Chapter 366

Chapter 366:

“How could I possibly think that? Your daughter is remarkable. It’s clear to everyone!” Josie felt a bit confused as to why Esteban would ask her that question.

Jada was indeed exceptional; even Josie, who lived outside of Ansport, was aware of her status as the city’s most renowned socialite.

“Is that so? Then why did you just say that?” Esteban moved toward Susan, and in that moment, Josie noticed subtle similarities in their appearances.

Her mind went blank, leaving her at a loss for words.

Esteban regarded Josie with a cold expression. “Moreover, Dane never said he was interested in you, yet here you are, warning another woman to leave him. Are you out of touch with reality?”

Esteban rarely resorted to insults, but when he did, he was sharp and direct. His authoritative demeanor left no doubt that he was a man of significant stature. Having heard Josie address him as “Mr. Riggs,” most of those present quickly recognized him as Esteban, the head of Riggs Group.

So, was this unassuming young woman actually his daughter?

Had the young ladies of wealthy families become so low-key these days?

Was Josie out of her mind? How could she fail to recognize Esteban’s daughter?

Josie looked at Susan. “You’re Mr. Riggs’s daughter? How is that possible? Isn’t Jada his daughter?”

Esteban’s frown deepened. “Susan is my firstborn.”

Josie turned pale, almost collapsing to her knees. Esteban’s eyes caught sight of the bill on the floor. “Did you throw this?”

“Mr. Riggs, I—”

“Pick it up,” Esteban ordered sharply.

Josie shuddered as she instinctively crouched to retrieve the bill, now limp and soggy from the spilled soup. This was the most humiliating thing she had ever done, and she felt utterly miserable at that moment.

“Since you ruined the breakfast, go buy another one,” Esteban commanded.

Josie could only mutter, “Okay.”

She clenched her teeth, shot a glance at Susan, and departed.

The onlookers were stunned by the dramatic turn of events. They grew nervous, fearing Susan might hold a grudge for their earlier remarks. Despite the Riggs family’s legitimate business ties, they were well-connected in less savory circles.

“Wow, Miss Riggs is incredibly unassuming. We didn’t recognize her at all. That woman must be out of her mind, claiming Miss Riggs isn’t good enough for the man she likes. Who isn’t good enough for Miss Riggs?”

“Absolutely. She’s just envious. How absurd she was! I think Miss Riggs surpasses her in every way.”

The crowd began complimenting Susan, hoping to avoid any bad blood. Susan chose not to engage further and headed to Erick’s hospital room.

Esteban followed her inside.

Upon seeing Esteban, Erick wasn’t in the mood for much conversation. Esteban set down the gifts and greeted him, “Erick, how are you?”

“Still here,” Erick responded nonchalantly.

“I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t been able to visit. Now that I’m here, I’m relieved to see you’re doing well,” Esteban said, adapting a respectful tone. Before Erick, Susan watched silently, her lips pursed, suspecting her father was merely putting on a show.

Erick responded with only occasional nods. He was aware that Erick held some resentment toward him for remarrying so quickly after his first wife’s death. Esteban himself was somewhat baffled as to how Mara had become pregnant with his child. He couldn’t just abandon his own child, could he?

Originally, he had planned to bring only the child back, but his mother, desiring a more lively household, had secretly brought both Mara and the baby home. Subsequently, Esteban found it impossible to send them away. Besides, his first wife had passed away early, and he was a stern man ill-suited for single parenthood. Having a woman in the house seemed like a better arrangement. There were many lessons better imparted by a mother than a father.

Esteban then turned to Susan. “Are you really seeing him?”

Susan was reluctant to engage with Esteban but nodded nonchalantly.

Esteban scowled. “He’s not an ordinary young man.”

Susan kept her face neutral.

Esteban was irritated by her aloof demeanor, his tone growing sharp. “If you’re serious about being with him, you should consider joining the family business.”

Susan scoffed. “Even if I joined your company, would you really treat me fairly? Wouldn’t you be upset if I outshone your daughter?”

Esteban was perplexed. “Susan, what are you talking about? I’ve treated you both equally since you were children. If you had had your sister’s academic record, you could have studied abroad too!”

Susan’s expression darkened. “You were the one who wouldn’t let me go to school!”

“Where did I ever stop you?” Esteban retorted, visibly angered.

Susan wondered what Esteban was playing at. Was he hiding his true colors from Erick?

Susan replied coldly, “If you promise I’ll receive the same treatment as Jada if I join the company, consider it!”

“I’ve always treated you both equally, and I’ve never been biased,” Esteban insisted, confused by Susan’s hostility. Hadn’t he always been fair? He had always made sure Mara got extra money when buying clothes for Susan!

Susan just smirked, choosing not to challenge Esteban. “Then you should start at the company.”

Esteban said calmly, “Susan, it’s an excellent opportunity for you.”

Susan didn’t object anymore. Although Josie’s words were harsh, they made Susan acknowledge her need to assert herself. If she wanted to be with Dane, she needed to prove her worth.

Besides, half the company was her mother’s legacy. Why shouldn’t she claim what was rightfully hers? She wouldn’t just join the company; she intended to take charge.

After spending a bit more time in the hospital room, Esteban departed, sensing the cool reception from both Erick and Susan.

Erick smiled at Susan. “Have you really made up your mind to join the company?”

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