Chapter 25 The Rumor with Justin Hit the Headlines
When Susanna caught sight of the trending headline, "#Romantic Revelations from Novaria Star," a sharp pang throbbed through her head. The prospect of being thrust into the limelight was the last thing she desired.
Clicking on the article, all Susanna saw was a photo of her and Justin entering the venue from behind. No other snapshots. A wave of relief washed over her. Thank goodness they didn't snap Justin carrying her out.
As she delved into the content, she couldn't help but scoff. The article ludicrously asserted that she and Justin had been in a secret three-year relationship, and were only now making it public. Typical fake news from the entertainment world.
Susanna filled in Flandre on the situation, clarifying that Justin was merely standing in for the actual celebrity, and the reporters had jumped to a mistaken conclusion. Putting her phone aside, she decided to head out and pick up some gifts for Edward and Aviana before her return to Novaria.
"Justin, I hope this didn't cause you any trouble." Susanna said.
"No worries. I've already talked to them. They'll only publish the photo from behind and won't reveal your face. Relax," Justin said, though he felt a bit disappointed.
Edward chimed in, "Susanna, now that you've won first place, you must have a lot of job offers. Where are you planning to go? Sliverpeak Innovations, the event sponsor, offers the first-place winner a job in their design department with great benefits."
He was hinting hard, hoping Susanna would stay at Sliverpeak Innovations so he could keep an eye on her.
However, Susanna knew Sliverpeak Innovations was Erica's family business and located in Novaria. Shaking her head, she said, "Edward, I've already found a part-time job."
Edward looked disappointed but didn't push it. As long as Susanna was happy, he didn't care where she worked.
After seeing Edward and Aviana off, Susanna headed to Dick's studio to report in. On the way, she got a call. "Ms. Miller, hi, this is the HR manager from the Abbott Group. Are you interested in working with us? We can discuss the terms."
The Abbott Group? Susanna hesitated. "Why do you want me to join your group?"
She thought Aaron would drop the idea after learning she was Master Susan. But now the Abbott Group was calling her directly. She couldn't figure out Aaron's intentions.
The HR manager was equally puzzled. He was used to explaining why people couldn't work at the Abbott Group, not the other way around. "Ms. Miller, we contacted your friend before, but you declined twice. Mr. Abbott really admires your talent and wants you to join us."
'Aaron admires my talent?' Susanna felt a chill and quickly declined. "Sorry, I've already committed to a studio. Thanks for Mr. Abbott's appreciation!"
"Ms. Miller, a studio can't compare to our group. Ms. Miller!"
"Mr. Abbott, she hung up on me." The HR manager looked nervously at Aaron, who was holding the phone with a dark expression, unsure whether to put it down or keep holding it.
After a long pause, Aaron finally said, "You can go."
The HR manager put down the phone and quickly left.
Aaron's phone buzzed with a breaking news alert: "Romantic Revelations from Novaria Star!" His brows furrowed as he tapped on the headline, revealing a snapshot of Susanna and Justin from behind. She was clad in a stunning champagne-colored gown, her elegant figure and billowing skirt captivating his attention.
As the familiar fabric momentarily teased his memory, Aaron's fingers twitched involuntarily. With a gulp and a sip of water to steady his nerves, he dialed Tyler's number. "Pull the headline," he ordered.
"Got it, Mr. Abbott. Do you want me to find out which studio Mrs. Abbott joined?" Tyler asked.
Aaron's eyes narrowed. "You got time to burn or what?"
Meanwhile, Susanna arrived at Dick's studio, located in a creative hub transformed from a repurposed steel factory, brimming with artistic vibes. As she walked in, the receptionist approached her. "Are you here for an interview?"
"Sort of. Is Dick around?"
"Dick's out at the moment. Please wait over there."
Susanna headed to the lounge area when someone called her name. "Susanna?"
She turned to see a familiar face—Allison, the second-place winner from yesterday.
"Fancy meeting you here," Susanna said, surprised.
"Yeah, what brings you here?" Allison asked.
The receptionist brought over a glass of water. "Allison, she's here for an interview."
Allison looked incredulous and asked, "You need to interview at this studio? Didn't you get offers from big companies?"
As the first-place winner and known as Master Susan, Susanna shouldn't be at a small studio, especially with her connections to a famous Novaria actor.
Susanna remained calm. "I have my reasons."
A flicker of suspicion crossed Allison's eyes. "Do you know Dick?"
"Yes."
"What's your relationship with him?" Allison inquired.
Before Susanna could answer, Dick walked in and approached her. "Susanna, glad you made it."
Allison's eyes narrowed. "Dick, you know her?"
"Yeah, Susanna's our junior from school, a year below us. She had to take a break for family reasons."
"Is that so? Well, Dick, she's incredibly talented. How did you manage to get her here? Flashing that winning smile of yours?" Allison teased.
Dick sighed, "Allison, cut it out. Susanna, come to my office."
Susanna nodded and followed him without further comment.
As they walked away, Allison quickly pulled out her phone and dialed a number, her tone ingratiating. "Ms. Abbott, it's Allison. Remember me from the awards dinner last night?"
"What do you want?" Elaine asked, her voice groggy. She had been upset since learning Susanna was Master Susan, not Allison.
Allison didn't mind Elaine's haughty tone as she continued, "Ms. Abbott, do you know Susanna well?"
Elaine perked up at the mention of Susanna's name. "What are you getting at?"
"I saw Susanna at a studio today. She seemed to be interviewing," Allison said, her voice dripping with implication.
Elaine's interest was piqued. "Tell me more. Give me the address."
After giving a brief rundown and adding Elaine on Facebook, Allison's attention was drawn back to Dick's voice. "Everyone, we have a new member joining us today. Let's give a warm welcome."
Allison's lips curled into a cold smile. The woman who stole her first place seemed to be after the man she liked now. She wouldn't let Susanna have her way.
