Chapter 262 The Most Annoying People Are Those Who Don't Contribute
Susanna looked away, pretending not to hear the conversation.
Dahlia, sitting next to her, was shocked by Aviana's bluntness, feeling uneasy. "Does background really matter nowadays? We were there for Susanna when she needed us. Now that she's got rich relatives, should she just ditch us?"
"As far as I know, only Madison treated Susanna well, and that's none of your business. My brothers want someone from a similar background, not a lower-income family!" Aviana snapped.
Dahlia's face turned red with anger. "Who are you calling poor? What does money have to do with anything?"
Clementine quickly pulled Dahlia aside. "Okay, they're rich. Have you thought about your daughter's background?"
"Fine, I guess I'm just a burden here. I'm leaving."
Dahlia slammed her hand on the table, ready to storm out. Madison quickly tried to stop her. "Dahlia, don't be upset."
"Madison, Susanna's family is being unreasonable. Maybe my family isn't rich, but we've taken care of Susanna all this time."
Edward chimed in, "Actually, it was Madison's family, not yours."
Aviana pointed to the door. "Feel free to leave."
"I'm out of here, and I don't care." Dahlia headed for the door but hesitated, looking at Madison.
Susanna held onto Madison and calmly said, "Let's just sit down and eat."
"But where can Dahlia go?"
"She can call her son to pick her up. It's not a big deal," Susanna replied calmly.
Why should Susanna let Madison persuade her? This was just one of Dahlia's usual tricks, and she wasn't going to entertain it.
If they didn't set boundaries now, who knew what trouble this mother-daughter duo would cause.
Clementine shrugged, "Don't mind her, that's just her way."
Dahlia left, and no one stopped her. Humiliated, she stormed out.
Dinner continued without further interruptions.
"Susanna, I need to use the restroom."
"Madison, I'll go with you."
Clementine insisted on joining, so Aviana came along too.
Outside the restroom, they overheard a heated argument.
"Sorry, it was an accident."
"Ma'am, do you know how much this dress costs? You couldn't afford it even if you sold your soul."
"It was just a little water."
"This fabric is top-notch; it can't get wet or it'll be ruined. You clearly don't understand high-end fashion!"
Susanna recognized the voice but hesitated to step in. Madison had already approached Dahlia, who looked upset in front of a woman in an elegant gown.
Seeing Madison, Dahlia's eyes filled with tears. "Madison, help me. I accidentally splashed water on her dress, and she's demanding money."
The elegant woman raised her voice. "If you damage someone's property, shouldn't you pay for it? Such fools."
Clementine shot back, "Who are you calling fools? My granddaughter's rich; she could buy a $100,000 bracelet without blinking."
Dahlia turned to Susanna, desperation in her eyes. "Susanna, please help me."
Susanna, tired of the drama, asked calmly, "How do you need me to help?"
The elegant woman replied, "This dress is worth $50,000, not cheap."
"Susanna, you're wealthy; this amount is nothing to you. The real issue is this woman's arrogance. What's $50,000 for a dress? The one you're wearing costs more."
Susanna replied, "She's not looking down on me, just on you."
Dahlia's face twisted. "Aren't we family?"
"I'm family with Madison."
Susanna's tone turned cold. She looked at Madison. "You go to the restroom; I'll wait outside."
"Madison! You can't leave me. If you don't help, they'll take me away. Please help me."
Clementine grabbed Madison's hand. "Madison, Dahlia took care of me when you weren't around. Can you leave her like this?"
Susanna couldn't stand it anymore. She wanted Madison happy, not stuck in this mess. She looked at Dahlia and said, "I'll help you."
"Susanna, I knew you'd help. This money is nothing to you. Please help Dahlia," Clementine said.
Susanna smiled faintly. "Sure, write an IOU."
"An IOU?"
"Yes, consider it a loan; we need it in writing." Susanna pulled out paper and a pen, instructing Dahlia to document the arrangement.
Clementine's face soured. "Susanna, you're rich; can't you just help directly?"
"This is helping. All I ask is for an IOU. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't even offer that."Susanna wasn't about to give away $50,000 for nothing. Helping out didn't mean giving away that much money. No way!
Dahlia, crying, grabbed Madison's hand. "Madison, please save me. $50,000 would ruin me!"
Susanna calmly replied, "But didn't you say your son earns about $10,000 a month? That should cover it in five months."
Dahlia's cries grew louder.
Madison looked torn, and Clementine added, "Madison, please help Dahlia."
"But I don't have $50,000."
"How is that possible? Susanna is rich now; she must have given you money. Plus, with the house demolition, you must have received a large sum," Dahlia said.
Sighing, Madison confessed, "I gave all my funds to Susanna for safekeeping and investment. I almost got scammed last time I used my phone to pay, so I'm wary of keeping large amounts."
"Madison, then ask Susanna to take out the money. It's safer to have it on hand." Dahlia's eyes darted around, already planning how to spend the money.
Susanna sneered, "The money can be withdrawn, but the IOU is non-negotiable."
Madison, troubled, excused herself. "I need to use the restroom, excuse me."
Unable to decide, Madison sought refuge in the restroom.
Waving the paper and pen, Susanna asserted, "If you want to avoid legal trouble, deal with the IOU."
