Chapter 32 Aaron Ignored Her All Day
Susanna stood there, watching the person in charge approach. "Yes, I took this order."
"Please come with us to clarify a few things," he said.
Susanna nodded and followed them for questioning, cursing Aaron in her mind. She had wondered why Aaron hadn't reacted to the mess she made of the Abbott Villa project. Turned out, he had set a trap.
After hours of interrogation, Susanna was finally released. As she was leaving, one of the staff members advised her, "I know there can be conflicts during design, but it's not a big deal. Just communicate well with the client. After all, you've taken their deposit, right?"
"You're right. I'll make sure to have a better communication," Susanna replied.
Just as Susanna left the building, she received a Facebook message from Aaron. It was just three words: [It's a Fraud.] Susanna was instantly furious, but having just been released, she didn't have the nerve to be reckless. She replied: [What's wrong with the design?]
She waited for hours but got no response. She tried calling, but no one answered. She knew Aaron was doing this on purpose.
If the complaint wasn't withdrawn, it would seriously affect the studio's reputation. She had to get Aaron to cancel it.
Back at the studio, Allison sneered. "Some folks think they're the best, but they still get complaints. Winning awards is one thing, but if they don't have the skills, it's all for nothing. If the studio gets a complaint, our reputation will be in the gutter by the end of the year."
Susanna ignored her and went straight to Dick. "Dick, I'll handle this as soon as possible."
"I trust you, but Susanna, do you have a conflict with the owner of the Abbott Villa? I looked at the design, and it doesn't seem like your style," Dick said.
Susanna's expression turned awkward. "It's what the client requested. Maybe I misunderstood."
She'd slipped up this time, letting Aaron catch her off guard with her error. However, she couldn't admit she did it on purpose; it would make people question her professionalism.
Susanna waited all night, but Aaron still didn't respond. She redrew the design and sent Aaron another Facebook message: [I'll come to the Abbott Villa this afternoon to review the design. When do you get off work?]
Aaron was in a meeting. Since yesterday, he had been keeping his phone nearby, checking it whenever the screen lit up. He just smiled and didn't reply. The phone lit up again, and sure enough, it was another message from Susanna. He hadn't answered her calls yesterday and hadn't replied to her messages today either.
He could wait, but the studio couldn't afford this complaint. Susanna would definitely come to him again.
Meanwhile, Susanna waited another hour with no response. After thinking it over, she decided to take a cab to the Abbott Villa. She could revise the design again. She knew Aaron's preferences better than anyone.
Around noon, she arrived at the Abbott Villa and rang the doorbell, but no one answered. Just as she was about to enter the code, she heard Erica's voice behind her. "Susanna? What are you doing here?"
As Susanna turned, she spotted Erica with bags of groceries in hand, looking like she'd just finished up at the store. For a moment, she'd thought Erica was Aaron's wife, and Susanna's face clouded with a frown. "I'm here for work."
"What kind of work?" Erica gave Susanna a once-over, her face full of suspicion.
Susanna knew exactly what Erica was thinking. She rolled her eyes and waved the design plans in her hand. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm Mr. Abbott's chosen interior designer. I'm here to confirm the design plans with him."
Just then, the door swung open. Brenda had heard the commotion and thought Aaron had returned, so she came to check. Seeing Erica and Susanna at the door, she froze, unsure of what to do.
Erica, seeing Brenda, snapped, "What are you standing there for? Take the groceries."
Erica's commanding tone made her seem like the lady of the house, and it didn't feel out of place at all. She turned to Susanna and said, "Susanna, let's discuss this inside. You can show me the design plans."
Susanna figured that was fine and followed Erica into the Abbott Villa.
Erica sat on the couch, slowly flipping through Susanna's design plans without saying a word. Susanna took the opportunity to look around. The once-furnished living room was now bare, even the curtains were gone. The walls showed marks where things had been hung. It looked pretty bleak. She suddenly pictured Aaron's furious face and swallowed hard. She regretted her actions. She realized that venting her anger had also damaged her own reputation. With a sigh, she knew she had to deal with the consequences.
Erica finally spoke up, "I've looked through your designs. No wonder you're a top designer; you've got the knack."
Susanna smiled. "Is there anything you think needs changing?"
Erica leaned back on the couch, a sly smile on her face. "There are a few things. For example, after we get married, I want a photo wall for our wedding pictures."
Hearing this, Susanna felt a cold laugh rise within her. When she and Aaron got married, it was Maria who forced them to take and hang wedding photos. Aaron would never have allowed it otherwise. And now, Erica wanted a photo wall for wedding photos? It was too much.
Erica noticed Susanna's distraction and kindly reminded her, "Susanna? Are you listening?"
"Yes, I'm listening," Susanna snapped back to reality. "Ms. Jones, you can hang them wherever you like. I think the entrance would be perfect."
Erica nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Also, I want to replace the bedroom furniture and the mattress. I don't find it comfortable. Do you have any recommendations?"
Susanna exhaled slowly. "There are many brands of mattresses. Any of the big names should be fine. I'm not an expert on specifics; you might want to ask a salesperson."
"As a designer, you should accompany your clients to select these items, right?" Erica asked.
Susanna nodded. "Yes, I can go with you." Though she maintained a polite smile, she was cursing internally.
Erica's smile expanded. "Wonderful, we'll catch up when we get a free minute. I hope we can collaborate smoothly this time."
Susanna glanced at the design plans. "Fine. If you're satisfied with the plans, could you please cancel the complaint now?"
Erica's expression turned awkward. "I'll cancel it later."
Susanna pulled up the complaint page on her tablet and handed it to Erica. "It's simple. Just sign here."
"Since Aaron filed the complaint, he needs to cancel it," Erica replied.
"It doesn't matter. Since you've reviewed the design, you have the authority to cancel the complaint. Or are you telling me you don't have a say in this?" Susanna said.
