Chapter 9 Checking the Surveillance
Susanna's words instantly turned the restaurant's atmosphere to ice.
Aaron narrowed his eyes and looked at Erica. "What's going on?"
Erica panicked and explained, "Aaron, I swear I didn't push the pot."
Susanna pointed to the nearby camera. "Pull up the surveillance footage, and the truth will come out. Intentional harm is a criminal offense, and my burn is enough to be considered a minor injury. I reserve the right to pursue legal action."
Erica gasped, her eyes darting to the camera in panic.
Aaron's face turned cold. "Get the footage."
Erica put on an innocent act and turned to Maud. "Aunt Maud, it was really just an accident. I was trying to help with the medicine, but I clumsily knocked over the pot. Both Susanna and I got hurt. I didn't do it on purpose."
Maud quickly said, "I believe Erica didn't mean it. She's the Jones family heir; she wouldn't do such a menial task. Besides, who can prove Susanna didn't set this up to frame her? Erica, let's get the family doctor to check your injury. You're the heir, and we can't afford any scars on you."
Erica finally breathed a sigh of relief. As she was about to leave, she glanced at Aaron. "Aaron."
Aaron noticed the burn on Susanna's hand, his eyes darkening. His lips tightened as he spoke curtly, "Everyone, go to the living room. Get the family doctor here, now."
Maud chimed in, "That's right, Aaron. Get the doctor to check on Ms. Jones right away. That's the most important thing."
Susanna's eyes flashed with sarcasm as she met Aaron's gaze. "In your eyes, Erica is really untouchable, huh?" Susanna straightened her back and said with a firm voice, "I will pull up the surveillance footage to prove my innocence."
'I won't let this go easily.' Susanna made the decision silently.
The family doctor rushed in. Aaron saw the blisters on Susanna's hand and spoke icily, "What are you standing there for? Go sit down!"
Susanna lowered her eyes and took a few steps forward, only to be shoved aside by Maud. "Don't get in the way. Dr. Bennett, check on Ms. Jones first. She must not have a scar on her hands."
Erica shot a triumphant look at Susanna and said sweetly, "Aunt Maud, I'm fine. Let's check on Susanna's injury first."
Susanna stood still, and Aaron glanced at her but said nothing.
Isaac put down the medical kit and examined Erica's wrist. It was just a bit red, not even broken skin. His expression turned complicated. "This isn't much of an injury. The redness will be gone in half an hour. I'll treat Mrs. Abbott first; her injury could leave a scar if not handled properly."
Erica pretended to be considerate. "Aunt Maud, let him check her first. I'm not in a hurry."
"You're the Jones family heir. She's just an orphan from the slums. What right does she have to compare with you? A scar won't kill her," Maud said with no sympathy.
"Since Ms. Jones said so, Dr. Bennett, check on Susanna," Aaron interrupted Maud, his tone impatient. Seeing Aaron's attitude, no one dared to say more.
Susanna sat on the couch as Isaac applied the ointment. "Don't get it wet for the next few days. Let it heal naturally."
Susanna nodded and thanked him.
Maud, clearly annoyed by Susanna's demeanor, spoke up, "Susanna, Ms. Jones was kind enough to let you get treated first. Aren't you going to say thank you? You're so ungrateful."
"I didn't push her. She hurt me on purpose! She should be the one apologizing!" Susanna interrupted Maud, her voice steady.
"Susanna, women like you, from such humble backgrounds, are always jealous of someone like Ms. Jones, the Jones family heir. It's no surprise you'd resort to such tactics. Apologize to Ms. Jones right now!" Maud snapped.
Aaron frowned at Maud's words. "Mom, I said the pot falling might have been an accident. We haven't even seen the surveillance footage yet."
"Aaron, you've divorced her. Why are you still defending her? She should be kicked out of this house! What bad luck," Maud grumbled.
"Who's divorced?" Maria's voice cut through the tension. Everyone turned to see her wheeling herself out of the elevator.
Aaron quickly moved to take the wheelchair. "Grandma, no one's divorced. You must have misheard."
"Is that so? I guess my hearing isn't what it used to be. Susanna, come here. Let me take a look at you. You look thinner," Maria said, reaching out for Susanna.
Susanna hurried over and took Maria's hand. "Grandma, I'm not thinner. I've actually gained weight."
"Nonsense. My hearing might be bad, but my eyes are sharp. If Aaron bullies you, you must tell me. I'll handle it." Maria then noticed the bandage on Susanna's hand and grew concerned. "What happened to your hand?"
Susanna tried to pull her hand back but couldn't. She reluctantly explained, "Grandma, it was just an accident. I got distracted while making soup."
Aaron's gaze darkened. Susanna, despite Maria's support, remained surprisingly calm.
"Silly girl, we have so many servants. I've told you not to cook," Maria scolded gently.
Susanna lowered her eyes, not offering further explanation.
At that moment, Erica stepped forward. "Mrs. Maria Abbott, how have you been? I brought some supplements for you to help with your health."
Maria's tone was distant. "Ms. Jones, didn't I tell you not to come here anymore? This is a family gathering. I won't be inviting you to dinner."
Erica struggled to hide her expression. As the Jones family heir, she had never faced such humiliation. A flicker of darkness crossed her eyes, but she maintained her smile. "Mrs. Maria Abbott, I'll visit another time then. Once Austin has time, he can perform your surgery, and you'll be fully recovered. That way, Aaron won't have to worry."
Maria snorted, "I'm perfectly healthy and don't need any surgery. Susanna, let's go."
Susanna felt a heavy weight in her heart. She knew Maria didn't want to put her in a tough spot. But how could she let Maria miss a chance at recovery just for her sake?
