Chapter 324

Chapter 324:

Erick chuckled warmly, his voice infused with knowing mirth. “You can’t hide anything from me. Dane is a good kid, Susan; you two should be together.”

Susan’s cheeks flushed with sudden warmth. She had thought her feelings were her own secret, yet it seemed everyone had already pieced it together.

“I know, Grandpa,” she said, her voice a soft whisper.

Erick continued with gentle sternness, “You’re both young. If there’s a misunderstanding, address it directly. Don’t let resentments fester; it only strains the bond between you. Understand?”

Both nodded, absorbing Erick’s seasoned advice. Dane, in particular, appeared unusually attentive. “You’re right, Erick.”

Erick’s gaze on Dane was tinged with quiet exasperation. “Don’t just make silent sacrifices for others. You need to express yourself more. How else will anyone know your true feelings?”

Silent sacrifices? Susan turned to Dane, her eyes wide with surprise.

Dane’s lips tightened briefly before he nodded.

Erick was no fool; his life had honed his instincts sharply. He had already guessed that Dane had arranged for his protection. The men in black stationed discreetly around the entrance were clearly not ordinary—they bore the distinct air of mercenaries.

Feeling reassured, Erick reflected on Susan’s fortune in having a boyfriend like Dane and a steadfast friend like Madisyn. He felt a profound peace, knowing he could die without regrets.

Turning back to Susan, he advised, “Always communicate openly. In a relationship, your feelings are paramount. The Johns family is respectable, and Dane is a fine young man. Don’t let him slip through your fingers.”

At his age, Erick could discern the essence of a person with just a glance.

Seizing the moment, Dane said earnestly, “Erick, I’ll rely on your wisdom in the future.”

Susan shot Dane a sharp look. This was her grandfather, after all. How could he say that?

Erick’s laughter boomed heartily. “Of course, I’m here for you both.”

Suddenly, Susan felt like an outsider. How had Dane and her grandfather become so close?

“Young folks should venture out more. Don’t hover around me; I need my rest, and frankly, I can’t get it with you here all the time,” Erick chided them, playfully waving them away.

Understanding Erick’s intent for them to spend time alone, Susan reluctantly agreed.

As she and Dane left the hospital room, Susan noticed the men in black leaning casually against the railing. Remembering Erick’s earlier words, she realized the truth. “These men in black—did you send them to guard my grandfather? Did you do this for me?”

“Of course, you silly girl,” Dane replied, his tone laced with mild exasperation.

Susan rubbed her head, speechless for a moment. Dane had kept helping her silently, and she had been too oblivious to recognize his care.

“Then you should have just told me directly. If you don’t say anything, how am I supposed to guess?” Susan retorted, her lips pouting slightly.

Dane pinched her cheek playfully. “You’re probably the only one who couldn’t figure it out.”

Susan shot him a glare, but he simply laughed, taking her hand in his. “My mom has always wanted a daughter-in-law. When are we getting married?”

“Isn’t it too early for that?” Susan’s face turned a vivid shade of red. They hadn’t been together long, and here he was, already talking about marriage?

“It’s not too early.” Dane shook his head, his resolve clear. “I’ve made up my mind about you, and so has my family.”

Susan’s blush deepened. “Let me think about it.”

“Take your time. I’ll be waiting for you,” Dane said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. In that moment, he was genuinely elated.

At Edge Entertainment, Madisyn had been toiling for several hours and was gearing up to leave for the fashion show when her phone rang.

Andrew’s voice came through the speaker. “Has your brother made up with Susan?” he asked.

“What? You already know?” Madisyn was taken aback.

“Yes.” Andrew recounted with a hint of amusement in his voice, “He came to see me just now, boasting that his tie was expertly tied by his girlfriend.”

Madisyn couldn’t quite picture her brother exhibiting such behavior. It seemed out of character.

Then she detected a note of jealousy in Andrew’s tone. “You’ve never tied a tie for me.”

Madisyn blinked, caught off guard. “I’m not very good at tying ties,” she confessed.

She rarely bothered with ties, even when donning a suit.

“Alright then,” Andrew responded, his voice trailing off with a tinge of disappointment.

Feeling compelled to amend the situation, Madisyn offered, “I’ll learn and tie one for you tomorrow.”

“Great, but honestly, I don’t really care. It’s just tying a tie. I certainly wouldn’t show it off like Dane,” Andrew said, his tone light and dismissive.

Madisyn agreed. She couldn’t envision Andrew, such a composed and mature person, engaging in such antics.

“Alright, I’m about to head to the fashion show.”

She had previously mentioned the fashion show to Andrew, so he quickly responded, “Okay.”

Madisyn changed into her new custom-made black suit, which exuded a commanding and elegant aura. Satisfied with her reflection in the mirror, she headed out to the fashion show.

The fashion show was a collaboration between several prominent brands, with one being the main organizer who had invited Maxine.

Madisyn attended under the alias “Sierra” and took a seat next to Jared.

Jared, generally indifferent to fashion shows, had rearranged his schedule to be there once he knew Madisyn would attend.

“Boss, long time no see. What brings you to this fashion show?” Jared inquired with genuine curiosity.

“My artist is here too,” Madisyn replied.

Jared’s expression softened. “Boss, you’re such an amazing employer. But I’m also your employee. Why don’t you visit me more often?” he asked, his tone a mix of jest and reproach.

Madisyn gave him a cool, measured glance. “Because you’re an experienced employee now,” she stated succinctly.

Jared was speechless. He couldn’t argue with that; it was a fair point.

As the evening unfolded, numerous attendees came over to greet Jared. In the fashion world, Homelight Enterprise had become an unrivaled presence, their luxury brands reaching new heights, particularly after their successful collaboration with Sierra.

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