Chapter 377 Just Because We Are in a Relationship
Susanna didn't think he'd keep grilling her. With his standoffish vibe, she was sure he'd drop it.
She took a breath and said, "Because we're a thing now."
Aaron went quiet.
Seeing she dodged the bullet, Susanna let out a tiny sigh of relief.
Once Aaron bounced from the hospital, Susanna started planning to get Lillian out of Lindwell. Hanging around too long was risky.
If Aaron found out Lillian never hit the sterile chamber, her cover would be blown, right?
So, Lillian had to leave Lindwell!
But before that, she had to see Madison.
The next day, Susanna loaded up on stuff and headed straight to Madison's crib.
Hopping out of the car, she scoped out the neighborhood. It was pretty swanky, a mix of high-rises and Western-style pads, all well-kept.
Her assistant lugged the bags beside her. "Ms. Jones, a few years back, Mr. Edward Jones got Mrs. Everhart a new spot in this same hood, on a lower floor, better for seniors."
"Yeah, Edward mentioned it. Aunt Madison's crew moved in and never left, cramping up their two-bedroom. Edward couldn't take it and got Aunt Madison a new place in the same complex."
Susanna's face twisted. "Aunt Madison's freeloading relatives still hanging around?"
"Yeah, they're in that high-rise."
"Man, those folks are shameless. Why didn't Edward boot them?"
Susanna couldn't wrap her head around it. If Edward wanted to, he could handle those leeches, no problem.
"Mrs. Everhart's got a soft spot and values family. After she thought you were gone, she got super down and developed mild depression. Even though those folks are greedy, they're her only kin and have been somewhat helpful. That's why Mr. Edward Jones didn't kick them out."
Hearing this, Susanna felt a pang of guilt.
Madison got depressed because of her.
Even though Susanna didn't remember her past, she always knew about Madison.
Her brothers kept her from Lindwell to avoid Aaron. To keep her clueless, they never told Madison the truth.
Susanna marched straight to the apartment and knocked on the first-floor door.
Soon, a voice came from inside. "Who is it?"
When the door swung open, Madison saw Susanna and was floored. "Susanna? Am I dreaming? I must be dreaming!"
The next second, Madison slammed the door shut.
Susanna, almost hit, felt both amused and annoyed, knocked again. "Aunt Madison, you're not dreaming, it's me!"
The door creaked open again.
Madison still looked stunned, her eyes red, not daring to get closer, scared touching her would shatter the illusion.
Susanna had her assistant bring in the stuff and walked over to grab Madison's hand. "Aunt Madison, it's me, Susanna!"
"Is it really you? You're not dead? But everyone told me you were dead!"
Madison felt Susanna's warm hand and just lost it, hugging her tight. "All these years, I thought you were gone!"
Susanna hugged her back, eyes getting misty, feeling all sorts of things.
She whispered, "I'm sorry for keeping this from you."
"It's okay. As long as you're alive, that's all that matters!"
Susanna comforted the crying Madison and couldn't help but wipe her own tears. "How've you been all these years?"
"I'm fine. Edward's always had someone looking after me, taking me to the hospital for check-ups. But every time I enjoy Edward's care, I feel more guilty towards you. You should've had a happy life, but everyone thought you were dead. Thankfully, it was all a lie."
Susanna hesitated and said, "Actually, I don't remember the past. Edward kept the truth from you to stop me from recalling the past and getting mixed up with the Abbott family."
Madison nodded. "I get it. You don't need to explain so much. I wouldn't have been able to keep the secret anyway. Edward had his reasons."
"I was scared you'd be mad."
"Why would I be mad, silly girl? I'm too happy right now."
Madison wiped her tears. "By the way, will the Abbott family find out you came to see me?"
"They shouldn't. I've already contacted the Abbott family, and there shouldn't be any issues for now."
At least for now, Aaron hadn't gotten suspicious or sent anyone to tail her, so it was all good.
"That's good. I just bought some fresh steak this morning. Normally, I wouldn't buy so much, but today I just felt like it. Turns out I had a feeling you'd come by. I'll cook it for you later—it's all your favorite."
Susanna wanted to stop her, but Madison wouldn't hear it.
In the end, they had lunch together. Susanna was usually picky about food, but for some reason, she had a good appetite for Madison's cooking.
Susanna checked the time. "Aunt Madison, I came in a hurry this time and can't stay long. I'll spend more time with you next time."
"Okay, no problem. Take care of things with the Abbott family first."
Seeing the always-obedient Madison, Susanna felt a mix of emotions. Although her life after being adopted was tough, Madison had genuinely cared for her.
They swapped phone numbers and added each other on Facebook to stay in touch.
After leaving the apartment, Susanna felt much better and left with her assistant.
But as soon as she left, a guy came out of the apartment across the street and immediately called Tyler. "There's a situation. I've sent the photos."
Tyler got the photos and his face changed when he saw who was in them. "Is that Ms. Ramirez?"
It was weird for Nova to visit Madison, who used to look after Susanna.
Or were Nova and Susanna the same person all along?
Tyler rushed into the office. "Mr. Abbott, I have something important to report."
Aaron didn't even look up. "Speak."
"You had us keep an eye on Mrs. Everhart, right? Someone just sent photos showing Ms. Ramirez visiting her. Take a look."
Aaron's expression shifted. He immediately stood up and grabbed the tablet, seeing Nova in the photos.
His eyes narrowed. "Susanna, you're really something!"
