Chapter 290 I Don't Know You Well
Susanna's heart was pounding like crazy when she saw the woman's face.
All those memories came rushing back—like that one time she found pics of this chick on Aaron's computer. It was a hectic night, she had a school project due, and she ended up using Aaron's study and his computer to crank out a paper.
She never expected to stumble on a hidden folder packed with images of the same woman who was now standing right in front of her.
When Susanna finally got the guts to ask Aaron about the mystery woman in the photos, he totally lost it.
He blew up, yelling and then flat-out banned her from his study.
No matter how much she pried, even sneaking in chats with Elaine, the woman's identity stayed a big fat question mark, wrapped in layers of guesswork.
Susanna felt there was something deep between Aaron and this woman, something unspoken and buried in the heart's dark corners.
And now, face to face with the woman she once only saw in pixels, Susanna saw that same familiar look in her eyes—a mix of hidden affection and quiet joy—a look that said a lot without saying anything.
As the elevator doors shut, Susanna couldn't help but wonder who this woman really was.
She'd been with Aaron for three years and never saw this woman in person, and Aaron never mentioned her.
"Susanna, I'm starving. Let's grab something yummy," Flandre said, snapping her out of her thoughts, and they headed to their private dining room.
The room had an awesome view of the night sky.
After dinner, Susanna hit the restroom. Coming out of the stall, she bumped into the woman with Aaron. The lady was stunning and classy, definitely from money.
While Susanna was washing her hands, she overheard the woman on the phone. "Pick out a nice scarf for me. I heard Mrs. Maria Abbott loves scarves. I'll swing by later; I need it by the weekend."
Hearing this, Susanna figured the woman would be at the weekend's party too.
She took a deep breath, trying not to overthink it. After all, she and Aaron were divorced, and whoever he was with now was none of her business.
Back in the private room, Susanna and Flandre left the restaurant together.
As she got into the car, she saw Aaron and the woman walking out, chatting and laughing.
The woman casually linked arms with Aaron, and he didn't pull away.
Susanna quickly looked away, staring straight ahead, a hint of self-mockery in her eyes.
Flandre grabbed her hand, speaking earnestly, "Susanna, we gotta look forward. You're a super-rich beauty now; you can have anything you want. When you have it all, what do men even matter?"
A soft smile crept onto Susanna's lips as she replied, "You're so right." She secretly touched her lower abdomen. After Maria's party, she was heading back to Novaria.
A few days later, the weekend rolled around in no time.
Friday night, her brothers started rolling into Lindwell one by one, flying in from all over.
Aviana grabbed Susanna's hand. "Susanna, I've been busy setting up your room at home these past few days and got a bunch of surprises ready for you. Hope you like it when you get back."
"Thanks, Aviana!"
Susanna and Madison packed their stuff pretty light since they wouldn't be coming back much after this.
Edward looked at Madison. "The hospital in Novaria is all set. We've got a dedicated team and a plane ready to transfer Vincent, making sure everything goes smoothly."
Madison nodded, her eyes red. "Thank you."
Edward's gaze was full of gratitude. "We should be thanking you. Thanks for being willing to move to Novaria with us, so Susanna won't be so lonely there."
Susanna glanced at her six brothers, a happy smile spreading across her face.
The next morning, after breakfast, Aviana took Susanna out. "Susanna, I booked a makeup artist and stylist from DivineDynasty for you. You're gonna be the most stunning one tonight."
Susanna felt a bit helpless. "Aviana, I'm just going to celebrate Maria's recovery, no need for all this."
Aviana gave her a determined look. "But don't forget, today you're stepping into the Abbott family banquet as the heir of the Jones family. It's your time to make those who underestimated you eat their words." Edward nodded in agreement. "Aviana's right."
Susanna went along with her family to the top floor of the mall, this time with Brian and Justin tagging along.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Susanna caught a whiff of some strong, pungent perfume. She instinctively covered her nose and looked up to see Elaine with an assistant.
Since her true identity as the Jones family heir was revealed at school, Elaine and Maud had pretty much vanished and hadn't shown up in front of her again.
Susanna hadn't given Elaine and Maud much thought, but she didn't expect to run into Elaine here. It was instantly awkward.
Elaine looked surprised to see Susanna, even a bit embarrassed, but her eyes lit up when she saw the two handsome men beside her.
She'd always dreamed of marrying into the Jones family, willing to marry any of the Jones brothers since they were all good-looking.
But who would've thought Erica was a fraud, and Susanna was the real Jones family heir? It took Elaine a long time to accept this reality.
Elaine had always looked down on Susanna, and now seeing Susanna as the Jones family heir, living a richer and freer life than her, she couldn't handle the disparity.
Aviana spoke first, "Isn't this the Abbott family heir? Are you here for a makeover too?"
Elaine's eyes lit up with pride. "Absolutely. Aaron made special arrangements for the makeup artist and stylist to be here, exclusively for the Abbott family."
"What a coincidence, we also booked this makeup artist and stylist today. Who said it's exclusive to the Abbott family?" Brian's eyes flashed dangerously. "If Aaron wants them, he can give it a shot!"
Justin snorted coldly, "I'm tight with the makeup artist and stylist here. The Jones family booked first. If Aaron wants to cut in line, he should see if the Jones family agrees!"
Brian and Justin kept their noble and aloof expressions, which totally fascinated Elaine. She quickly tried to suck up to Susanna. "It doesn't matter, we can share. Susanna, you go first. I'm not in a hurry."
Seeing Elaine's fawning expression, which was exactly the same as her attitude towards Erica before, Susanna raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Abbott, we're not close, plus I'm younger than you."
