Chapter 279 The Haunting Ex-Husband
Susanna spotted Aaron's car and quickly told Jack on the phone, "Hey, I'm outside the study room. Come find me."
"Got it, be right there," Jack replied.
After hanging up, Susanna stayed outside, eyeing Aaron's car but pretending not to notice. Soon, Aaron stepped out, his eyes locking onto her.
Feeling his stare, Susanna looked up and thought, "It rained last night, but today the sky's perfect."
Aaron's deep voice broke the silence, "What are you looking at? A plane?"
Susanna couldn't ignore him anymore and turned to face him. "Nope, just a flying cow. Didn't you see it?"
Aaron, surprised by her response, looked tired. He remembered her saying it was wishful thinking to fancy him, that he didn't care for her.
He wanted to explain last night but got interrupted by Brian.
Aaron's expression turned awkward. "Actually, what you said last night wasn't entirely true."
Susanna was puzzled. What did she say last night?
"Susanna!" Jack called out, walking over and seeing her with another man.
Jack's eyes darkened, but he quickly smiled and approached. "Susanna, I brought snacks. Perfect time for a bite."
Susanna saw the snack box. "These are the famous ones from near the school, right? I've given up buying them because of the lines."
"A friend works there part-time and got me a box," Jack said, feeling Aaron's cold gaze. He looked at Aaron, thinking he'd back off.
Recognizing Aaron, Jack's face changed. "Aaron? Mr. Abbott?"
Aaron glanced at the snacks, his lips tight. "You seem close to my wife?"
Jack felt the tension and quickly said, "You misunderstand. Susanna and I are just classmates."
"Susanna, you call her quite affectionately," Aaron shot back.
"No, Susanna's kind. We all call her that. No other meaning," Jack stammered, not wanting to offend Aaron.
Susanna's mouth twitched. What was Aaron getting at?
She couldn't stand Aaron's look and told Jack, "Weren't you treating me to dinner? Let's go. I'm hungry."
Jack, feeling the tension, asked Aaron, "Mr. Abbott, do you have plans tonight?"
Susanna cut in, "He's the president of Abbott Group, always busy. No time."
Ready to leave with Jack, Aaron calmly descended the steps and asked Tyler, "Any plans for me tonight?"
Tyler felt a lump in his throat. There were plans, but saying so now seemed risky. He quickly replied, "No plans."
Aaron nodded and gave Jack a hard look.
Jack was about to speak, but Susanna cut in, "Even if Mr. Abbott is free, he wouldn't join us for cheap food. He only eats at high-end places with a very discerning palate."
Jack started sweating. Why was Susanna so against Aaron? She almost said she didn't want to eat with him.
Aaron's eyes narrowed. "I've had enough of high-end places. I want to try cheap food."
Jack, though hesitant, gave in. "Alright, let's all go. There's a great spicy pizza place near the school. They have other good stuff too. I even booked a private room."
Susanna went quiet. Aaron usually stuck to bland foods—how would he handle spicy pizza?
They headed to the pizza joint in a cozy alley. Cars couldn't reach it, so they had to walk. The recent rain made the path slippery and dirty.
Susanna glanced back at Aaron, who looked out of place in his pristine suit and shiny shoes.
A man like him should be dining in luxury, not walking through a gritty alley.
As they walked, someone from a nearby shop splashed water out.
Aaron dodged quickly, but his pants still got wet and smelled funny.
He pulled out a handkerchief, covering his nose and mouth with a frown.
Seeing Aaron's state, Susanna stopped and said, "Mr. Abbott, this place isn't for you. Maybe you should head back." Oddly, seeing Aaron out of his element cheered her up.
Jack regretted choosing this place. The food was good, but not for someone like Aaron.
Aaron put down the handkerchief, pocketed one hand, and walked towards her.
Susanna looked up. "What's wrong?"
Aaron walked past her and said, "Lead the way."
Susanna watched him and said, "You're going the wrong way."
With a complex expression, she turned and led the right way. Aaron paused, hid his unease, and followed.
After a short walk, they reached the restaurant.
People were lining up, but Jack had reserved a spot, so they didn't have to wait.
As Aaron stepped in, his polished shoes skidded on the greasy floor, and the strong smell made him cough.
Seeing Aaron's face turn red, Susanna rushed over with a tissue but slipped and stumbled awkwardly.