Ch. 31..40

Chapter 31

Vera pushed away the phone that Sally handed to her. "I don't want to look at it!"

She looked at Nathan emotionally, tears already rolling down her face. "Tell me, Nate! Tell me I wasn't mistaken!"

Nathan walked over to Vera before sinking down on one knee. He held her slightly trembling hand.

In a gentle voice, he comforted her, "Grandma, don't be so sad. If you think Suzanne is Chubs, then she's Chubs. You can do whatever you want."

Sally shot up to her feet at that moment. She exclaimed angrily, "Nate, I'm the real Chubs! You can't just twist the truth to appease Grandma! How long do you plan on letting her live in her delusion?"

"Shut up!" Nathan shouted, his expression icy.

The sight of Nathan looking so furious and intimidating shocked Sally to the core. She could only pout while feeling upset, and tears started to pool up in her eyes.

Vera gazed at Suzanne sadly. Affection and regret flashed across her eyes as she said, "That's right. I think she's Chubs. I know she's Chubs."

Sally was so furious that she kept stomping her feet. "Grandma, I'm Chubs!" she asserted. "Nate has been in love with me all this time! He doesn't love Suzanne at all!"

"You're going to cause Nate more suffering at this rate! He and Suzanne will get divorced sooner or later! Why must you be stubborn and unreasonable?"

Sally couldn't care less about Vera's emotions. This time, she chose to verbally attack Vera.

White-hot anger flooded Nathan's senses. His expression crumbled as he shot an icy glare at Sally.

How did she turn out to be so vile as an adult? Was the educational system of the foreign country she had stayed in to be blamed for her transformation?

Vera's cheeks flushed with anger the moment she heard Sally's uncouth words. She trembled violently while pointing at her.

"Who... Who are you calling stubborn and unreasonable?" she asked furiously.

Vera had been nothing but kind and compassionate toward everyone throughout her life. She was also a gracious and elegant woman, to begin with.

To think that a snot-nosed, ignorant brat dared to call her stubborn and unreasonable!

She rose to her feet immediately, her flames of anger threatening to consume her rationality. Tears blurred her vision as she glared at Sally, her body still trembling all over.

"Get out!" Vera shrieked in a shrill voice. "Get out right now!"

Panic washed over Suzanne as she steadied Vera on her feet. After that, she patted Vera's chest in order to help her regulate her breathing.

Suzanne's gentle voice rang out comfortingly. "Grandma, calm down. You're suffering from high blood pressure, so you can't be too emotional."

Then, she said to Nathan, "Hurry up and take Sally away."

Cold fury was evident in Nathan's expression. He grabbed Sally and started dragging her out of the courtyard.

Sally struggled against his grip while wailing, "I'm not leaving, Nate! Suzanne should be the one leaving this place! She has no right to steal you and Grandma away from me! Heck, she has no right to steal your love that's meant for me!

"You should know that Suzanne is the type who lusts after every man in the world! She took up sex work just to earn money for her plastic surgery! She even married an old geezer in the past, you know!

"Grandma only likes her because she got work done on her face just so she could resemble my younger self! That's how she rose through the social ranks! I will never accept this!"

Hearing Sally's accusations against her made Suzanne feel as though she was getting tormented. In a way, Sally was rubbing salt on Suzanne's wound. Even though Suzanne possessed no memories of those events, she still felt extremely uncomfortable.

At the same time, Vera grew more agitated when she heard Sally's words.

Nathan had already dragged Sally out of the courtyard by then. He had a feeling that he'd definitely beat Sally up if she were a guy.

Suddenly, Suzanne's panicked voice drifted into his ears. "Nathan, come here quick! Grandma just fainted!"

Nathan's heart tightened at her words. He instantly released Sally, who was still struggling violently, and rushed back to the gazebo.

Sally could only stay rooted to the spot dumbly. She watched as Nathan scooped the unconscious Vera into his arms and bolted past her. Suzanne was also running behind him, looking quite anxious.

Chapter 32

Sally was starting to panic. She was afraid that her actions had given Vera an aneurysm. It would be difficult for her to deal with the

consequences if that were to happen.

