Chapter 430 Impossible to Reconcile
Susanna was about to blow a gasket after hearing Louise's nonsense!
The Ashtons and the Thornberrys were tight, no doubt. Otherwise, Roman wouldn't have hit her up because of the Ashtons before!
But seriously, using their deal with the Abbotts to strong-arm her? That was low.
Aaron was right there, playing bodyguard, and they hadn't even clocked him. Plus, Aaron never said squat about working with the Thornberrys.
So, where did the Thornberrys and Ashtons get off being so cocky?
Louise saw Susanna clamming up and thought she had her scared. She smirked, "Ms. Jones, we're all big shots in Novaria. No need to get all worked up over some random chick, right?"
Susanna shot her a look and sneered. "My stance hasn't changed. If that girl decides not to press charges and makes peace with you, my lawyer can leave anytime. Instead of wasting your breath on me, maybe you should work on getting her forgiveness."
Susanna knew the Ashtons' game all too well.
These high-and-mighty types loved throwing their weight around. If that girl was down to reconcile, they wouldn't be bugging her.
She wasn't about to let them have their way.
Louise's face twisted, and she snapped, "Susanna, are you really gonna go head-to-head with both the Ashtons and the Thornberrys?"
Susanna raised an eyebrow. "Do you seriously think you can take us on?"
Where did these clowns get their nerve?
With that, Susanna turned on her heel and walked off, done wasting her time.
Louise eyed Aaron and suddenly thought he looked familiar. She yelled, "Susanna, you seem pretty tight with this bodyguard. Watch out, or you might have some explaining to do to the Thornberrys. They won't let some loose woman marry in."
"Do the Thornberrys even deserve to be linked with the Jones family? With all the crap they're spreading, my lawyer's gonna send them a letter demanding a public apology."
Susanna figured if she didn't nip this in the bud, people might actually start believing the Jones and Thornberry families were getting hitched.
Once in the car, Susanna called Daniel. "Daniel, the Thornberrys have been spreading rumors about an engagement with the Jones family, and it's causing me a headache. I want to send them a lawyer's letter demanding a public apology."
"I've heard about it too. No worries, I'll get on it."
"Daniel, one more thing: this afternoon, someone from the Thornberrys came at me all rude. My bodyguard decked him and knocked out his teeth. The Thornberrys probably won't let it slide."
Susanna also filled him in on the incident with Aiden at the last shindig. If Daniel was gonna send a lawyer's letter, he needed the full scoop to avoid any loopholes the Thornberrys' lawyers might exploit.
"Susanna, got it. Don't sweat the Thornberrys. I'll take care of it."
"Thanks, Daniel."
With Daniel's law firm on the case, Susanna could chill. She could've handled it solo, but having her bro step in showed the Jones family wasn't sweating the so-called engagement with the Thornberrys.
Just as they were about to hang up, Daniel dropped a bomb. "Hey, Susanna, I've been hearing some buzz about you and your bodyguard?"
Susanna's heart skipped a beat. "Oh, that? Total media BS. I tripped, and he just helped me up. I bet the Thornberrys are behind it, trying to mess with my rep."
"I get it. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
Susanna exhaled, relieved Daniel wasn't suspicious. But she knew the Aaron situation wouldn't stay under wraps forever.
Aaron, sitting next to her, had caught the whole convo. He noticed how different her tone was, showing just how tight she was with the Jones family.
Susanna turned to him and asked, "If I set up a visit for you to see Lillian in the hospital, would you consider leaving Novaria?"
Aaron squinted. "Yeah, as long as Lillian's good, we can talk."
He didn't fully commit, just said he'd think about it.
The next day.
As Susanna got up, Marcus reported, "Someone leaked info online, saying there are shady deals behind your movie's website, and an innocent girl got hurt."
Susanna didn't need a crystal ball to know the Thornberrys were behind it.
She looked at Marcus. "Get the PR team on it ASAP. What's the girl's stance? Is she gonna reconcile or sue the Ashtons?"
"The girl decided to sue the Ashton family."
"Good."
Susanna knew the Ashtons had tried to scare, bully, and bribe the girl, but she stood her ground.
Susanna told Marcus, "As long as she doesn't back down, we'll back her all the way."
Aaron, watching from the side, said, "Didn't expect you to be so nice to a stranger."
"First off, we're both girls. Girls gotta stick together—you wouldn't get it. Second, the Ashtons, with the Thornberrys backing them, are trying to mess with me. If I cave, it looks like the Jones family is scared of the Thornberrys. No way I'm letting that slide."
Marcus added, "Ms. Jones, there's a movie promo event this afternoon. You going?"
"Absolutely. And make sure the media keeps their questions in check to avoid any drama."
The Thornberrys would definitely try to stir the pot.
This was her first big step into the celeb world, and she needed it to go smoothly, so she had to be all in.
In the afternoon, Susanna changed and headed to the event.
Seeing the swarm of reporters outside, Susanna took a deep breath. Public opinion was a wild beast, and this was gonna be a tough fight.
Aaron glanced at her. "I'll get out first and keep the reporters in line."
Susanna nodded. Having a bodyguard right now was a lifesaver.
Last time, Aaron had smashed a few reporters' mics and cameras, so they should be more cautious around him.
Aaron opened the car door and stepped out, giving the reporters a cold stare.
Just as he was about to open the door for Susanna, a guy in a suit stepped up and did it first.
Aaron's brows knitted together.
