Chapter 28 She Calls the Shots
Aaron walked in with purposeful steps, his gaze shifting between the tense faces of the two women locked in dispute. His brow furrowed. "What's going on here?"
Before Susanna could speak, Olivia chimed in, trying to please, "You must be Aaron. Susanna got married and didn't even tell us. You're quite the catch. The Miller family is so lucky. If Susanna ever misbehaves, just let me know, and I'll set her straight."
Grace nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Aaron, we're family now, so you've got to help us out more from now on."
Aaron had already done his work on Susanna's background. He knew she was an orphan with adoptive parents but was raised by Madison. Clearly, these adoptive parents were no good.
He cut to the chase directly, "What are you doing here?"
Grace's eyes lit up. "Aaron, here's the thing. Susanna has a million dollars now but won't help us out. Her brother's about to get married, but we don't have the money. He can't even afford to date. I asked her to buy him a house, but she refused."
Susanna couldn't take it anymore, snapping at Grace and Olivia, "Get out of here right now!"
She should've been tougher earlier and called security to kick them out. Then Aaron wouldn't have walked in on this mess.
Grace straightened up. "Susanna, this house belongs to Aaron, not you. He hasn't said anything, so who are you to kick us out?"
Susanna's hands balled into tight fists. She was consumed by a deep sense of shame. Avoiding Aaron's gaze at all costs, she couldn't bear the thought of facing his contempt. Her pride hung by a thread, and she dreaded watching it fall apart before the divorce was officially settled.
Maybe Aaron could tell them they were already divorced, and she had no say in this house. Then Grace and Olivia would leave, seeing no benefit.
After a moment, Aaron's deep voice broke the silence. "In this house, she calls the shots."
Susanna looked at him in shock. Aaron's face was expressionless, his deep-set eyes unreadable. Yet, there was no trace of disdain or mockery in his gaze.
Did he just say she calls the shots in this house? If she hadn't heard it herself, she'd think she was dreaming. Did Aaron really say that?
Not only Susanna, but Grace and Olivia were also taken aback. They exchanged looks of disbelief. Olivia persisted, "Susanna, you've landed a good catch with Aaron, and he treats you like a queen. Why not consider helping out your brother with the money?"
Grace's voice softened. "Susanna, you grew up as an orphan, and we brought you into our family. We provided for you all those years, and now you're happily married. We're not asking for the world, just a bit of support for your brother. He's family. You can't turn your back on him like this."
Susanna took a deep breath before claiming, "I'll say it again. That money is for Vincent's treatment. I can't give it to anyone else."
Olivia turned to Aaron. "Aaron, our family is struggling. Susanna's brother needs a house. Can you lend us some money to buy one?"
"Lend?" Susanna almost burst out laughing when she heard the word. "Grandma, you have the nerve to say "lend"? How are you going to pay it back? Who's going to pay it back?"
Susanna cut Olivia off the moment she mentioned borrowing money. She felt too ashamed to look at Aaron. She had already refused them so many times, yet they still had the audacity to ask for money!
"Your brother is still so young. We can't let him bear this burden alone! Your parents and I are getting on in years and unable to work anymore. Naturally, you'll have to repay it for your brother! You and Aaron are married; he will surely comprehend, won't he?" Olivia commented.
Grace bobbed her head in agreement. "Exactly! Aaron is well-off. We can count on him. Start with a house this time, maybe a car next time! Then a secure job in the city down the line."
"You're dreaming!" Susanna shattered Grace's fantasy. "You asked me for money for my brother's wedding, but when I asked about repayment, you said he's too young. So, you're only telling the truth when it benefits you? I won't support his life. Didn't you hear? I call the shots in this house. He has no say, so asking him is useless!"
Grace's expression changed, and she quickly retorted, "Susanna, you're talking nonsense. Your husband is rich and powerful. Of course, he calls the shots, not you, a woman. Right, Aaron?"
Susanna bit her lip, nervously looking at Aaron, hoping he wouldn't agree. Her hint had been pretty clear.
Aaron rolled up his sleeves and looked down at her. "Come here."
Susanna was puzzled but walked over, not understanding his intention. As she got close, Aaron turned her around and pulled her into his arms, his chin resting on her shoulder. He looked at the greedy Grace and Olivia. "I have plenty of money. But all my money is in my wife's hands. She calls the shots in this house."
Susanna's mind buzzed with his words echoing in her ears. They were so close she could almost smell the faint mint scent on him and feel the strong heartbeat from his chest.
Aaron leaned down and whispered in her ear, "So, you decide how to use the money. I have no objections."
Susanna glanced at his impeccably handsome face, a mix of tenderness and inscrutability. She couldn't fathom why Aaron had unexpectedly sided with her. Swiftly regaining her composure, she faced Grace and Olivia, witnessing their avaricious expressions freeze in astonishment. They hadn't anticipated Aaron endorsing Susanna's authority, and now they seemed to regret their approach. It was a gratifying moment indeed!
Grace quickly said, "Susanna, since Aaron said so, hurry and give us the money."
Olivia nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Aaron is so generous; you can't be stingy with us."
Susanna laughed coldly. "Who said we're family? You're just a bunch of leeches! I'd rather donate the money than give you a cent. Forget it."
"We adopted you and paid for your education. Now you've found your brothers and got married to a wealthy man, and you want to ditch us?"
Hearing the word "brother," Aaron looked down at Susanna. "When did you get a brother?"
