Chapter 30 He Only Has Kids with His Legal Wife
Susanna's eyes darted nervously, catching sight of the folic acid bottle on the floor. She was at a loss for words.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? You were talking big just a moment ago," Aaron remarked casually.
Susanna remembered what Maria had said at the hospital a few days ago, and her anger flared up uncontrollably. "Don't pin everything on me. Grandma just wants to see your child; it doesn't have to be mine! Plenty of women are dying to have your baby, especially Ms. Jones who is ready to marry you anytime. There's no need for this sacrifice!"
"What are you saying, Susanna? How is having my child a sacrifice?" Aaron frowned.
"That's not the point. If you want Grandma to have surgery soon, you need to get busy making a baby. There are plenty of women out there waiting to have your child. If you sleep with someone every day, someone's bound to get pregnant. It's not that hard," Susanna said indifferently.
Aaron's frown deepened. "What do you take me for? Some kind of playboy?"
"Then let's get divorced quickly and let Erica take my place. Your families match, and the kids would be great! Just stop bothering me!" Susanna looked him straight in the eye, unflinching.
Her words seemed to irk Aaron further instead of offering the expected relief. With a heavy sigh, he released her hand, his expression hardening. "Susanna, just so we're clear, I only have children with my lawful wife," he stated firmly.
Susanna's voice rang out, a tinge of bitterness seeping through her words. "Well then, let's get the paperwork sorted out quickly. You can marry Erica and make it all official."
Aaron's demeanor darkened further, a storm brewing in his eyes. As he took a step, a small bottle crunched beneath his foot. Peering down, he saw it had slipped out of her pocket.
In a moment of panic, Susanna hurriedly stooped to retrieve the fallen bottle, but Aaron was quicker. He clasped it before she could reach it. "That's mine," she protested, attempting to reclaim it.
Aaron held it up, looking down at her. "Why so nervous?"
Susanna's heart raced as she stared at the bottle in his hand. Seeing her reaction, Aaron grew more suspicious. He looked at the bottle and saw it was just a regular vitamin supplement. "It's just vitamins. Why are you so worked up? Maybe you should take some to boost your IQ."
Susanna snatched the bottle back, relieved she had switched it earlier. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to bluff her way out.
Her hands shook slightly as she hastily gathered her belongings. Seizing her bag, she announced, "I'm leaving. If they come again, just kick them out."
"But they'll keep bothering you," Aaron uttered.
Susanna hesitated for a moment, recalling Aaron's distaste for unexpected guests. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. They won't bother you again!" With resolve in her tone, she exited the Abbott Villa without a backward glance.
Aaron observed her departure, then sank onto the couch, massaging his temples. Hadn't he dropped enough hints? If only she had sought his assistance, he could have swiftly resolved the situation. Yet, she chose not to seek his help.
She said she could handle it. Needless to say, she'd be calling on her 'brother' for help. A sardonic glint flickered in Aaron's eyes.
Just then, Tyler rushed in. "Mr. Abbott, the people in the meeting room are still waiting for you."
Aaron abruptly exited the meeting upon receiving a call from home. As he regained his composure and rose to his feet, his hand inadvertently grazed another bottle resting on the couch. Curious, he picked it up and read the label aloud, "Folic acid supplement? What's this for?"
Tyler replied, "Folic acid is usually taken by people trying to conceive."
Aaron looked at the small bottle in his hand, his eyes growing deep and thoughtful. Could it be that Susanna was contemplating starting a family?
His phone buzzed, breaking his reverie. Ignoring the call entirely, his focus remained fixed on the folic acid container, lost in thought.
Tyler spoke up, "Mr. Abbott, it's Mrs. Maud Abbott calling."
Aaron finally picked up the phone. "Hey, Mom."
"Aaron, I've been thinking a lot and decided I need to tell you something important. A few days ago, I went to the hospital to visit a friend and ran into Susanna," Maud said.
Aaron twirled the folic acid bottle, raising an eyebrow. "What was she doing there?"
"I saw Susanna sneaking around, getting a gynecological check-up. She's definitely trying to get pregnant with your child to secure her place in the Abbott family through your grandmother. You need to be careful and not let her succeed, or you won't be able to divorce her."
"Who said I want to divorce her?" Aaron blurted out, startling Maud on the other end.
"Aaron, didn't Susanna already sign the divorce papers? What's going on here? Are you suggesting that you have feelings for her?" Maud inquired, her expression a mix of perplexity and concern.
"I didn't say I like her." Aaron rubbed his temples. "Mom, stay out of this. I'll handle it."
"Aaron, don't let Susanna fool you. She's secretly trying to get pregnant; she must have ulterior motives."
Aaron had no interest in listening to Maud's warnings. He hung up the phone, looking at the folic acid bottle in his hand, a smirk forming on his lips. "So, she's playing hard to get," he murmured.
It made sense why Susanna was willing to go to such lengths for Maria's surgery. It seemed that it was Susanna's trap all along. Slightly reassured by this realization, Aaron stowed the folic acid bottle in his pocket. "Let's go."
Tyler was puzzled. "Are we going to see Mrs. Abbott?"
'Aaron used to be staunchly against the idea of parenthood. Yet, upon discovering Susanna's covert attempts to conceive, he didn't seem the least bit perturbed?' Tyler pondered silently to himself.
Aaron's eyes were calm. "Why would I go to her? I'll wait for her to come to me."
If Susanna wanted to play hard to get, he'd see who could hold out longer. She'd have to come to him eventually, and he was curious to see what tricks she had up her sleeve.
Tyler kept quiet, sensing there might be a misunderstanding but not daring to voice it.
Outside, as Susanna settled back into her office, she reached into her pockets and realized the folic acid bottle was missing. A tinge of worry crept into her mind. She had executed the switch with precision, but it seemed a trace of doubt lingered. Did she inadvertently leave it behind at the Abbott Villa during her hurried departure?
Attempting to retrace her steps, Susanna's memory drew a blank. Perhaps it had slipped out on the way, lost to the bustling streets outside. With a sense of resignation, she could only hope that the bottle was now lying abandoned on a random corner.
Turning her attention to work, she immersed herself in finalizing her design sketches on the computer. Satisfied with the progress, she directed her team to promptly deliver the materials to the Abbott Villa for the upcoming renovation.
She thought Aaron would be happy to see the renovation when he came home that night.
Just then, Allison walked over. "Susanna, I'm so jealous you got a mansion renovation project right off the bat. Is the owner handsome?"
Susanna smiled cunningly. "He's quite the catch, handsome and loaded. I have an urgent matter at home later, so I might not be able to supervise on-site. Anyone free to help me out?"
Susanna's strategic ploy hit its mark, and Allison took the bait. Leaning in discreetly, Allison whispered, "I'll go, Susanna. I've got some free time anyway."
"Great, thanks." Susanna handed over the design plans, relieved to have an excuse not to go herself.
Allison carefully applied her makeup and took a cab to the Abbott Villa. She had researched the neighborhood beforehand. Only the rich and powerful lived there. Since Susanna mentioned the owner was young and handsome, he was likely a hot commodity.
