Chapter 367

Chapter 367:

Long-Awaited Date

“Yes, Grandpa, I’m going to join the company. I must become stronger to protect those I hold dear,” Susan declared firmly, her eyes ablaze with determination. Erick gazed at her tenderly, a hint of guilt in his eyes. “If my health hadn’t failed, I could have protected you better, Susan.”

“You’ve shielded me for so many years. Now, it’s my turn to safeguard you,” Susan replied sweetly.

“You’ve always been so sensible since you were a child. However, don’t believe your father is as terrible as you think,” Erick said, his voice gentle yet laden with meaning. “Susan, he’s your father. When you had a severe fever, he never left your side. It’s clear to me that he truly cares about you.”

Susan was taken aback. She recalled suffering from a high fever in her childhood but had never envisioned that Esteban had been there for her. The revelation silenced her.

“Mara is not a good person, Susan. If you have any issues, it’s best to speak directly to your father. Do you understand?”

Erick’s words sent a shiver down Susan’s spine.

Indeed, she realized that over the years, her interactions with Esteban had been alarmingly sparse, mediated mostly through Mara. And with Mara’s malicious nature, it was unlikely she would want anything beneficial for Susan. The information Mara relayed might not truly reflect Esteban’s intentions. Susan’s expression grew icy.

However, even if Esteban wasn’t directly responsible for some of those schemes, he certainly was aware of the arranged marriage.

Erick looked at Susan with a perceptive eye, quickly reading her thoughts. “Since your mother passed away, your father has made it a point to visit me every year, always bringing more gifts than the last time. If he didn’t genuinely care for your mother, he wouldn’t bother with such gestures.”

Furthermore, the Bowers family was no longer as influential as they once were. Esteban had no reason to ingratiate himself with them any longer.

Susan pressed her lips together. “I understand,” she conceded. Perhaps Esteban was not as despicable as she had believed, but he was not entirely kind, either. “You are your father’s first daughter, and your mother was the woman he deeply loved,” Erick continued, his voice earnest. “Susan, the future of the Riggs family should rightfully be yours. Are you prepared to give it to Mara and your father?”

Erick’s gaze bore into Susan’s, filling her with a resolve to secure her rightful inheritance from the Riggs family, ensuring she wasn’t oppressed by those around her.

He didn’t have much time left, and he intended to spend his remaining days aiding Susan as much as possible.

“I understand now,” Susan declared, her voice firm with new resolve. “You’re right. Previously, I acted out of spite, cutting ties with my father. But the Riggs Group belongs to my mother and father. Why should I relinquish it to anyone else?”

Susan stood, her eyes alight with fierce determination. “I will reclaim everything that belongs to me!”

Only then did Erick’s face break into a smile. “Now that’s my granddaughter! If there’s anything you’re unsure about, come to me anytime. Though I’m old, I still have a knack for business and a few connections that might be useful.”

“Alright, Grandpa.”

Meanwhile, Josie found herself bewildered on the busy sidewalk. Clutching a bag of breakfast, she stood frozen, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. Was she really going to take this to Susan? Susan would undoubtedly ridicule her! Yet, if she chose not to bring the breakfast, wouldn’t Esteban harbor resentment towards her? The Reed Group was nothing but a minor player compared to the Riggs Group.

Though often pampered, Josie couldn’t jeopardize her family’s future.

Her lips twisted in dismay, and her heart throbbed with sorrow. No wonder Dane had chosen Susan; it was her family background that attracted him.

That meant Dane was also a man who prized power above all. Her heart stung with the realization that if she had been a Riggs, perhaps Dane would have chosen her. Truly, men were realistic creatures.

Resigned, Josie returned to the hospital and handed the breakfast to a nurse before swiftly making her exit. She needed a new plan.

Josie delved deeper into the background of the Riggs family, puzzled as to why she had been unaware of Susan’s ties to such an influential clan.

Her research soon revealed the answer. It turned out Susan was hardly favored within the Riggs family, overshadowed by a stepmother and a stepsister, rendering her practically invisible.

So, that was the state of affairs!

With this new information, Josie narrowed her eyes in calculation. Since that was the case, she would need to forge a good relationship with Jada, who was about to return.

Meanwhile, at Edge Entertainment, Madisyn was engrossed in her work when a message from Susan popped up on her screen.

“Madisyn, I’m planning to work at the Riggs Group.”

“Really? That’s great news!” Madisyn exclaimed, though a concern quickly surfaced. “But, won’t your father deliberately make things difficult for you?”

Susan sighed and replied, “I don’t know that either. I’ll find out when I’m there. I have to work hard. The Riggs Group belongs to my mother, too. Even if it’s just for her sake, I have to give it my all. But, Madisyn, I’m still a bit nervous. The Riggs Group primarily deals in perfumes, and I haven’t made any perfumes in a long time.”

“I really liked the scents you created in those skincare products,” Madisyn replied warmly, encouraging her. “It’s never too late to work hard.”

“Alright! Thank you, Madisyn. Your words have truly reassured me.”

Time whisked by, and soon it was the end of the day.

After work, Madisyn went to find Andrew.

There was little going on today, allowing her and Andrew a chance for a long-awaited date.

With a light heart, she made her way to the Klein Group’s headquarters. Upon reaching the floor with the CEO’s office, Madisyn spotted Andrew’s assistant exiting the office swiftly.

The assistant caught sight of Madisyn and looked visibly startled.

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