Chapter 245 We'll see about that
When Erica heard the news, her eyelids twitched. Something felt off.
She turned to her secretary. "Why did Edward and the others suddenly decide to donate to the design school for a gallery? That must cost a lot, right?"
"The funding is estimated at ten million dollars," the secretary replied.
"Ten million? That's a lot!"
Erica gripped her hat tightly. "Did you find out why?"
"Not yet, but it might be related to the H.F. International Design Competition. Edward's firm values design, and their new branch here in Lindwell needs to attract talent."
Erica thought for a moment. It made sense. Edward's branch was new, and they did something similar in Novaria.
She put on her hat, wincing as it pulled her hair. "Damn Susanna,I'll get you back for this, double. For now, find Wendy!"
"Don't worry, Ms. Jones. I'll have the luxury store send Wendy a message about a free gift. She loves luxury and won't resist. Once she shows up, we can catch her," the secretary suggested.
Erica sneered, "Good idea. Wendy will definitely fall for it. Also, check with the store manager about the latest dress and that rare leather bag I want for the charity gala this weekend."
The secretary hesitated. "The dress was bought yesterday, but the bag is still available."
"Who bought it?"
"A VIP super member."
Erica felt a pang of regret. If only she had a super membership card. Aviana had one, but she never liked Erica and wouldn't lend it to her.
A dark look crossed Erica's face. How dare Aviana, who married into the family, act so arrogant! What did she have to be so proud of?
Erica finally said, "Buying the bag will be just as good."
"Ms. Jones, your credit card limit is down to one hundred thousand dollars, and the bag costs six hundred thousand," the secretary explained.
"Then I'll use cash."
"Since your conflict with Edward, your credit card limit was reduced, and most of your cash went to pay off Elaine's maxed-out card."
Erica's brows furrowed. She hadn't realized her funds were so tight.
The secretary suggested, "Why not sign the documents Edward gave you? There are properties, stocks, and cash in there."
"If I sign, I'll have nothing to do with the Jones family. I won't sign!"
Despite her anger, Erica had to face reality. "Cancel Elaine's credit card. She hasn't been any help and doesn't deserve my money."
"Yes."
"And find someone to buy that dress and a knockoff bag. At a school gala, no one can afford those limited-edition brands. Even if I wear fakes, no one will suspect."
The secretary flattered, "That's true. You're the heir of the Jones family; no one would suspect you of using fakes."
"Susanna will be there too. I'll make sure to mock her, and with Edward around, I'll have him put her in her place!" Erica sneered, already excited for the weekend.
After leaving the music academy, Susanna felt a bit anxious. She had impulsively pulled Erica's hair earlier. In hindsight, it might have been rash, but it was satisfying. Erica always had that smug attitude.
After finishing her schoolwork, Susanna checked the time and took a cab to the hospital. Standing outside Maria's ward, her emotions were a mess.
She knew Aaron wouldn't agree to a divorce because of Maria. But a child growing up in a loveless family wouldn't be happy, so she had to leave. Aaron never wanted a child, and she feared the child would be neglected, just like she had been for the past three years.
Taking a deep breath, Susanna pushed open the door. "Grandma, I'm here. How have you been feeling?"
"Not bad. I can still go downstairs for a walk. I should be able to leave the hospital soon," Maria said.
Seeing Maria's improved complexion, Susanna felt more at ease.
She stayed with Maria for lunch, and Maria couldn't stop expressing her concern. "Once your exams are over, take a good break at home. After the baby is born, if you want to work, let Aaron help you find a job. For now, your health is the most important."
Susanna lowered her eyes. "Grandma, I'm sorry, but I lied to you."
A heavy silence filled the ward. Finally, Maria's hand dropped to her side. "You're not pregnant, are you?"
Susanna was surprised but couldn't admit she was really pregnant now, so she stayed silent. After a while, Maria sighed, "I always hoped I'd have a grandchild soon."
"Grandma, I'm sorry!"
'I've lied to you again!' Susanna kept the words inside.
Maria held her hand. "Tell me, what else do you want to say?"
Susanna bit her lip. "Grandma, I found my family."
"Really? That's great news. I was always worried about you living alone. Now that you've found your family, that's wonderful. How are your biological parents? Are they good to you?"
"My biological parents have passed away, but I have three brothers, and they are all very good to me." Thinking about her time with her brothers, Susanna felt the warmth of family again.
"Susanna, where are your brothers from?" Maria asked.
"They're from Novaria."
After Susanna spoke, Maria fell silent, holding her hand tightly. "So you've decided to go back to Novaria, right?"
"Yes." Susanna nodded, looking at Maria. "But once I'm settled, I'll come back to see you."
Maria sighed, "I wanted to keep you by my side, but unfortunately, Aaron isn't that lucky."
Susanna was stunned. "You already knew?"
"Did you two think you could hide it from me? I thought you were pregnant, so I hoped you two would live well together. But since there's no baby and you've found your family, I know I can't keep you here," Maria explained.
Seeing Maria so understanding, Susanna couldn't hold back her tears.
Maria gently wiped her tears. "When do you plan to finalize the divorce?"
Susanna shook her head, but Maria continued, "I wasn't asking you; I was asking the one at the door."
