Chapter 294 Is Susanna the True Heir?
Susanna saw Aviana slap Cressida, and she couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for Aviana. Who knew the usually gentle Aviana had such a fierce side?
Cressida, rubbing her cheek, blurted out, "Did you just say Susanna?"
"Yep, you heard right!"
Someone else piped up, "Wait, are we talking about the Jones family from Novaria?"
"Isn't Erica the heir of the Jones family from Novaria? Why isn't she here? She'd totally know what's up in Novaria."
Edward shot a cold glance and said, "Erica's just an adopted daughter, not the heir. Everyone in Novaria knows that."
That's why Erica was so desperate to marry into the Lindwell family—nobody here knew her real story.
Austin smirked at Aaron, "Mr. Abbott, since the Abbott family invited the Jones family, shouldn't you give a proper intro?"
Upon hearing this, Cressida, who had just been hit, finally realized what had happened. She was incredulous: How did Susanna become the heir of the Jones family in Novaria?
Aaron's eyes landed on Susanna, who was gliding through the crowd in her elegant white evening gown, surrounded by six sharp-dressed dudes. She looked like a modern-day princess at the ball.
He suddenly realized she had such a dazzling side.
He pressed his thin lips together and said, "Welcome to the distinguished guests from the Jones family of Novaria. Thanks, Edward, for the gift for Mrs. Maria Abbott."
After his remarks, Aaron's eyes flickered towards Maud. With a hint of reluctance, Maud hesitantly added, "That's right, this is Edward, the head of the Jones family from Novaria, and this lady is Aviana."
Ever since learning that Susanna was the true heir of the Jones family, Maud had been upset and hadn't left the house for a long time. Knowing Susanna would attend the banquet today, she had been anxious and sleepless the night before.
After all, Maud knew she had always underestimated Susanna, dismissing her as a mere orphan with no power or influence.
Erica was a fake heir; Susanna was the real deal!
Brian continued, "We haven't finished the intros. The most important person today is the true heir of the Jones family from Novaria. Lost in her childhood years due to the deceit of a malevolent nanny, she remained hidden from us for what felt like forever, until fate led us back to her."
As all eyes fell upon Susanna, a sense of disbelief hung in the air. The unfolding story felt like a TV drama, so dramatic and unexpected that it seemed unreal to everyone present.
Susanna stood there, feeling the astonished gazes, many from relatives close to the Abbott family who had often belittled her for being poor and trying to climb the social ladder. Seeing their expressions change so dramatically was truly satisfying.
Justin stood beside Susanna, saying, "Susanna is the true heir of the Jones family. When she was with the Abbott family, she received much care from everyone. In the future, the Jones family will reciprocate."
After this statement, the atmosphere got a bit awkward.
Especially Maud, who could hardly stay calm. What did he mean by this? Were they seeking revenge for Susanna?
Cressida, still fuming after being slapped, looked at Maud. "Maud, are you just gonna stand there and watch me get bullied at the banquet?"
Maud was at a loss, her mind racing with the thought, 'Why is someone causing trouble again??'
Aaron's sharp eyes swept over. "Since you're not feeling well, you should go home and rest early."
Cressida wanted to protest, but a bodyguard quickly escorted her away.
The rest of the attendees watched the drama unfold in silence, especially the women who had previously ridiculed Susanna.
They now avoided her gaze, either staring at the floor or retreating to the corners of the room, unwilling to meet Susanna's eyes. Just like the Abbott family's esteemed status in Lindwell, the Jones family of Novaria held a position of great influence in their city.
Most of the families present had branches in Novaria. Crossing the Jones family could potentially result in the loss of future business opportunities in the city, a risk no one dared to take lightly.
Edward looked at Maud. "It seems the Abbott family is quite reasonable."
Maud forced a smile. "Welcome to the Abbott family. Please come inside."
Seeing Maud's polite expression, Susanna realized that only status and power could make Maud look at her differently.
Aviana linked arms with her. "Let's go, Susanna. Let's go inside!"
"Okay."
As Susanna made her grand entrance into the banquet hall, flanked by her brothers, she carried herself with pride, her head held high. Her eyes landed on Maria, who sat gracefully on the sofa, her gaze brimming with energy.
"Susanna, do come over here," Maria beckoned warmly. "You look absolutely stunning today."
"Grandma, you look great today too." Susanna sat next to Mrs. Maria Abbott. "Grandma, let me introduce you. This is Edward and Aviana, this is Arthur, Austin, who performed your surgery last time, and this is Brian."
She introduced her family to Maria one by one.
Maria cast a satisfied glance at the six handsome men standing before her. "Susanna," she remarked with a nod, "it's no surprise you're so striking. Your family definitely has some fantastic genes; they're all quite the lookers!"
Edward, with respect in his voice, spoke first, "Mrs. Maria Abbott, thank you for taking care of Susanna all these years, and for generously covering Vincent's medical expenses."
Maria waved her hand. "It's nothing. The Abbott family owed Susanna a lot. I'm just glad she found her family now, so I can be at ease."
Upon hearing Maria's heartfelt words and witnessing the genuine bond between her and Susanna, Austin was convinced of Maria's sincere care. With that assurance, Austin took the lead and expressed, "Mrs. Maria Abbott, I will schedule a follow-up visit in a few months. If you experience any discomfort, please don't hesitate to reach out to me."
"Alright, thanks to Dr. Jones for my surgery. Otherwise, I don't know how long I would have lived. I owe my life all to Susanna," Maria said.
Susanna linked arms with Maria. "Grandma, what are you talking about? I should be thanking you. Without you, Vincent wouldn't have made it these three years."
As the two chatted and laughed, a warm and harmonious atmosphere filled the room.
Observing this interaction, Edward finally grasped the dynamics between the Abbott family and Susanna. Despite the malice Susanna received, it was clear why she also held such a special regard for Maria.
As Aaron walked in and spotted Susanna seated beside Maria, a subtle mix of emotions played across his face.
His entrance drew the attention of the six Jones brothers, who shared a collective, disapproving glance towards Aaron—a clear indication that they held some reservations about him!