But another thought soon popped into her mind. If Vera were to die, then there was no reason for Nathan and Suzanne to stay married. They’d definitely get a divorce at that time.

With that thought in mind, Sally instantly relaxed. Vera’s death would prove to be beneficial to her.

It was a long and lonely night. The yellow lights in the VIP ward were dim. The atmosphere was deathly silent, too.

Suzanne sat next to Vera’s bed while holding her frail, skinny hand. Her teary eyes were glued to Vera’s peaceful sleeping expression.

Her heart throbbed in pain from time to time. She could only wish fervently for Vera to be fine and that she would regain consciousness

soon.

Suzanne still remembered the time when she first woke up in hospital. Her mind was completely blank, but her body was with injuries.

There were a bunch of strangers standing around her. Those peo had claimed to be her parents, older brother, relatives, and friends. police officer was also there to take her statement just so he could determine her actual identity.

However, Suzanne soon realized that her so-called friends and family didn’t care about her health at all. They were all there just to demand

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money from her.

Apparently, she had stolen five million dollars from her dead ex- husband and got violently beaten up as a result. That was how she lost her memories.

Since there wasn’t enough substantial evidence to pin her as the culprit, the police decided not to arrest her. That was how she escaped from the fate of getting locked behind bars.

Suzanne had hired a private detective to investigate her own background. It seemed that she had grown up in a toxic household.

Her parents didn’t love her, and her brother most certainly didn’t care about her. At a tender age, Suzanne was already working odd jobs just to survive. She constantly dabbled on the shady side, to say the

least.

After Suzanne lost her memories, she found it close to impossible to see the good in humanity. She had no idea what to do in life.

That was until she met Vera.

Vera had a heart of gold and treated her like she was her actual granddaughter. Not only did she showered Suzanne with love and care, but she was also extremely nice to her.

Suzanne spent the next three years serving as Vera’s caregiver. To her, those were the three happiest years she had ever lived in her

entire life.

She had grown to treat Vera like her own family. And she couldn’t

bear the thought of losing her.

More tears rolled down Suzanne’s pale cheeks as she recalled the past. Time slowly ticked by.

244

After Nathan took Vera to the hospital and waited for her condition to stabilize, he wasted no time in driving back to Sudvilla.

It was 3:00 am when he flung Sally’s room door open and stormed inside angrily. There, he dragged Sally out of bed forcibly.

Poor Sally was shocked, to say the least. Before she could register what happened, she felt herself getting dragged out of the room. She had no choice but to stumble alongside Nathan.

“Nate, what are you doing? It’s the middle of the night right now! Where are you taking me?”

Nathan’s expression remained cold. He opted not to respond to Sally

at all.

Soon, Sally was dragged out of the villa and pushed onto the front passenger seat of Nathan’s car. He made sure to buckle her seatbelt

for her.

Sally pouted in frustration, looking like she was about to cry. She stared at Nathan through her tears as she exclaimed, “What’s wrong, Nate? Why do you look so angry? I’m still in my pajamas, you know! Where the hell are you taking me?”

Nathan got into the driver’s seat wordlessly and started the car, cruising away from Sudvilla.

Half an hour later, Nathan stopped the car outside Hoffis Manor. He got out and walked around the front of the car to get to Sally’s door. After that, he dragged Sally out of the car and deposited her at the

front door.

Sally sobbed while asking, “Why did you take me home, Nate?”

A dark glint crossed Nathan’s eyes as he warned in a stern tone, Listen up, Sally. I’ve never told you that I loved you, be it now or then. Don’t be so full of yourself and take advantage of my kindness.

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toward you.

“Also, Suzanne and I are legally married. According to the law, she’s entitled to half of my assets. Sudvilla is her home, not yours. You

have no right to claim Sudvilla as your own and take over it.”

Chapter 33

Sally finally realized that Nathan was angry at her. She allowed tears to flow down her face freely so that she could look pitiful.

Then, she apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, Nate. Why are you being so mean to me all of a sudden?"

Nathan questioned angrily, "Did you really think I wouldn't know about you framing Suzanne just because there weren't any surveillance cameras in Sudvilla?"

