Chapter 384 You Believe This Amnesia Lie?
Aaron gave Sam the lowdown on how Susanna's cover got blown.
Sam kicked back on the couch, smirking. "So that's the deal, huh? Remember when I told you Lillian might be your kid, and you called me a jerk? Who's laughing now?"
"Cut the crap."
Aaron slipped into some comfy hospital clothes and plopped down on the sofa. "She still won't admit she's Susanna. Don't stir the pot when you see her tomorrow."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what? You showed her the proof, and she's still denying it?"
Aaron paused before saying, "She claims she has amnesia."
He'd wanted to call her out earlier, but seeing her busting her butt for Lillian made him hesitate.
"Aaron, you really buying that amnesia BS?"
"Nope."
Aaron was just playing along to get Susanna to drop her guard.
Sam sighed. "Makes sense, though. You weren't exactly Prince Charming to Susanna before. Then the Abbott family drama happened, and she almost lost the kid. She's got her reasons to hold a grudge and not admit she's Susanna."
Aaron knew that, which is why he hadn't blown her cover.
Plus, with Lillian being sick, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
"Aaron, just play dumb for now. Be nice. Once Lillian's better, have a real talk with her. Lillian's still sick, man."
"Yeah, that's the plan."
Thinking about Lillian needing surgery at such a young age tore Aaron up inside.
The next morning, after Susanna had breakfast with Lillian, she saw Sam stepping out of the elevator with a bunch of gifts.
Sam grinned. "Here to see Lillian."
"She's inside."
Susanna knew Sam was tight with Aaron, so it wasn't a shock to see him here.
Sam strolled into the room. "Lillian! Check out what I got you!"
Lillian's eyes lit up but she tried to play it cool, acting all grumpy. "What is it?"
Sam opened the box. "Remember that sold-out doll from Radiant Valley? Got it for you."
Lillian's face lit up. "Is it the hidden edition?"
"Yep, all twelve of 'em."
Lillian was over the moon.
Seeing her so happy, Sam felt pretty good. He'd made sure to snag those hidden edition dolls last night, knowing she'd flip for them.
After playing with Lillian for a bit, Sam stepped out with Susanna. "Don't stress about Lillian's treatment. Aaron's got the best team on it."
Susanna's smile faded a bit; she didn't think it was necessary.
But she kept it cool and said, "I know. Thanks for the gifts, Mr. Ross."
"No need to thank me. Aaron's my buddy, and I like Lillian too. If you need anything in Lindwell, just holler."
"Will do," Susanna knew Sam was here just for Lillian.
Then she asked, "How's Aaron doing today? I heard bone marrow donations can have side effects, and it varies for everyone."
"Should start this afternoon. If you're that worried, come check on him with me."
"Alright."
Susanna figured it was time to put on her best act.
She and Sam waited for the elevator, and when the doors slid open, there was Vivian, sitting in a wheelchair.
The vibe got awkward real quick.
Sam cleared his throat, not expecting to see her. "Vivian, what brings you here?"
"I heard there's a top-notch orthopedic doc here, so I came to check it out. Then I bumped into Tyler and found out Aaron was in the hospital."
Vivian had this calm smile, like the whole Velvet Sky Ballroom drama never happened.
Susanna couldn't help but respect Vivian's inner strength.
Standing outside the elevator, she glanced at Sam. "I'll head up later."
Sam rubbed his nose, at a loss for words. Running into Vivian was the last thing he expected.
Vivian suddenly asked, "Ms. Ramirez, is your daughter still not well?"
Susanna's eyes went cold. She ignored Vivian and walked away.
The elevator doors closed again.
Sam looked at Vivian. "Vivian, how's your leg? Elaine's been a pain since forever; why'd you mess with her?"
"Sam, I've put up with Elaine for years. I just snapped."
Seeing her injured leg, Vivian's hatred for Elaine deepened. She wasn't gonna let Elaine off easy.
She looked up and asked, "Sam, why's Aaron in the hospital? Is he sick?"
"I'm not sure. Just found out myself."
Sam figured it was best to keep things under wraps to avoid more drama.
Vivian could tell Sam was holding back, but she already knew Aaron was there to donate bone marrow to Lillian.
Playing dumb, Vivian wheeled herself to Aaron's room. "Aaron, are you sick? Why didn't you tell anyone you were in the hospital?"
Aaron shot a cold look at Sam, clearly annoyed.
Sam quickly defended himself. "It wasn't me. We just ran into each other in the elevator."
"Aaron, you shouldn't be here alone. Hospital food sucks. Let me bring you meals every day."
Aaron put down his tablet and looked at Vivian. "You got that much free time? Rolling around in a wheelchair?"
Vivian's face faltered. "Aaron, don't worry. I'm fine in the wheelchair."
"Then I guess you're less hurt than Elaine. She's still stuck in bed."
Vivian's expression shifted, and she quickly said, "Elaine's faking it to dodge responsibility, but I won't push it. We're family, after all."
Aaron frowned. "Shouldn't you be sorting out Ramond? Heard he got into another fight at kindergarten?"
"Aaron, kids fight at school. It's normal."
Aaron's face darkened. "Vivian, do I need to remind you that the only reason you're still in the Abbott family is because of Ramond?"
Vivian lowered her head. "I know. I came to see a doctor."
"Are the conditions here better than at Elite Medical Center? Stop pretending. Just leave and don't come back."
Vivian left with red eyes, and Sam, standing by, said nothing, suddenly realizing Vivian wasn't as simple as she seemed.
After she left, Sam finally spoke. "I was wondering why she showed up. Aaron, you think she might've figured something out?"
