Chapter 264 Where do You Want to Take Me?
Susanna furrowed her brows, thinking, ‘What's Aaron up to?’
Already a standout at school, she wanted to avoid extra attention. As the Jones family heir, she figured Aaron wouldn't mess with her, especially with her six brothers backing her up.
With that in mind, she grabbed her bag and headed downstairs, slipping into the car quietly to dodge prying eyes.
Aaron looked at her and said, "Do all pregnant women run off like you?"
Susanna looked a bit tense. "What do you want? Make it quick, I'm busy."
"Drive," Aaron told the driver.
As the car started moving, Susanna got nervous. "Where are you taking me?"
"Relax, I won't hurt you," Aaron chuckled.
"I'm warning you, if you try anything, my brothers will come after you!" Susanna felt confident with her six protective brothers. She knew she had the upper hand. She stood tall, meeting his gaze with her bright eyes.
Seeing her smug look, Aaron couldn't help but pinch her cheek, feeling a bit annoyed.
"What are you doing?" Susanna quickly moved away. "Where are you taking me? I need to study for my exams."
"You're the Jones family heir now, and you're worried about exams?" Aaron teased.
"No matter my background, I'm still me. What I need to do will never change," Susanna said firmly.
Aaron looked at her, his expression serious as he met her unwavering gaze. He couldn't deny Susanna had qualities he admired and lacked.
Uncomfortably, he looked away. "Let's grab a bite."
"I'm not hungry," Susanna said firmly.
"Then what do you want to eat or do?" Aaron asked.
Susanna looked at him incredulously. "Mr. Abbott, are you suddenly concerned because you regret divorcing me and want me back after knowing my true identity?"
Aaron frowned. "Is that what you think?"
Hadn't he always tried to win her back? She was the one who insisted on the divorce and leaving the Abbott family!
Susanna snorted. "Mr. Abbott, ever heard this saying?"
"What saying?"
"An ideal ex-husband should act like he doesn't exist!" Susanna said.
At that moment, the driver abruptly hit the brakes, trying not to laugh.
Aaron's expression darkened. He rolled down the window, letting the cool breeze in. "I won't disappear."
"Stop the car, I want out!"
Not wanting to spend another moment with him, Susanna demanded to leave, but the driver kept driving. She grabbed her phone and said, "If you don't stop, I'll call my brothers and tell them you're kidnapping me!"
Aaron fell silent, staring at Susanna. "Grandma's out of the hospital. She wants to see you."
"Mrs. Maria Abbott?"
He continued, "She found out about you yesterday. Do you think my mom and Elaine wouldn't tell her?"
Realization hit Susanna. "You should've told me earlier if we were visiting Grandma. I need to be prepared."
"It's not necessary."
"No way, I need to pick something up. If you don't let me, I'll jump out of the car!" Susanna insisted.
After a brief standoff, Aaron gave in.
The car pulled up at a mall.
Susanna wasted no time and darted into the mall. Knowing Maria's tastes, she quickly found the perfect gift. With her own money now, she could splurge as she liked.
She picked out several silk scarves that would suit Maria's complexion.
At the checkout, Aaron offered his card from behind her. "Use mine," he whispered.
Susanna pushed it away and turned to him. "What's your deal?"
"I'm just not used to seeing women spend money," Aaron said.
"So, when I was using my own money for groceries and cooking, you didn't step in. Now that we're divorced and I have money, you suddenly care? Isn't it a bit late for that?" Susanna shot back.
The store clerk, who had been listening, chimed in, "Absolutely! Women should be financially independent."
"Exactly. Use my card." Susanna handed over her own card, completed the purchase, and picked up the scarves. She walked out, feeling empowered.
Aaron watched her leave, feeling a bit helpless. Sam's idea that spending money pleased women was clearly backfiring.
As Aaron stepped out of the mall, he couldn't spot Susanna. "Where did she go?" he asked.
The driver stammered, "She took a cab."
Aaron tugged at his tie. Ever since learning Susanna was the Jones family heir, he'd felt uneasy. He got into the car. "Let's go."
Meanwhile, Susanna was humming in the cab, feeling great. She used to be an orphan with no power, always feeling inferior with the Abbott family.
Having money was fantastic.
Soon, the cab arrived at the Abbott Mansion.
Susanna took her bag and walked in. Since Maria was out of the hospital, her health seemed better.
Entering the grand hall, Susanna beamed. "Grandma, I'm here to visit you." But Maria wasn't there; instead, a mother and daughter were on the sofa.
"Well, well, if it isn't the woman who got booted out of the Abbott family."
"Exactly, she's divorced and still calls her Grandma."
Seeing Ivy and Sienna, Susanna sighed. Their presence was unexpected. Maria's distant relatives, who had a strained relationship with her, visited annually. They acted like Abbotts and always took jabs at Susanna.
Susanna raised an eyebrow. "You have such a distant relationship with Grandma, and you still have the nerve to visit?"
Sienna stood up. "We come from the same town and share the same last name."
Ivy said arrogantly, "That's still better than some people who visit after getting divorced."
At that moment, Taylor walked over with a tray of fruit.
Ivy immediately said, "Taylor, you're just in time. Get Susanna out of here. She's divorced and still dares to come here; who knows what kind of trouble she'll stir up."
Taylor, ignoring Ivy and Sienna's remarks, turned to Susanna with respect. "Mrs. Maria Abbott is still resting."
"It's alright, I don't mind waiting," Susanna replied, taking a seat on the single sofa opposite. Taylor placed the fruit platter in front of her.
However, Sienna rudely snatched the fruit plate. "Taylor, this is not the fruit I prefer. Bring me another plate."
