Chapter 323

Chapter 323:

Elaine said, “I’ll talk to Dane about this later. Don’t worry, Susan. I know my son well enough. It could just be a misunderstanding. If not, I’ll deal with him.”

“Oh, Mrs. Johns, you don’t need to do that. Besides, Dane and I are not suitable for each other,” Susan quickly responded, waving her hand dismissively.

“Why do you say that? I actually think you’re the perfect match for him,” Elaine said, clearly pleased with her. She imagined how delightful it would be to have Susan as her daughter-in-law and how much fun they could have together every day.

Susan decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Mrs. Johns, how about we go grab some food first?”

They picked up some lunch and enjoyed it together. The atmosphere felt cozy and intimate, resembling a family gathering.

After they finished their meal, Madisyn left first to return to work.

Dane and Elaine headed out together.

“Dane,” Elaine said as soon as they were in the car, “who’s the new person you’re seeing now?”

Dane frowned in confusion. “Mom, who are you talking about?” Was Elaine referring to Susan?

“Don’t lie to me. Susan told me everything. Who said she’s your girlfriend?” Elaine frowned.

“No one,” Dane replied.

But then he remembered Evie. When Josie had pestered him, Evie had mentioned that she was the girl he liked. Did Susan hear that?

Dane began to piece things together. He recalled that Susan had planned to visit him that day but suddenly canceled and left Gemond. It dawned on him that she must have heard everything.

He felt regret for not having asked more directly. How could he have let Susan go through such an ordeal? Just as the car was about to pull away, Dane suddenly threw open the door. Elaine looked on in shock. “What are you doing, Dane?”

“I’m going after your daughter-in-law!” he said, disappearing in a flash.

Elaine quickly understood and broke into a smile. Young love was truly wonderful.

The driver asked, “Mrs. Johns, shall we head back now?”

Elaine nodded and replied, “Yes.”

She thought it best not to interfere too much in the younger generation’s issues. They needed to resolve their misunderstandings on their own.

Susan was taking out the trash when Dane approached her urgently. His face was filled with anxiety and concern as he looked at her.

Susan looked puzzled and asked, “What’s going on?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend, and I’m not interested in anyone else,” Dane began, his eyes earnest. “The woman you heard is Evie, Andrew’s younger sister. She claimed I liked her because Josie was pestering me, and she said that to chase Josie away. I’m sorry I didn’t notice how you felt at that time.”

Susan was taken aback. She hadn’t expected this revelation, nor did she anticipate seeing this side of Dane.

Knowing his prideful nature, she didn’t expect such a sincere apology from him.

In reality, Dane’s previous indifference stemmed from his belief that Susan no longer had feelings for him. If she still did, he would never give up on her.

Dane took her hand and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me, Susan?”

When Susan saw the hurt and regret in his eyes, her heart ached. The truth was clear, but she hadn’t trusted Dane back then.

“I feel like there’s a significant gap between us,” she said, tears welling in her eyes as she lowered her head. “I don’t want to hold you back.”

“You’re not holding me back,” Dane said, tightening his grip on her hand as if afraid she might leave. “You’re from the Riggs family, and if you need a place in the elite circle, I can make you the most prominent socialite whenever you want.”

Tears began to form in Susan’s eyes. She realized how deeply he cared for her, even though she had misunderstood him all along.

Overwhelmed with guilt, she said, “I’m so sorry, Dane.”

Dane hugged her gently. “Don’t cry, silly girl. It’s all my fault. Whatever happens from now on, just tell me right away, okay? I’ll take care of it.”

Wrapped in his arms, Susan felt a profound sense of security. “I will try,” she whispered softly.

“Don’t just try. You must,” Dane said firmly, releasing her shoulders and gazing at her intently.

Susan was about to say something when a passing nurse smiled and said, “Young people, save your affection for later. It looks like your trash has spilled.”

They looked down and realized that when Dane hugged Susan, he had moved too suddenly, causing the trash to spill.

They both flushed with embarrassment. Susan quickly said, “I’ll handle the trash first.”

Dane stayed close behind Susan. After she got rid of the trash, he fixed his gaze on her and said, “Promise me, Susan.”

Susan felt a bit dazed by the sincerity and depth in his eyes. Did she really deserve such love? “Alright, but if you ever decide to marry someone from a family of equal status, just let me know.”

“You silly girl.” Dane was too irritated to say more, and when he saw her flushed lips, he leaned in and kissed her without hesitation.

Susan was breathless from the kiss. She pushed Dane away and noticed her swollen lips in the mirror. Panicking, she asked, “What are you doing? What if my grandpa sees this?”

“Do you really think he’s clueless? He can definitely figure out what’s going on between us,” Dane scoffed.

Susan shot him a glare. Sometimes, he could be so frustrating.

“Come on, introduce me properly to your grandpa.” Dane grabbed her hand, leaving her no room to argue.

They entered the ward. Erick was resting, staring out the window absentmindedly. Hearing some movement at the door, he turned around and was surprised to see them holding hands. A hint of surprise crossed his face, followed by a warm smile. “You’ve made up, haven’t you?”

Susan was taken aback. “Grandpa, you…”

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