All color was instantly drained from Sally's complexion. She could only gaze at Nathan, not knowing what to do. A moment later, she managed to recover from her shock. "Suzanne was the one framing me!"

"You really don't want to admit it, huh? Do you think I'm that stupid, Sally?" Nathan looked extremely disappointed.

It was then Sally realized that she could no longer keep the truth under wraps from Nathan. She burst into tears and slapped on a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry, Nate! I know I've made a terrible mistake!"

Nathan did his best to reel in his temper. He took a deep breath though his tone was tinged with anger.

"If that were the case, then you wouldn't have accused Suzanne stealing the necklace, nor would you have pissed Grandma off to the point that she got hospitalized!

"From now on, you're forbidden from meddling with my matters concerning Suzanne! You're also not allowed to visit Grandma on your own! If I catch you repeating this mistake, I will never let you off

the hook!"

Sally approached Nathan and meekly grabbed his hand. Then, she

started swaying it coquettishly.

"Nate, I know I'm in the wrong here. Please forgive me, okay? I won't repeat this mistake ever again."

Nathan shook Sally's hand off furiously before taking a step

backward. He said coldly, "I'll have my men deliver your belongings to your home tomorrow. You'd better reflect on your actions at home." Once he was done speaking, he walked toward the door and pressed

the doorbell.

Sally kept crying as she pleaded for mercy and apologized to Nathan. She even resorted to acting cute and whining to him like a spoiled brat. Still, Nathan remained unmoved.

He stayed there till the Hoffis family's butler opened the door. After entrusting Sally to the butler, he got back into his car and drove away

without hesitation.

The streets were completely deserted, seeing as it was 3:00 am.

Nathan anxiously rushed back to the hospital as quickly as he c Once he reached Vera's ward, he opened the door slowly.

He could see Suzanne wiping Vera's hands with a damp towel und the dim light. She dared not stop to rest, not even for a moment. turned out that she had been spending the entire night looking after

Vera.

Nathan approached the bed silently. Suzanne turned and met his eyes. She could feel her heart skipping a beat the moment she made

eye contact with him.

"I thought you went home," she said softly. "Why did you come here?"

Nathan respondetech in a low and husky voice, "I was dealing with something just noww.rbrushed here as soon as I could when I was done. I'll take care ofdf Grandma. You should rest in the meantime." Suzanne shook her head before turning to look at Vera, who was still unconscious. "I'm notatered, so I'm not going to rest."

Nathan took her by the wrist and pulled her to her feet. "I'm here," he said seriously. "You should go to bed."

The warmth radiating from nisis palm sent a jolt down Suzanne's

nerves. A wave of numbnesss followed suit as it spread across her limbs. She withdrew her har derervously, her cheeks already flushed

with embarrassment.

"Then, I'll rest for a while. You haveve to wake me up when Grandma wakes up later, okay?" she replied scscitly.

"Okay," Nathan echoed in a low tone

Soon, Suzanne lay on the companion bezed on her side so that she could face Vera. Her legs were tucked cligjithtly inward.

Nathan took his seat by Vera's bed. He glanced at Suzanne, who had yet to close her eyes, before standing up oncacacagain. After g blanket from the closet, he walked over to Suzaranne and drap her body.

Suzanne was touched by Nathan's actions. She was slightly su as well. All she could do was stare at him..

After Nathan tucked her in, he moved to draw the curtainiththat Separated her bed from Vera's.

Holose your eyes," he said.

atanmith flooded Suzanne's heart as she closed her eyes. Héter heart Hérardheart tartated pounding even more. She couldn't bear to imagine how wishe'd

el when it was time for her to get a divorce from Nathan right after era's birthday.

atriotic, righteous, and loyal-those words acutely described

athan. He was also the type who was passionate about what he did

spite being a cold and aloof man on the outside.

entrust love this country as well as his family with all his heart/Also, waas definitely in love with Chubs.

rames's mind was filled with envious thoughts of Chubs as shee dualty tafell asleep.

as already noon by the time she woke up. Nathan happened to ce ng careroof Vera, who was eating lunch.

