Chapter 240 Let's See Who Dares to Bully Susanna
Susanna's curiosity got the better of her. "What kind of gift is it? Can you give me a hint?" she asked.
Justin shook his head. "Nope, that'd ruin the surprise. You'll see when you leave Lindwell."
The brothers exchanged knowing looks. Austin, Brian, and Daniel seemed to share a silent understanding. When Edward asked about Susanna and Aaron's relationship today, it felt like the truth couldn't stay hidden any longer.
Austin had to tell Edward that Susanna and Aaron had been secretly married for three years. But he left out the part about Susanna being pregnant, respecting her wish for privacy as both a brother and a doctor.
They all agreed that at the graduation banquet next week, they'd reveal the big news: Susanna was the rightful heir to the Jones family.
Edward said seriously, "Susanna, all the wrongs you've faced over the years, I'll help you get justice for each one."
Susanna often noticed a subtle change in her brothers' behavior, a curiosity she couldn't quite figure out.
With the school's grand graduation banquet coming up, some distinguished guests have been invited and a charity auction will be held.
The next day, Aviana dragged Susanna to the mall to shop for clothes.
"Susanna, your brothers are doing great with their companies. Buy whatever you want, don't be shy," Aviana said, handing Susanna a sleek black membership card. "This is for you. With this card, you won't have to wait in line or make appointments for anything in this store."
Susanna accepted the card and picked out a dress. "Aviana, this dress would look great on you. You should try it on."
Aviana couldn't argue and took the dress to the fitting room.
Susanna, in a new dress, checked herself out in the mirror. The dress was cute but felt a bit tight. Being pregnant, she preferred something more comfortable and loose.
"Susanna, is that really you? Can you even afford the clothes and bags here?" Elaine and Maud walked in, surprised to see her.
Maud's tone was sharp. "Susanna, you're out of your league here, just like you don't fit in with the Abbott family. Even if you get something, don't expect to keep it."
Susanna raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Who says I can't afford it?" she replied with a smirk.
She handed her card to the store clerk. "Just wrap it up, please."
Elaine saw the card and exclaimed, "Is that a VIP membership card? Susanna, where did you get that? Did you steal it?"
Maud chimed in, equally shocked. "I bet she did."
Elaine nodded. "Yeah, you don't just get a card like that."
Maud's face twisted with envy. She had wanted that card before, but Maria's disapproval had stopped her. Now, seeing it in Susanna's hand was a bitter reminder of what she couldn't have.
Maud glared at the store clerk. "She's just a nobody. How could she have that card? You better check her identity to avoid any trouble."
Susanna had no idea the card Aviana gave her was such a big deal.
Elaine sneered, "Susanna, do you think you stole just any card? This one needs an annual spend of over ten million dollars and celebrity endorsement. You're in big trouble!"
Just then, the store manager walked over. "Ms. Abbott, Mrs. Abbott, is there anything I can help you with?"
Elaine quickly spoke up, "Someone's using a stolen VIP card. Aren't you going to check her identity?"
The store manager took the card and looked at Susanna. "Excuse me, is this card in your name?"
Susanna shook her head. "No."
Elaine laughed, "See? Susanna must have stolen or found this card. She doesn't even know where it came from."
Maud smirked. "Susanna, you're delusional!"
"Who are you calling delusional?" The fitting room door opened, and Aviana walked out. She recognized the two women immediately—Aaron's mother and cousin.
Aviana's fiery spirit flared up. She jabbed a finger at Maud, her voice full of anger. "You old witch! How dare you talk about Susanna like that? Have you lost all your manners?"
Maud, never having been scolded like this, was instantly furious. "Who do you think you are, daring to scold me?"
"So what if I scold you? Do you think I won't hit you next?" Aviana had a fiery temper when it came to protecting her loved ones. She had kept a low profile in Novaria and rarely appeared in public. She had almost never been to Lindwell before.
During Erica's engagement, she had chosen to stay away—no love lost between her and Erica. The Abbott clan didn't know her, but Aviana knew a lot about them, especially about Susanna's secret marriage to Aaron and her three years of silent suffering. The thought of it made Aviana furious.
Seeing Aviana's anger, Susanna quickly intervened, grabbing her arm to calm her down. "Aviana, calm down. We should act civilly in a law-abiding society."
After all, the one who strikes first loses!
Aviana sneered, "Do we need to be civil with people like them? Do they deserve it?"
Maud was instantly enraged and said sarcastically, "Susanna, is she your sister-in-law? No wonder."
Elaine told the store clerk, "Verify this card and inform the owner to contact the authorities, saying it was stolen by these two."
Aviana burst into laughter, "It's just a card, and you're making such a fuss. Haven't you seen money before?"
Maud snorted, "What? Feeling guilty now?"
The store manager was troubled. On one side was Maud, and on the other were people he didn't know. He decided to believe Maud and said to Susanna and Aviana, "Sorry, I need to call to verify the owner of this card."
The store manager took out his phone and dialed the number on the card. Soon, the phone on the sofa started buzzing.
The air instantly became very quiet. Elaine said in disbelief, "Is the owner of this card in this store?"