Chapter 318

Chapter 318:

Susan struggled to explain to her grandfather that Esteban would never allow her to take over the company. Working there would mean being used; it was better for her to find work elsewhere.

“I just don’t like the company’s environment, and I don’t like making perfumes, either. I want to follow my own passions,” Susan said gently.

“You don’t like making perfumes?” Erick was even more surprised. “Susan, you used to adore perfumes, even mixing them into different skincare products. I was really fond of the skincare line you created. How can you say you don’t like making perfumes now?”

“That was just a childhood interest, Grandpa. It’s not something I enjoy anymore,” Susan replied, feeling a weight on her heart. The main reason was she didn’t want to return to that family; it never felt like home.

Erick noticed the sadness in Susan’s tone and sighed. “Alright, I support whatever path you choose. If you don’t like it, then don’t force yourself.”

Susan nodded. “Thank you, Grandpa. Please have some rest.”

Meanwhile, Madisyn had just returned to her room when she received a call from Andrew.

“Sweetheart.” Andrew sounded somewhat frustrated. “I didn’t know Susan would be there, too.”

“It’s okay. I should have told you,” Madisyn responded. “But from what I observed, Susan doesn’t seem to dislike Dane. I’m curious about what caused their estrangement.”

“Maybe it’s just some misunderstanding. Didn’t Susan mention anything?”

“No, she didn’t.”

Andrew paused briefly before saying, “Susan is from the Riggs family in Ansport, right? I only found that out recently.”

“You did?”

“Yes,” Andrew replied quietly. “But many people in Ansport don’t know about Susan because she’s barely noticeable in the Riggs family. Even some household staff might not realize she’s their boss’s daughter—they probably only recognize his other daughter, Jada.”

Madisyn hadn’t dug into Susan’s circumstances but had sensed that life at home must be hard for her. She hadn’t realized just how severe it really was.

“Why is that?” Madisyn inquired.

“Well, Susan’s current mother is her stepmother. Her real mother died when she was young, and after the stepmother came into the picture, Susan’s home life got tougher. This stepmother is quite cunning—she quickly made a name for herself in social circles and began spreading rumors that Susan was rebellious and disliked studying… As a result, even those who are aware of Susan have a negative view of her and feel sorry for Mara for having to deal with such a troublesome stepdaughter.”

What a manipulative woman! No wonder Susan left Ansport!

Madisyn’s eyes narrowed. Mara, huh? She would remember that name.

After talking a bit more, they both decided to end the conversation for the night.

The next morning, Madisyn joined Elaine for breakfast. Elaine was dressed stylishly, apparently prepared for an outing.

“Mom, where are you off to today?” Madisyn asked as she ate her omelet.

“Two ladies from prestigious families in Ansport have invited me out shopping. I haven’t been out much lately, so I thought I’d join them. Would you like to come with me, Madisyn?” Elaine offered kindly. “You shouldn’t always be working, dear. A young woman needs to enjoy life.”

Ladies from prestigious families? “So, who exactly are you going shopping with?” Madisyn asked.

“Mrs. Santos and Mrs. Riggs,” Elaine answered.

Mrs. Santos and Mrs. Riggs had invited Elaine shopping together? It seemed that the Johns Group held considerable sway in Ansport too. But Mrs. Riggs… “Mom, what time will you be back?” Madisyn inquired.

“Probably after dinner,” Elaine responded.

“If I get off work early, I’ll come meet you for dinner,” Madisyn suggested warmly.

Elaine smiled. “That would be wonderful.”

After breakfast, Madisyn headed to the office to tackle some urgent business.

By five in the afternoon, she had finished her work and checked where Elaine was before heading out. Before leaving, she texted Susan.

The restaurant where the ladies were eating was extremely upscale, with average costs exceeding ten thousand per person.

Upon her arrival, Madisyn quickly located them. Mara was sitting opposite Elaine, her demeanor vastly different from their last encounter at the hospital. Seeing Madisyn approach, Mara reacted with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Oh my, is this Madisyn? Mrs. Johns, your daughter is absolutely breathtaking—she’s clearly inherited all your grace!”

“Mrs. Riggs, you flatter her. Madisyn, come sit here,” Elaine said with a smile, guiding Madisyn to sit next to her. She then introduced the others to her, saying, “Madisyn, this is Mrs. Riggs, and that’s Mrs. Santos.”

Mara was dressed in a vivid orange dress, radiating the presence of an affluent lady. In contrast, Amanda Santos wore a more subdued jade-green dress complemented by a pearl necklace, exuding quiet sophistication.

“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Riggs, Mrs. Santos,” Madisyn greeted them graciously.

Upon seeing Madisyn, Amanda was immediately impressed. “Madisyn isn’t just beautiful. She’s also so well-mannered!”

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