It gnawed on Suzanne's heart immediately, though she soon hed a displeleased look at Nathan. "Why didn't you wake me up en Grandma woke up earlier?"

a gazed at Suzzanne's sleepy visage affectionately. A small smile rned her lips as she explained, "Nate told me you managed to fall eep at four in the earning. He wanted you to sleep longer."

anne's cheeks heatered up slightly at Vera's explanation. At the he time, the familianfe eating of warmth spread from her hear

took Vera's hand while a slaking nervously, "Are you alright, ndma? How do you feel?!?"

Chapter 34

Vera patted Suzanne on the back of her hand comfortingly. “Don’t worry. I’m healthier than you think.”

Suzanne breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness you’re fine! You scared me last night!”

Vera’s smile widened even more. “I’m not that fragile, you know. I need to recover as soon as possible so that I can deal with that pesky third-wheeler for you once and for all.”

Nathan’s expression crumbled when he heard Vera’s words. He corrected her seriously, “Grandma, there aren’t any third-wheelers in

our marriage.”

Vera huffed in response. She sounded as if she was the one getting cheated on, judging from how frustrated her tone was.

“Then what about that skank from last night? I refuse to believe that platonic friendships can exist between a man and a woman!”

Nathan couldn’t refute Vera at all. He looked like he was about, but he forced himself not to say anything.

Suzanne was tickled pink at the sight of Nathan looking so

speechless and exasperated. Then again, it was incredibly rude of her to laugh, so she dipped her head and pursed her lips together tightly in an attempt to hold her laughter back. Even the corners of her mouth threatened to curve upward.

Nathan’s gaze softened when he noticed Suzanne’s attempt to reel back her laughter. Meanwhile, Vera patted Suzanne gently on the

back.

“Chubs, I’ve already ordered a housekeeper to prepare new toiletries

for you. They’re on the bathroom counter right now. You should go wwash up and have lunch soon.”

“C’Okay,” Suzanne replied obediently.

AAfter that, she entered the bathroom.

Veera watched Suzanne’s retreating silhouette while saying wistfully, “I dolon’t care if she’s Suzanne or Chubs. To me, she’s a wonderful woman who’s a good match for you. Nate, you mustn’t divorce her justst because that woman told you so, okay?”

Natharan was exasperated, but he couldn’t risk angering Vera even more, delast her health decline again. “Got it,” he replied.

Vera rottered her eyes at Nathan in slight displeasure. “Be honest with me. Do you tereally not like Chubs at all?” she asked.

Nathan moveved his chair closer to Vera. Then, he leaned over and answered, Grandma, I’ve objected to your suggestion of marrying

Suzanne from thes start.

“It doesn’t matterewivhether or not you’ve mistaken her for Chub, you shouldn’t have forced us to marry back then. This is wrong. It’s also unfair to me and Suzatanne.”

Vera snapped, “Don’t change the subject. I’m asking if you ha feelings for her.”

Nathan pondered about the question seriously for a moment.

“She’s a wonderful woman,maddoubt. But I’ve only married her little-over a month, not to meridion we’ve only spent a few days together as well. We barely knowwaach other, let alone have a relationship together.”

Vera advised sagely, “I know you’re a responsible man, Nate. Now that you’ve married Chubs, you muststatake responsibility. Don’t ever treat marriage like a child’s game, and goou must never treat her like

dirt.”

Nathan stroked Vera’s gray hair, adoration shining in his eyes. He could only nod helplessly in response.

“Got it, Grandma.”

Vera smiled happily in return. “Couples who go through thick and thin together will be together for life. You two must live happily ever after.”

Nathan was extremely helpless, to say the least. He had already promised Suzanne that he’d get a divorce from her right after Vera’s birthday banquet was over.

He had never gone back on his words.

At that moment, the entire Morrison family came to visit Vera, and they filed into the ward. In just a split second, the atmosphere in the ward became lively.

Vera suffered from Alzheimer’s, so it was safe to say that she was very forgetful. As such, she couldn’t remember who the Morrisons were. When they introduced themselves, she had a vague inkling of

who they were.

“Mom, I’m your son, Gary. This is your daughter-in-law, Florence grandson, granddaughter-in-law, as well as your great-grandch here to see you as well.”

