Chapter 321

Chapter 321:

“Okay,” Susan agreed with a bright smile. Madisyn was also in high spirits. She was pleased to see Susan finally turning the tables. She looked forward to seeing Mara regret her loose talk in the future. If Susan asked Mara for money again, Mara wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Amanda and Elaine didn’t say a word; they just continued eating in silence. After the meal, the group decided to leave. But before they went their separate ways, Elaine held Susan’s hand and said, “Susan, I never thought you were a member of the prestigious Riggs family. I didn’t expect your stepmother to be so vicious, either. But from now on, don’t hesitate to ask for money. If she refuses, tell me. I will handle her.”

Elaine’s words warmed Susan’s heart. “Thank you, Mrs. Johns.” She was genuinely touched. Of course, she knew she couldn’t truly rely on Elaine, but she appreciated the kindness the Johns family showed her.

“Why don’t you stay at my house tonight?” Elaine invited warmly. However, Susan gently shook her head. “Thank you for the offer, Mrs. Johns, but I’m afraid I can’t. I need to go to the hospital to care for my grandfather.”

“Oh, I see. How long will your grandfather be staying in the hospital? I want to visit him tomorrow,” Elaine said.

“Mrs. Johns, please don’t trouble yourself. My grandfather is fine. His surgery was very successful. He is in the recovery stage now,” Susan quickly waved her hand dismissively.

“No, it’s no trouble at all. I have plenty of free time. I’d love to visit your grandfather and have a chat with him,” Elaine insisted. Her tone was serious yet gentle.

Susan was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes. Elaine was an outsider but showed more care and concern than her own family.

“Okay, if it doesn’t trouble you. Thank you, Mrs. Johns,” Susan said gratefully.

She bid farewell to Elaine and Madisyn and returned to the hospital. When she arrived at her grandfather’s ward, she was surprised to see Mara outside, waiting for her.

Susan asked indifferently, “What are you doing here?”

“Susan, give me the money back,” Mara sneered. Her mean and vicious expression at the moment starkly contrasted with the gentle and kind demeanor she had feigned earlier.

Susan looked at her coldly. “You want the money back? Why didn’t you think of this when you spread rumors about me? Do you deserve this money? Not at all. Besides, you’ve slandered me. So, it is only fair that I keep the money as compensation.”

“How dare you! That money belongs to your father. If you don’t give it back, I’ll go straight to him,” Mara threatened in a voice dripping with malice.

She knew Susan didn’t care about her at all, but her father’s opinion mattered to Susan. In fact, it was one of the reasons Mara always used Esteban against her. Mara was aware of how much Susan valued his approval.

“You are such a rebellious girl! Your father will definitely get angry when he finds out about this. Do you want to give him another heart attack? Have you forgotten that your father got sick last time because of you? Give me the money. Otherwise, I will tell your father how selfish and ungrateful you are. Be careful. He may even kick you out of the house.”

Since Susan was a child, she had been deeply affected by her father’s opinion of her. She was worried he would think she was an unfilial child. Because of this, she always gave in to Mara’s demands.

So, this time, Mara still believed Susan would return the money.

However, Susan’s expression remained cold. She just said calmly, “You can say whatever you want to him.”

Mara was taken aback for a moment. She looked at Susan in disbelief. “Are you not afraid I’ll tell your father?”

“Go ahead. I no longer care. After all, you’ve probably been bad-mouthing me to him all along,” Susan responded coldly. She no longer cared about her father’s opinion. Anyway, he always sided with her stepmother and stepsister. Her heart had grown cold because of him. So what if her father thought poorly of her? It wouldn’t change anything. He never loved her.

“Susan!” Mara spluttered, feeling helpless for a moment. “Do you want to be kicked out of the family?”

“If I remember correctly, I told you before I agreed to the marriage you arranged that I no longer considered myself a part of the Riggs family,” Susan replied coldly.

Mara looked at her with narrowed eyes. “What if your father asks you to return and work in the company? Won’t you go back?”

Susan didn’t answer.

So, Mara continued, “Susan, Jada has been studying perfumery abroad and will graduate soon. That means she is returning and will be the new head of the Riggs family. I suggest you don’t overstep your bounds.”

“I also advise you to stay in your lane. Stop causing trouble, especially around me. Otherwise, if I decide to work at the Riggs Group, it may not end up in your or your daughter’s hands,” Susan said coldly.

These words angered Mara. She glared at Susan with sharp eyes and shouted, “How dare you threaten me!”

“Why? Don’t you like the feeling of being threatened? Isn’t this your favorite tactic?” Susan looked Mara straight in the eye and added, “If you don’t want me to get involved, get out of here now.”

Mara clenched her fists tightly in anger. She glared at Susan, but she could only turn around and storm off.

Susan entered her grandfather’s ward. The next day, Elaine arrived at the hospital to visit Susan’s grandfather, as promised. Madisyn was with her. When they walked out of the elevator, they saw a familiar figure in the corridor. He was leaning against the railing, seemingly lost in thought.

Elaine quickened her pace, approaching the man. “Dane?” Dane was startled when he heard the familiar voice. He turned and looked at Elaine and Madisyn with a rare hint of panic in his eyes.

The sounds outside the ward caught the attention of the people inside. Susan came out to see what was happening. She was surprised to see Dane.

Dane quickly composed himself. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

Elaine looked at him in confusion. “I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to visit a client,” Dane replied without missing a beat.

“Oh, I see.” Elaine nodded. “Are you done? I’m here to see Susan’s grandfather. Since you are already here, come with us.”

Dane pursed his lips, hesitating for a moment. In the end, he nodded.

Susan invited them inside. Her grandfather, Erick, was sitting upright in his hospital bed, propped up by pillows. He was reading a newspaper. When he heard some movement at the door, he looked up and was surprised to see the group enter his ward.

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