Chapter 209 The Unexpected Guest
Erica stared at the building, the piano music mingling with other sounds, stirring up old fears.
After tricking her way into the Jones family, Erica had constant nightmares about being exposed, the real heiress found, and being thrown out, back to poverty.
A dark look crossed Erica's face. She swore she'd never go back to that life.
She had to find Sophie before the Jones family did. Only then could she secure her spot and make sure Sophie never returned to take her place.
The piano piece ended in a few minutes.
Erica, sweating, felt like she wouldn't sleep well for a while. If the Jones family found Sophie first, she was done for.
Upstairs in a classroom.
After rehearsing the piano piece, Susanna headed to the auditorium to check the setup. It was the final day, and she needed everything perfect.
Outside the auditorium, she saw school leaders and counselors.
The counselor spotted Susanna and smiled. "Susanna, I was about to call you, but Ethan said you were probably studying and shouldn't be disturbed."
Susanna felt flattered. "It's fine. You can call me if it's important."
"Nothing major, just some distinguished guests coming to see our setup. We need you here in case they have questions," the counselor explained.
"Sure, no problem."
As Susanna followed the counselor inside, Ethan arrived. "Susanna, are you done? Need help with the setup? Just let me know."
Seeing Ethan so reserved, Susanna wondered if she was about to be expelled.
She smiled awkwardly. "Ethan, the school's support has been great. I don't need anything else right now."
"Good. When the guests arrive, please say nice things to give them a good impression. We might get new equipment and facilities."
Susanna nodded. "Got it."
She noticed a minor error in the setup and asked a worker to fix it.
Soon, the counselor hurried over. "Susanna, are you done?"
"Almost. Have the guests arrived?"
Susanna followed the counselor to the entrance and saw a group of people, including a man in a suit—Aaron.
She had been trying to reach Aaron, who hadn't answered her calls. Now, he was here.
'Is he ignoring my calls on purpose?' Susanna wondered.
She stared at Aaron, who noticed her from the crowd.
Everyone turned to see where Aaron was looking.
Ethan nudged Susanna. "Why are you just standing there? Get over here."
Susanna hesitated, not expecting Aaron to be the guest. Had she known, she would have found an excuse to slip away.
But she did need to talk to him.
Just as she was about to step forward, a girl in front of her blushed and walked over. "Ethan, did you call me?"
Susanna was stunned. So was Ethan, who clarified, "Nope, I called Susanna."
Susanna coughed softly and made her way out, feeling the girl's resentful gaze. She knew the implication all too well. Who could resist a handsome, wealthy guy like Aaron?
As Susanna walked out of the crowd, she felt many eyes on her, most filled with jealousy.
She sighed slightly. It was all Aaron's fault for being so attractive.
She tried to stay inconspicuous behind Ethan but Ethan stepped aside to let her out. "Susanna, go ahead and introduce the design to Mr. Abbott. You know it best."
Since they were married, Susanna's connection practically guaranteed funding from the Abbott Group.
Ethan's eyes sparkled with excitement. With Mrs. Abbott attending the school, how could Mr. Abbott not invest?
Hearing Ethan's words, Susanna hesitated but steeled herself and walked over to Aaron.
She lowered her eyes. "Mr. Abbott, what would you like to know?"
Aaron, recognizing her submissive facade, said, "Tell me everything."
Susanna suspected Aaron was here to cause trouble, but she patiently introduced the design.
Time passed quickly, and after the introduction, Susanna's throat was parched.
Aaron handed her a bottle of water, his fingers long and attractive.
She glanced at it, took it, and drank a few gulps, feeling much better. She looked at him. "Mr. Abbott, any other questions? If not, I'll be leaving."
Aaron held the bottle, his gaze penetrating. "I never knew you had an interest in music."
He hadn't expected her to derive the design from musical concepts. While it seemed naive, he couldn't deny her evident talent.
He had to admit, Susanna was very talented.
Susanna paused. "I was interested as a child, but my family couldn't afford it, so I gave it up."
Aaron understood her family's situation. "What about now?"
Susanna replied calmly, "Now I can learn if I'm free. Learning never stops."
"So you learned from Brian?" Aaron asked directly.
Susanna picked up on Aaron's tone. Avoiding any mention of her brother, she discreetly glanced around, realizing they were alone.
She spoke softly, "I called you yesterday."
"Yes, I saw."
Susanna gritted her teeth. "You saw it? Why didn't you call back?"
"If it was important, you would have called again," Aaron explained, his deep gaze hard to read.
Susanna pursed her lips. "You gave me all the property, and you're not worried at all?"
