Chapter 24 The Brothers Stood Up for Susanna
Susanna clung to Justin's back as he carried her to the venue entrance. Her high heels were off, held in Justin's hand.
They stood by the entrance, waiting for the valet to bring the car around. Susanna, unused to being carried by a guy, felt a tad awkward. "Justin, are you sure I'm not too heavy? Maybe you should let me down."
Justin chuckled and shook his head. "No way! You're good right here, Susanna. You're as light as a feather. You twisted your ankle earlier, so you gotta take it easy. Got any ointment at home? If not, we can swing by a pharmacy on the way back."
Susanna quickly replied, "I have some at home, no need to trouble yourself."
As they chatted, the car pulled up to the entrance. Suddenly, a swarm of reporters surrounded them. Justin didn't even bother to look at them. Ignoring their barrage of questions, he walked straight to the car, settled Susanna inside, and then got in beside her. He instructed the driver to go. Thinking about the headlines that would appear in the morning, Justin couldn't help but smile.
Aaron watched the car drive away, his face dark with anger.
Erica sidled up to him, stating, "Looks like Justin really cares for her. No wonder Edward helped out."
Aaron lowered his gaze. "She doesn't need those tricks."
Realizing her mistake, Erica quickly tried to backtrack. "Aaron, this was really an accident. I didn't expect such a mix-up, turning first place into last."
Not interested in arguing, Aaron turned to the security guard at the door. "Clear the entrance. This crowd is blocking my way out." With that, he strode towards the exit.
Erica remained rooted in place, hesitant to pursue. She had completely messed things up..
Elaine hurried over, still in disbelief. "Erica, is Susanna really Master Susan?"
Erica hesitated. "I'm not sure. Master Susan has never shown her face or updated her social media."
Elaine scoffed, "I don't buy it. Susanna must be a fraud. She probably bought those designs. She was so arrogant, making you present the award. It made me so mad."
Erica forced a bitter smile. "There was nothing I could do."
"Don't worry, Erica. I'll make sure she pays."
A glint of satisfaction flashed in Erica's eyes. "Elaine, don't be rash. She's got new backing now."
"She's just a gold-digger dependent on a man. What's there to fear?" Elaine looked down on Susanna from the depths of her heart as she remarked.
Erica said nothing more. Despite Elaine's foolishness, she was still useful. Just when Erica thought it was all over, her phone rang. The caller ID showed it was Edward. Nervously, she answered, "Edward."
"Erica, stay out of the branch office affairs from now on."
Erica's expression shifted. "Edward, you must be mistaken. The competition mishap wasn't my fault. It was someone else—"
"Do you think I don't know?" Edward cut off Erica's excuses sharply. "Do you think the backstage cameras are just for show? Or that your supervisor would risk their job to protect you? Erica, just because I choose not to discuss certain things publicly doesn't mean I'm unaware."
Edward's words hit Erica like a dagger, leaving her stunned and drenched in cold sweat.
Edward had every right to be upset. When he learned that Susanna was devastated about not winning the competition, he felt the urge to go comfort her, but Aviana held him back. Luckily, they got to the bottom of the issue in time; otherwise, he wouldn't know how to face Susanna in the future.
He never wanted Susanna to suffer, and the fact that the person causing her pain was the very stand-in he had adopted was something Edward couldn't accept. Struggling to control his temper, he said in an icy tone, "From now on, don't show up at the company anymore."
The call ended before Erica could respond. She knew Edward meant what he said and didn't dare argue. Over the years, she had appeared to be living a glamorous life with the Jones family, but aside from Charlotte, the three brothers treated her with polite detachment because she was merely a stand-in for Erica. This was why she wanted to marry Aaron—to secure her future.
Meanwhile, on the way home, Susanna suddenly asked Justin, "Justin, do you know Erica?"
"No, but she might know Zachary. Just like those reporters earlier, they probably mistook us."
"Speaking of those reporters, tomorrow's news is going to be a mess. Justin, should you notify Zachary? What if he gets upset—"
"Don't worry about it," Justin interrupted gently. "He's a good guy and won't mind. Besides, in this industry, no one looks more like me than him. I'm his stand-in."
"That's a relief."
When Susanna got home, Madison and Aviana had already prepared food to celebrate. Justin was called away by his manager, likely due to the awards ceremony.
Back home, Susanna placed the trophy on the table and snapped a photo to post online: [Got back the trophy from three years ago.]
After taking her folic acid, she settled onto the bed, gently caressing her belly. Winning the top prize meant better prospects for landing a lucrative job.
Following the post, Flandre was quick to offer her congratulations, sparking a lively chat between the two.
Soon, she received a message from her senior, Dick Johnson, on Facebook: [Susanna, congrats! I didn't know you were the famous Master Susan. I heard you're planning to return to school. Would you be interested in working part-time at my studio?]
Susanna was surprised. Dick had been a standout in school, and she didn't expect him to have his own studio right after graduation. She replied: [Dick, I haven't drawn in three years.]
Dick: [Winning first place proves your talent. If you're willing to work part-time, you won't need to be in the office, and we can discuss the pay.]
Susanna pondered this proposal. The idea of a part-time job with flexible hours sounded enticing. She responded: [Sounds good. Thank you.]
The next morning, Susanna woke up to a message from Flandre: [Spill it, what's your relationship with Zachary?]