Vera stared at everyone, clearly confused. She thought for a mon before replying, “My son’s name is Andrew.”

“Andrew was your youngest son, Mom. He passed away when he was ten years old. I’m your eldest son, Gary.”

“My… eldest son?”

“Yup! Your grandson is here too!”

Suffice to say, it was always a reunion whenever the Morrisons.

visited Vera. They had to introduce themselves every time they met.

Suzanne exited the bathroom amidst the chatter. She was stunned when she saw more than a dozen people hanging out in Vera’s ward.

Whenever Vera got hospitalized, Suzanne was always there to take care of her. The Morrisons were already used to her presence.

Chapter 35

The Morrisons crowded around Vera as they asked her how she was doing and showed their concern for her.

Suzanne felt out of place, so she decided to leave the ward. Soon, she arrived at the corridor outside the garden on the first floor. She sat on a stone bench and settled her gaze on the shrubbery in the distance sullenly.

Suddenly, a man's deep and rich voice shattered the silence.

"What are you thinking about?"

Suzanne snapped out of her thoughts right away. She tilted her head to look at the source of the voice.

Nathan had already stopped next to her at that time and sat on the same bench as well. His presence was strong and domineering, as always.

Suzanne's heart tightened at the sight of him. Her body stiffened before she slowly adjusted her sitting posture.

"Nothing," she replied coolly.

Nathan's lips curled into a small smile, though his eyes darkened slightly. He asked in a chilly tone, "Did you overhear our project?"

Surprised, Suzanne turned to look at him in confusion. Nathan did the same as well, his gaze firmly pinned on her clear eyes.

The moment they made eye contact, Nathan realized Suzanne had beautiful and clear eyes. In a way, they were mysterious as well.

He decided to remind her. "Project Foghunt."

Suzanne had no idea why Nathan suddenly asked her this question, but she replied truthfully, "I did overhear a detail or two about it."

Nathan's expression darkened slightly. This time, his voice came out cold and slightly authoritative. "Our project got leaked."

Suzanne was confused. What did Project Foghunt getting leaked have anything to do with her?

Wait, could Nathan be suspecting her?

Suzanne felt aggrieved. "Are you suspecting me?"

Nathan chose to gaze at the scenery before him instead of answering her question directly. "Barring Mr. President and a few leaders tasked with important jurisdictions, you and I are the remaining ones who know about this project."

In that case, Suzanne was definitely quite suspicious.

She understood the reason for Nathan's suspicion, but she had no idea what the exact details of Project Foghunt were. Besides, she had never leaked anything about it anyway.

"It's not me, Nathan," Suzanne said firmly in a serious tone. "I don't know the details of your project. Also, I never leaked anything about it."

Nathan narrowed his eyes coldly at Suzanne. He took his time in enunciating every word in response.

"When I left Sunterland on a business trip, I used the opportunity to do a thorough investigation on your identity."

Suzanne stared at Nathan in surprise, though she remained silent.

Nathan continued, "As a result, I dug up another identity of yours that's quite interesting."

Interesting? He was definitely being ironic.

Suzanne clenched her fists unconsciously. She was so anxious that she was about to throw up. It was clear that Nathan was about to drop a bomb on her, judging from his gaze and tone.

Her reputation was extremely tainted at this point. Was there another scandal that could make her image worse?

Nathan picked up on Suzanne's anxiety and said coolly, "You were once chosen by Nightshade Clan to go through their special training."

Suzanne was perplexed to hear that. "What's Nightshade Clan?"

"It's an extremely mysterious organization that specializes in training assassins, spies, informants, and honey traps."

Suzanne felt a shiver run down her spine. At the same time, goosebumps crawled across her skin.

Tormented by her feelings, she could only reply helplessly, "Nathan, I understand why you'd think I was the one behind the leak. But I really didn't overhear any specific details on your project. I didn't tell anyone about it, either.

"The fact that I lost my memories still stands. If possible, I don't want to regain my memories ever again. I want to bury those filthy, nightmarish experiences and memories in the past permanently."

The more Suzanne spoke, the sadder she felt.

Her eyes now reddened, she continued in a quivering tone, "I don't know how to prove my innocence to you. I guess I'll have to endure being a scapegoat, just like when Sally framed me the first few times."

