Chapter 428 Mr. Abbott Is Now Penniless
Susanna spun around and strolled into the villa's hall. She knew Aaron wouldn't chill until he saw Lillian.
Plopping down, she said, "So, the other day at the party, the media caught you saving me and plastered it all over the front page. They’re saying I’ve got a thing with my bodyguard. My brother almost found out. Lucky for you, I covered it up. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be standing here talking to me."
Aaron stood there, unfazed. "So, before your brother catches wind, the best move is to take me to see Lillian."
"I'll set it up later. Lillian's always got someone with her. Aviana's at the hospital every day. If you show up, you'll get busted."
He pushed, "How much longer do I gotta wait?"
"In the next few days, I'll figure it out."
Susanna's answer was vague 'cause she had no clue how to pull it off yet.
Aaron squinted at her. "Susanna, what else are you hiding from me?"
"I'm not hiding anything. Didn't I say I'd arrange for you to see Lillian? We just need the right time. If my brothers find out, you won't even get close to her."
Susanna looked up at Aaron. "If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do."
Aaron studied her face but found nada.
He just felt Susanna was acting weird about Lillian.
But for now, he had no proof. No phone, no people around him. He couldn't dig into it yet.
Susanna looked calm, but inside, she was freaking out.
After a bit, Aaron said, "I wanna hit the mall."
"What for?"
"To get some gifts for Lillian."
Susanna nodded, eyeing him up and down. "Not to burst your bubble, but you got any cash?"
Aaron gave her a deep look. "I don't, but you do."
Susanna, hearing his bluntness, said, "But we're divorced. Why should I let you spend my money?"
Aaron, cool as a cucumber, replied, "Think of it as a loan. I'll pay you back double. I'm not broke."
Even though Aaron was loaded, she didn't want to give in.
"Sorry, Mr. Abbott, I don't lend money. It just complicates things. If I don't, we can still be friends."
Susanna flashed a sly smile; she was doing it on purpose.
Aaron saw through her game but stayed calm. "Then as your bodyguard, I should get paid."
"Sure, there's a salary, but it's monthly. You've only worked two days, and you want your pay? Really?"
Aaron plopped down on the sofa, crossing his legs, looking super chill.
Susanna saw his relaxed look and wondered what he was up to.
He smirked. "According to labor laws, even if it's just two days, you owe me. Plus, how many times have I saved you in these two days? You know that, right?"
Susanna felt a bit guilty and glanced at Marcus. "Do we pay bodyguards after just two days?"
Marcus got the hint and replied, "Ms. Jones, we don't. Usually, you gotta work at least seven days to get an advance. Two days is too short."
Aaron stayed cool and looked at her. "Seems like those reporters got some juicy pics of us before. If I chat with them now, think I could make some cash?"
Susanna clenched her teeth. "Aaron, don't push it."
Aaron's eyes sparkled. "Easy way to shut me up. Just pay me what I’m owed."
In the end, Susanna had Marcus hand over two days' pay. Aaron wasn’t bluffing, and she didn’t want any media drama right now.
Aaron took the $500, smirking. "This is what a bodyguard makes?"
Marcus jumped in, "You’re not officially hired yet. The pay doubles after that. For now, this is it."
Aaron pocketed the $500 and headed out.
Susanna trailed him. "You’re going to the mall now? The media pics are still out there. You’ll get snapped for sure."
He shrugged. "Not my problem."
Susanna fumed. Was he saying it was her problem now?
In the end, she grudgingly went to the mall with him.
In the car, silence reigned.
Aaron noticed Susanna’s pouty face and smirked.
Once they got out, they took a private elevator to the top floor.
Susanna plopped on a sofa. "Whatever you need, have them bring it here. No need to wander around."
Aaron’s look was too unique; he’d get recognized instantly.
Aaron was used to this VIP treatment. He hated wasting time in crowded places.
A young lady approached. "Ms. Jones, what would you like to choose?"
Susanna nodded at Aaron. "Ask him."
Aaron turned to the young lady. "I need gifts for a kid. Bring me your best-sellers."
Susanna propped her chin, smirking. "You’ve only got $500. Think you can afford the best-sellers? Got enough cash?"
The room went silent.
The young lady, seasoned in her job, was taken aback by the scene.
Aaron, who never cared about prices, paused. He asked the waitress, "Got anything for $500?"
The young lady was stunned. People here didn’t usually worry about $500. If they did, they wouldn’t shop here.
Aaron’s tone made it sound like he had $5 million, not $500!
The young lady hesitated. "I’ll check. Please wait."
After she left, Susanna stifled a laugh. "Mr. Abbott, thought about what you can buy with $500?"
Aaron, who never worried about money, was stumped for the first time.
"Hey bodyguard, need some cash?" A woman’s voice came from outside.
