Chapter 225 Another Confrontation Between Two Men
Susanna was about to ask, but then Erica suddenly appeared and interrupted her.
Brian's face changed a bit when he heard the question. He forced a smile and said, "Erica can play the piano too. She wants to join our music group."
Susanna was surprised. "So, is Erica joining the music team?"
"No way. Erica's got no talent. She wants in, but it's impossible."
Brian's voice dripped with disdain. There was no chance he'd let Erica join the music team, no way!
Susanna, however, thought about Erica's powerful connections. If Erica really wanted in, it wouldn't be that hard.
Just as they were about to leave backstage, the principal walked over and looked straight at Susanna. "Susanna, this event was a hit because of you. How about we all go out for dinner?"
Susanna was caught off guard by the principal's sudden invite. She wasn't interested in a formal dinner; she just wanted to earn her credits.
Brian noticed Susanna's reluctance. He turned to the principal and said, "Sorry, we already have plans. Maybe next time."
Knowing Brian's influence in the music team, the principal didn't want to upset him. He smiled and nodded. "Of course, I understand."
Susanna felt relieved by Brian's quick save. She let out a deep breath, grateful for his help in dodging the dinner. They walked out of the school together.
As they reached the school gates, Susanna's eyes widened when she saw a sleek luxury car parked nearby. It was Aaron's car!
She stole a quick glance before quickly getting into Brian's car.
Curiosity got the best of her, and she peeked in the rearview mirror, but she couldn't see Aaron's face. Shaking off any thoughts about misunderstandings with Brian, she decided to let it go.
The car started and drove off. In the luxury car behind, Aaron watched them leave, his eyes narrowing with a complex expression.
He turned to Tyler beside him. "Have you figured out why Susanna is hanging around the Jones family?"
Tyler hesitated. "I haven't found anything specific. But ever since you filed for divorce from Mrs. Abbott, the Jones family has been around her. It seems odd, but I couldn't find a reason."
"Keep digging!"
Aaron replayed the image of Susanna getting into Brian's car in his mind, feeling a surge of frustration. He rolled down the window for some fresh air, trying to clear his thoughts. Just then, Erica hurried over. "Aaron, you're still here?"
Seeing Erica, Aaron immediately rolled up the window and kicked the seat in front. "Let's go."
The luxury car sped off, leaving Erica standing there, stomping her feet in frustration.
Since the scam about Maria's surgery was exposed, Aaron had been cold and distant to her, completely ignoring her.
Erica's assistant, Ondine, walked over. "Mr. Jones, why are you so set on Aaron? There are plenty of wealthy families in Lindwell; you could have your pick."
"No way. I'm the heir of the Jones family in Novaria. I want the best, a man with top status and background. Besides Aaron, there's no one else as good," Erica said firmly.
The assistant lowered her voice. "Mr. Jones, I'm just looking out for you. You know the real heir of the Jones family has surfaced. It's only a matter of time before they find them. You should marry into a wealthy family before this blows up, so you can secure your future."
Erica's eyes darkened. "That won't happen. I'll never let the real heir return and take my place!"
Determined and unstoppable, she had clawed her way up to her current position and wasn't about to back down now. She was set on uncovering the true identity of the Jones family heir and securing the role of Aaron's wife!
"Mr. Jones, what you're doing is too risky."
"If I didn't take risks, I wouldn't be where I am today." Erica knew very well that everything she had today was taken by herself.
Meanwhile, Susanna led Brian to a cozy restaurant near the university. With a bright smile, she said, "You're in for a treat! The food here is top-notch, with a unique twist, and it's just a stone's throw from the university. It's always buzzing with people."
Brian parked the car and looked around. "Do you come here often?"
Susanna shook her head. "No, I used to work part-time here. The boss is nice, and I've tried the food. It's pretty good."
Brian felt a pang of heartache hearing that Susanna had worked part-time here. If he had found Susanna earlier, she wouldn't have had to endure so much hardship.
As they entered the restaurant, Susanna's eyes landed on a surprising sight—the principal and a few key school officials seated nearby, enjoying their meal.
Susanna was stunned for a moment. 'What a coincidence! They're eating here too?'
Spotting Susanna, the principal wasted no time in extending a warm greeting. "Susanna, fancy seeing you here! What a delightful coincidence. Care to join us for a meal?"
Susanna couldn't help but marvel at how fate worked. It seemed to have a knack for playing hide-and-seek—disappearing when you needed it most, only to pop up unexpectedly when you least expected.
Feeling a mix of surprise and obligation, she couldn't really turn down the principal's invitation, so she gave a reluctant nod, resigned to the unexpected turn of events.
Seeing Susanna agree, Brian didn't say anything and followed the group of middle-aged men into a private room.
As Susanna settled into her seat, she couldn't help but notice the vacant chair beside her, with the principal comfortably seated beside it.
A twinge of surprise ran through her. Could it be that the principal was particularly mindful of personal space boundaries, leaving that seat empty as an unspoken gesture of respect?
But soon, everything fell into place. The door to the private room swung open, revealing Aaron strolling in with a nonchalant air. Clad in just his shirt and vest, holding his suit jacket in one hand, he exuded a casual elegance that seemed to defy the formal setting.
Seeing Aaron's entrance, Susanna couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. How could she have ever doubted that Aaron would grace them with his presence at this important gathering?
Given the strong support from the Abbott Group for the event, it was only natural for Aaron to make an appearance. Susanna's earlier uncertainty melted away in light of his arrival, reminding her that sometimes, it was best not to overthink things.
Aaron walked over to her without hesitation, pulled out the chair, and sat down. The principal immediately smiled and said, "Mr. Abbott is finally here. Now everyone is here. Let's start. Thank you all for your hard work today. Especially Susanna, with her special status, she hasn't sought attention at school and has been diligent and sincere. It's truly an honor for our school to have she as a student."
Susanna felt a bit embarrassed hearing his compliments.
At this moment, a middle-aged man beside her curiously asked, "What special status does Susanna have?"