maneuvered the lanterns, laughing so much that her stomach ached. She discreetly pulled out her phone and recorded a video. It would be a shame not to have a keepsake of this spectacle.
Seeing Erica and Elaine exhausted, Susanna felt much better.
After recording, Susanna turned back to continue decorating the grand hall. There was still a lot to confirm.
An hour later, Susanna returned to find Erica and Elaine collapsed on chairs, their makeup ruined.
When she appeared, Erica, panting, said, "What did you tell the police? I didn't see them come!"
Susanna blinked innocently. "Because I never got through to the police."
Erica was furious. "Susanna, you pulled this trick again!"
