Chapter 224 This Is the Only Chance
Erica watched Wendy take the bait and quickly countered, "Actually, I thought about this on my way here but didn't get to ask Susanna, so I'll ask you first.."
As Wendy's mind raced, Erica, with a sly grin, asked, "So, are you the person I'm looking for?"
After laying out the story and promising Wendy all sorts of perks, Erica hoped Wendy was smart enough to figure out her next move. Growing up in an orphanage, she knew all too well the sting of prejudice and disdain.
Faced with a rare opportunity, Wendy had to react. Just like Erica had seized her chance when Edward showed up, leading to the fabulous life she now enjoyed.
The next second, Wendy nodded nervously and said, "Yes，I am."
Erica smiled triumphantly and, looking touched, held Wendy's hand. "Really ? I'm so happy. After all these years, we've changed so much. If it weren't for the piano piece, I wouldn't have recognized you."
Wendy forced a smile, saying, "Yeah."
Seeing it was almost enough, Erica continued, "By the way, how does Susanna know the piano piece too?"
"I taught her. We came from the same orphanage, so we cherish this bond. I taught her the piano piece," Wendy explained.
"Really? Susanna was also from that orphanage? When did she go there? Was she there at the same time as you?" Erica seemed pretty curious.
Wendy, sweating nervously, quickly found an excuse. "Maybe, I can't remember clearly. But Susanna doesn't remember either because she had an illness when she was young and forgot everything about the orphanage."
"Does she truly have no recollection at all?" Erica asked.
Hearing this, Erica had an epiphany. She understood why Susanna had been able to interact with Austin and the Jones siblings for so long without them uncovering her true background. It seemed Susanna had indeed lost all memory of the orphanage.
Erica couldn't contain her joy; Susanna had forgotten everything about the orphanage!
Wendy said tentatively, "Ms. Jones, if you don't believe me, you can ask Susanna."
"No need to ask, I definitely believe you. After all, you were my most trusted friend when we were kids."
Erica held Wendy's hand, suddenly recalling how she used to hold Susanna's hand when they were kids, telling the doll-like Susanna that they were best friends. In the end, her best friend indeed brought her a lifetime of wealth and prosperity.
As Erica's internal alarm finally quieted down, a sense of relief washed over her. With Susanna's memory of the orphanage wiped clean, Erica realized that the Jones family would never uncover Susanna's true identity as the rightful heir.
But Austin was being too nice to Susanna. Could it be the bond of blood between siblings?
This thought made Erica extremely uneasy. It baffled her why, three years ago, when Aaron slipped into a coma after an accident, Susanna had boldly taken the plunge and married Aaron, risking tying herself to a potentially lifeless man.
Erica had clearly misjudged Susanna's drive and ambition, traits she had never noticed back in their carefree childhood days.
She suppressed her doubts temporarily and said to Wendy, "Let's exchange numbers on WhatsApp. We're friends now. If you ever need anything, just give my assistant a shout, and he'll sort you out, no problem."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. After all, you're my only good friend," Erica said.
With a warm and friendly smile, Erica watched Wendy get lured in by the perks. A daring thought struck her—maybe she could enlist Wendy's help to deal with that troublesome Susanna.
Erica stood up, looking superior. "I‘ve to go now. Let's go shopping next time. I'll bring you a little something, too!"
"Okay, you go ahead."
After adding Erica on WhatsApp, Wendy watched her leave and pinched her arm until it turned red, realizing she wasn't dreaming. The plot of the novel had finally fallen into her lap.
Wendy was ecstatic. Had she finally seized her opportunity? Publishing, adaptations—any one of these was enough to excite her!
Just as Wendy was lost in her thoughts, her phone suddenly rang, displaying Susanna's name. The sight of the name sent a jolt of fear through her, nearly causing her to drop her phone.
Did Susanna already know something? Or had Erica gone to Susanna?
Wendy had never done anything like this in her life, but she couldn't give up the promises Erica had made. People had to live for themselves.
Being a powerless, unassuming orphan, Wendy had endured endless ridicule and condescension from those around her. While Susanna, blessed with beauty and courted by affluent, attractive suitors, seemed destined for a life of luxury and ease. Even without the privileged connection as a friend of the Jones family heir, Susanna could navigate life with relative ease.
Wendy, however, faced a starkly different reality. Without the association with the Jones family heir, she felt she would be left with nothing—a prospect that filled her with deep dread.
When Wendy saw Susanna's name flash on her phone, a chill swept over her expression. She muttered under her breath, "Susanna, I hope you understand. I'll repay this debt when I make it big. But for now, I need your help."
With resolve hardening in her heart, Wendy made a firm decision and declined the incoming call from Susanna.
On the other end, Susanna found it strange. Didn't Wendy say she would come to the concert and wanted a photo and autograph from the music team conductor?
Now, through Brian's connections, Wendy could come and get a photo and autograph with her idol, but why wasn't she answering the phone?
Susanna acted swiftly, pulling out her phone to send Wendy a WhatsApp message: [Wendy, I've secured the autograph for you. Hurry to the auditorium for a chance to snap a photo with your idol.]
With the message sent, Susanna glanced over at Brian, remarking, "My friend didn't pick up. She must be caught up with something important."
"No worries, you can take the autograph for her later," said Brian.
Susanna nodded, thinking Wendy must be preoccupied. Wendy had often expressed her desire for a photo and autograph with her idol. Concern crept into Susanna's thoughts as she pondered if Wendy had run into some unexpected trouble.
As the event concluded triumphantly at the auditorium, Susanna finally let out a sigh of relief, basking in the satisfaction that all her efforts had paid off. This time, she knew she had truly earned her well-deserved credits.
Susanna turned to Brian. "Let's go, Brian. My treat today."
"Sure."
Brian found Susanna beaming with an uncommon joy. The flawlessly executed concert had not only earned Susanna the recognition she deserved but also granted her the opportunity to dazzle on stage, which was perfect!
Suddenly remembering something, Susanna turned to Brian. "Brian, are you close with Erica?"
