Chapter 268 Mr. Abbott Being Provoked
Susanna's face changed the moment she heard Maria's voice.
Did Maria overhear their chat? Susanna was caught off guard; the last person she wanted to upset was Maria.
They both walked out and saw Maria standing there. Susanna looked a bit uneasy. "Grandma."
"What are you doing standing there? Come eat. You two were gone so long, I thought you might be in the restroom and came to check."
Susanna sighed in relief. "Grandma, we were just chatting and lost track of time." She took Maria's arm, and they headed to the dining room together.
Aaron watched Susanna walk away, his gaze deepening.
During the meal, Susanna avoided looking at Aaron, who sat across from her. She turned to Maria and said softly, "Grandma, you should rest. I'm heading out now. I'll visit again soon."
"Okay, make sure to visit often before you leave for Novaria," Maria replied.
Susanna's eyes welled up, and she nodded. Outside the Abbott Mansion, she wiped her tears. Aaron handed her a tissue. She took it and blew her nose hard.
Aaron frowned at her roughness. "What's the name of that bar?"
"What?" Susanna looked confused, then realized what he meant. "Why do you want to know?"
"I'll help you find that man," Aaron said.
"No need, I'll raise the child myself." Susanna's face was firm, showing she didn't plan to find the child's father.
Aaron felt a pang in his heart. "Do you want the child to never know their father?"
She turned away, eyes sad and sarcastic. "That man doesn't know about the child. He wouldn't want it and might force me to abort. Why would I tell him?"
She didn't trust Aaron's intentions and wouldn't risk her child's safety.
They stood at the mansion's entrance, neither backing down.
Aaron sensed her words were a jab at his past reluctance and pressure for an abortion. He couldn't deny the truth in them.
Finally, Aaron frowned. "I'll give you a ride. Are you going to school or home?"
"No need, I'll go myself."
"You know it's hard to get a cab here."
Susanna nodded. "I know, but my brother's picking me up."
Just then, a black luxury car pulled up. Brian got out, looking sharp. He took off his sunglasses and walked over. "Susanna, let's go."
"Coming."
Seeing Brian, Susanna smiled slightly. She turned to Aaron. "If you need anything, message me on Facebook. Please don't show up at my school like today; it's intrusive."
Susanna walked towards Brian without looking back, but she could feel Aaron's intense gaze.
As she got into the car, she noticed it looked really expensive. Brian stood outside, giving Aaron a sly look. "Susanna's got her own chauffeur now. The family's even lined up a fleet of sports cars for her. No more riding in some guy's old wheels."
Brian's taunt highlighted the contrast between Aaron's car and the new model he had just acquired.
Aaron watched them drive away, then pulled out his phone and called Sam. "Hey, you free? Want to hit the car dealership with me?"
Half an hour later, they met outside the dealership.
Sam looked hesitant. "Aaron, I heard a rumor. Is it true?"
Aaron cut him off with a stern look. "Shut up."
"Come on, Aaron. Spill it! I came to help you out. Is Susanna really the heir to the Jones family?"
"Yes."
Sam was shocked. "Unbelievable. I thought she was just an orphan. Now, after divorcing you, she's the Jones heir! How do you feel about that?"
Aaron's lips tightened. "It's good she found her family."
"Sure, but don't you think it's harder to win her back now? If her six brothers turn against you, you'd be in trouble," Sam said.
Aaron looked at the luxury cars and said calmly, "Who said I want to win her back?"
"Giving up is smart. Plenty of fish in the sea, right? But why the new car, Aaron?"
Aaron stayed silent, not wanting to explain.
Realizing he was provoked by Brian's words into looking at new cars, Aaron felt even more frustrated. This was so unlike him!
Ten minutes later, Aaron drove away in a high-end, latest model car, feeling even more annoyed.
Susanna returned to school, determined to ace her upcoming exams. These were the tests she had missed, and with graduation near, it was her last chance. She knew she had to seize it.
Brian looked at her. "Susanna, you don't have to work so hard. Now that you're the Jones heir, and Edward donated a building to the school, they wouldn't dare not give you a diploma."
Susanna was silent for a moment. "Brian, I don't want to be laughed at. I still want to be myself."
Brian watched her walk away and messaged the group: [Susanna is incredibly diligent, responsible, and pragmatic. She's simply adorable!]
Justin snorted as he typed: [This time it's your turn. Next time, I should be the one to pick up Susanna!]
As Susanna walked to the library, she got a WhatsApp message from Flandre: [Susanna, are you free tomorrow night?]
She called back. "I'm free tomorrow. What's up?"
"Tomorrow's our high school reunion at Crestview, organized by Jim. Will you be there?" Flandre asked.
