Suzan offered a gentle smile. "Maybe I''m just in a good moodtely. So, where do you want to go shopping?"
They wandered through a few designer boutiques, and Suzan took the initiative to help Sigrid pick out a new bracelet from thetest collection. When it came time to pay, she swiped the card without so much as a blink.
Sigrid could hardly contain her delight. "Suzan, you''re so good to me!"
"Of course I am—you''re my little sister, aren''t you?" Suzan replied with a cheerfulugh.
After all, it was Mitchell''s credit card footing the bill. As far as Suzan was concerned, there was no harm done; as long as she could win over Adeline and Sigrid, her ce as Mrs. Lloyd would be secure.
For lunch, Suzan deliberately chose an upscale restaurant. When it came time to order, she casually avoided any raw or cold dishes, settling instead on a te of steamed fish.
When the food arrived, the fish was ced right in front of her. Suzan immediately frowned, pretending to gag as if the sight—or smell—was unbearable.
Sigrid''s eyes widened in rm. "Suzan, are you okay? Are you feeling sick?"
Feigning nonchnce, Suzan replied, "It''s nothing. I just feel a little nauseous whenever I smell fish today. Not sure what''s going on."
Sigrid, though still young, had seen enough daytime TV to put two and two together. She lowered her voice, asking, "Did your periode? Could you be... pregnant?"
Suzan paused as if the thought had just urred to her. "I think I''m a weekte, actually. I''ve been tired a lottely. Do you really think I could be pregnant?"
She put on an expression of genuine shock.
"Oh my god, that must be it! I''m going to be an aunt!" Sigrid pped her hands excitedly. "Mom''s going to be over the moon!"
Her mother had always been hinting that she wanted a grandchild. Now, it seemed, her wish was about toe true.
Suzan quickly reached for Sigrid''s hand. "Let''s not tell your mom just yet, okay? I''m not sure if it''s real. I''ll take a test at home-I want to give her the surprise myself."
"Alright, alright, I''ll keep it secret!" Sigrid promised, winking conspiratorially.
But Suzan knew Sigrid well enough to be sure that the news would reach Adeline in no time.
Sure enough, the very next day, Adeline called herself, her tone warmer than ever. "Suzan, why don''t youe over for dinner this weekend? I''ll have the kitchen prepare some nourishing soup."
Suzan felt a rush of satisfaction but kept her tone demure. "Thank you, Mrs. Lloyd. I''ll be there on time."
After hanging up, Suzan leaned back in her chair, a smile tugging at her lips. She gently stroked her stomach and whispered, "Alright, little one. It''s up to you now- hold tight to the Lloyds for Mommy. Everything depends on you."
The weekend arrived, and Suzan made her way to the Lloyd family''s mansion.
Adeline greeted her warmly, holding Suzan''s hand and sneaking nces at her midsection. "Suzan, work hasn''t been too hard on youtely, has it? Make sure you get plenty of rest."
"Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Lloyd. I''ll be careful," Suzan replied sweetly. "Oh, and I brought you some skincare products-you mentioned you liked this cream."
"Oh, you thoughtful girl, you remembered!" Adeline beamed, looking even more pleased with Suzan.
Mitchell sat to the side, brow furrowed. "Mom, why are you doting on Suzan so much today?"
Adeline just smiled, saying nothing as she kept piling food onto Suzan''s te.
After lunch, she couldn''t hold back any longer. "Mitchell, Suzan is having your child—why didn''t you tell us?" she chided.
Mitchell''s head snapped up in shock, his gaze darting to Suzan. "You''re pregnant?!"