Finally, she concluded her speech, albeit pessimistically. "If you have evidence that I'm the one behind the leak, then you can go ahead and arrest me right away as though I'm a spy."

Chapter 36

Nathan gazed at Suzanne meaningfully, a hint of suspicion still tinging his tone.

“Suzanne, everything that’s happened so far will make sense if you’ve

been faking your amnesia the whole time.”

Suzanne sighed in resignation. She hung her head low before speaking up in a self-deprecating tone, “You’re saying that I got cosmetic surgery and formed a close bond with Grandma just so I could marry you and stay by your side.

“Apparently, I don’t give a damn about money and social standing because all I want is to steal confidential files about Norvania. If I’ve truly faked my amnesia, then I guess I’m one hell of a spy, then.”

Nathan responded, “Precisely.”

Suzanne could only smile helplessly. “Now that my identity is about to get exposed, I’m more than eager to get a divorce with you. That’s why all the puzzles fit the frame. It all makes sense.”

Nathan fell silent.

Suzanne raised her head to look at the sky, feeling an invisi gripping her heart. She felt so suffocated that she could barely

breathe.

She wanted to explain herself so badly, but she couldn’t deny all those things as well due to her amnesia. Heck, she wasn’t even sur if those incidents had truly happened in the past.

Perhaps she really was a member of Nightshade Clan before her amnesia. What if getting close to Nathan happened to be a step in Nightshade Clan’s scheme as well?

The only difference was that she had lost her memories while camryiiggtit out.

Suzanneend donger wanted to explain herself anymore. Words couldn’t serve as substantial evidence, anyway. They wouldn’t be able to help heer case even if she were to say anything more.

She drew todicer feet before leaving the courtyard wordlessly. Just as she started moving away, she heard Nathan’s voice drifting from

behind her.

“Suzanne, everything is progressing too smoothly right now.”

Suzanne stopped inniher tracks, clearly stunned. But she didn’t turn, letting Nathan face cheerback.

Nathan stood up, his egyes still glued to Suzanne’s slender figure. He said firmly, “If you really ante a member of Nightshade Clan, there’s no way I could’ve gotten my hands on all of your information so easily.

“I’ve obtained all the informaticon i could get on you without even breaking a sweat, be it your family background, your past experiences, and your pre and post cosmetic surgical photos and information.

“This also includes the data of you joining Nightshade Clan training. It’s as if someone has leaked the information for me

purpose.

“This isn’t Nightshade Clan’s way of doing things. Something se fishy about this whole thing. I’ll keep investigating this matter. Y don’t have to think so much about it.”

Suzanne felt slightly better when she heard Natthan’s lengthy explanation. The fact that an ordinary person like her dared to approach him was already suspicious, to begin withlilt was only normal for him to suspect her.

Suzanne was silent for a short while beforereplying softly, “Thank you for not arresting me.”

Now that the official matter was wrapped up, Nathan decided to switch to a private topic. “I’ve sent Sally back to Hooffis Manor. I’m sorry about the time when I accidentally hurt you AAre you still planning on staying in Sudvilla?”

Instead of facing Nathan, Suzanne decided to keep hibeb back on him. Her expression had already crumbled a long time ago and her eyes were still brimming with tears. She didn’t have to look in a mirror to

know how awful her mood was.

No, she said.

Wherere will you be staying, then?”

Whererever my feet bring me. I’ll leave it to fate.”

pangiofof quilt hit Nathan in the heart at that moment. He said, Juust/ t me know if you need anything.”

uzanne’s Sisists clenched slightly in response, feeling her pulse ccelerating sisiightly. A wave of sadness washed over her senses

nce again.n.

he pretended totbbe calm. “As for the divorce-”

respect your wisishes, Nathan interjected before she could beaking.

hat was the answer S Suzanne was looking for. But why was it tha er heart kept throbbing in pain and making her feel uncomfortable

uzanne could no longer stopp her tears from rolling down her cheeks. till, she stared at the corridision before her stubbornly through the tears urring her vision.

“Thank you,” she murmured.d

She no longer dared to linger for a second longer for fear that she might let a sob escape from her lips. Hence, she hastily strode away in wide steps.

The path before Suzanne was exceedingly long and winded. Every

time she took a step, she couldn’t help but think about how lost she was in life at the moment.

She had no idea what to do now.

Chapter 37

Suzanne didn’t stay in Shovale or Sudvilla during the next few days. Instead, she borrowed a few thousand dollars from the card Nathan had given her just so she could rent a small apartment and buy some necessities.

She didn’t have an educational background, nor did she know if she had any skills fit for any type of work. Hence, she decided to buy flowers in bulk at Floral Market and sell them from behind her flower cart at a designated square.

Suzanne was able to earn a steady flow of cash thanks to this job. In less than half a month, she was able to save up enough money to repay the debt.

For her, life was simple and happy. At the same time, she focused her efforts on preparing Vera’s birthday gift.

Suzanne knew Vera adored classical themes. Hence, she spent half a month producing an embroidery painting of “Starry Night”.

It was 8:00 am on Vera’s birthday when Suzanne was awoken by the sounds of the doorbell ringing. She got out of bed blearily are sure to comb her hair before getting the door.

Cole was standing at the doorway. He had a huge gift box in his hands.

“Good morning, Mrs. Morrison,” he greeted politely.

Suzanne squeezed out a smile at Cole. “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert.

“Mr. Morrison told me to deliver this gift to you.”

Suzanne accepted the box while looking surprised. “What’s in it?”

Cole replied, “A dress and some accessories. I’ll come back at 5:00 pm sharp to pick you up.”

Suzanne carried the hefty gift box, feeling warmth surging from her heart. She was delighted.

“Please thank Nathan on my behalf,” she said smilingly.

“Yes, ma’am.” Cole left the apartment after bidding Suzanne farewell.

Suzanne closed the door and placed the gift on her bed. After that, she undid the bowtie and opened the box.

A beautiful dress with an intricate design could be seen sitting in the box. It was a long dress with white flowing lace fabric. It looked so elegant and pure, as though it was the garment of a mythical

goddess. Anyone would have marveled at its beauty if they were to lay their eyes on it.

There was a set of expensive-looking jewelry sitting next to the dress, The intricate accessories looked absolutely gorgeous and luxurious.

Suzanne had never worn such a beautiful dress for as long as she could possibly remember. Naturally, she had never worn such expensive jewelry before.

Women would definitely feel touched and happy whenever they say beautiful gifts meant for them. Not to mention, Nathan had specifically prepared the set just for Suzanne.

Even though Suzanne still resented him, she still felt touched.

She smiled happily as she laid the dress out on the bed and started caressing it lovingly. An animated sparkle danced in her eyes the

whole time.

She looked forward to attending Vera’s birthday banquet. Hopefully, she could carry herself well at the banquet. That way, she wouldn’t

embarrass Vera and Nathan.

The doorbell rang once again at that moment.

Suzanna thought Cole had returned to the apartment, so she rushed over to get the door. However, the moment she laid her eyes on the visitor, her smile gradually froze on her face before fading away slowly..

“How did you find out about my new home?” she asked impassively.

Sally flashed Suzanne a friendly smile before squeezing past her into the apartment without waiting for an invite.

“If Nate knows about this place, it only makes sense that I do, too. He had me pick your dress and accessories out as well,” she replied while looking around the apartment. “Your place sure is small.”

Suzanne no longer adored the dress and the jewelry. Sadness instantly plagued her senses.

Then again, she remembered that Sally was a habitual liar and loved fabricating the truth just to drive a wedge between her and Nathan., She shouldn’t believe anything Sally said.

Hence, Suzanne stated unhappily, “I didn’t invite you into my apartment. Please leave right now.”

Sally outright ignored Suzanne’s order to leave. Instead, she over to the bed while gazing at the dress.

She remarked meaningfully, “Suzanne, I came here today to adv you to keep a low profile at the banquet. Of course, it’d be best if yo don’t show up at all. That way, no one will ever find out that you’re Nate’s wife, and you can avoid embarrassing him too.”

Sally’s words instantly shattered the last shred of eagerness that occupied Suzanne’s heart. Her complexion paled instantly as she clenched her fists tightly while remaining rooted to the spot.

Unfortunately, Suzanne couldn’t come up with a good reason to retort

Chapter 38

It was then Sally noticed the embroidery that Suzanne had yet to put away.

She was shocked to find out that Suzanne was insanely talented to the point that she could embroider a famous painting onto the sewing hoop. Not a detail was out of place, and the image looked as amazing as the real deal.

"Did you embroider it yourself?" Sally pointed at the embroidery while sounding jealous.

Suzanne quickly snapped out of her trance. She strode over to the embroidery and started packing it up hurriedly.

Her panic drove her to move as quickly as she could, but Sally was faster. The latter dug out a bottle of red liquid from her handbag and splashed it onto the embroidery hoop.

The sudden destruction shocked Suzanne to her core. She was unable to stop the liquid from seeping through the fabric, causing the pattern to be dyed red instantly.

Enraged by Sally's actions, Suzanne asked, "Have you lost your mind?"

Sally just smirked in response. Clearly, she couldn't care less about Suzanne. Afterward, she dumped the remaining liquid onto Suzanne's new dress.

Poor Suzanne was so stunned she froze completely.

She gripped her ruined embroidery so tightly that her hand trembled slightly. Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the dress on the bed, which was already stained red. The sight broke her heart.

Vera's gift that Suzanne had worked tirelessly on for half a month, as well as the first gift Nathan had given her, were all ruined.

If murder were legal, Suzanne wanted nothing more than to snuff Sally's life on the spot.

Sally tossed the bottle onto the bed before picking up the clean hem of the ruined dress just to wipe her dirty hands. The way she provoked Suzanne was effortless yet humiliating.

"Remember, you're not allowed to attend Grandma's birthday banquet," Sally warned, albeit carelessly. "Your identity will only bring nothing but shame to the Morrison family. Besides—"

Before Sally could finish her sentences, she got slapped twice in a row. The slaps were so loud that the atmosphere turned deathly silent.

Sally clutched her cheek, clearly in pain. She could only glare at Suzanne, a mixture of shock and rage now displayed on her face.

A moment later, she finally gritted out angrily, "How dare you hit me!"

Suzanne bit her lower lip while doing her best to stop her tears from falling. She didn't want to display her vulnerable and weak side in front of Sally, no matter what.

Then, she picked up the ruined dress and draped it over Sally's head forcefully. She wasted no time in rubbing the fabric against Sally's hair with all her strength.

"You ruined my embroidery and my dress! So, why can't I hit you in return, huh?"

Suzanne practically used all of her strength in her attack. She wanted nothing more than to smear the dye onto Sally's hair.

Sally struggled wildly, shrieking, "Ahh! Let go of me!"

Suzanne gnashed her teeth together as she grabbed fistfuls of Sally's hair with all her might. Just like that, she forcibly pushed Sally out of her apartment.

Right after she slammed the door in Sally's face, she made sure to lock it immediately.

Sally's barrage of insults and swears followed suit. "You fucking bitch! No one has ever dared to pull me by my hair! Just you wait, Suzanne! I'll make you regret your decision! Go to hell, you fucking cunt!"

Eventually, Sally started turning the air blue with curses that could put a sailor to shame. Her current behavior was eons away from her typical cute and innocent persona.

Suzanne ignored Sally's crazed behavior. She walked over to the bed moodily, her eyes still glued to the mess in her room.

Should she really skip out on Vera's birthday banquet? Would her background and identity bring shame to Nathan and Vera, just like what Sally had said?

Even if Suzanne was undeserving of becoming Nathan's wife, why couldn't Sally just talk it out with her? Why must Sally resort to such extreme methods just to ruin the things Suzanne treasured?

As Suzanne sank into her thoughts, two teardrops slowly rolled down her pale cheeks silently.

She took deep breaths as she tilted her head upward and closed her eyes. Her palm found its way to her eyes and clamped over them, as well as the tears.

It was her way of forcing herself not to cry. Her thin shoulders quivered slightly under the pressure.

The agony and sorrow seizing Suzanne's heart were so strong that she was about to break down.