Chapter 71

The golden gates of the Silver Bay Villas shimmered under the sunlight. This was the most prestigious luxury neighborhood in Seaview City, where land prices were exorbitant enough to deter ordinary people. The entire villa complex belonged to the Lucas Group.

Ethan Sullivan's sports car glided deeper into the estate. Susan gazed at the increasingly opulent scenery outside the window, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress. She hadn't expected Ethan to bring her to such a place.

"We're here." Ethan parked and led Susan into a sprawling mansion. When she saw the people seated in the living room, she froze.

Andrew Lucas sat stiffly on the sofa, his expression cold, with Nicole Capra smirking beside him. But what shocked her more was the presence of Thomas Lucas, the head of the Lucas Group, and his wife Victoria. Also present were Ryan Lucas, the eldest son of the family, and Bella Lucas, an international superstar.

Ethan grinned and pulled Susan forward. He'd brought her here today specifically to gain the Lucas family's approval. If the elders liked her, Andrew would have no excuse to keep harassing her.

"Aunt Victoria!" Ethan spotted Victoria pouring tea. "Susan's hurt. Do you have any special ointment?"

Victoria looked up, her gaze warm yet assessing. As a renowned medical expert, she immediately noticed the severity of Susan's injuries. What surprised her more was the inexplicable sense of familiarity this girl evoked.

"I do." Victoria went upstairs and returned with two delicate porcelain jars. "Use the white one for her hand, the green for her forehead. Apply it regularly to prevent scarring."

Susan instinctively touched the wound on her forehead. She'd thought the scar would stay with her forever, but now there was hope.

"Thank you, ma'am." Ethan took the ointment and carefully applied it to Susan's injuries. His touch was so gentle, as if handling a treasure, that Andrew's glare turned icy.

Susan felt the piercing stare but deliberately avoided looking at Andrew. Instead, she focused on Ethan's attentive expression, warmth blooming in her chest.

"Does it still hurt?" Ethan asked softly.

Susan shook her head, her eyes stinging slightly. In this world, apart from Grandma Thompson, Ethan was the only one who cared for her like this.

Victoria watched their interaction with affectionate amusement before turning to Ethan. "Aren't you going to introduce us to this young lady?"

"This is Susan Thompson, the girl I'm pursuing." Ethan announced proudly, then whispered in Susan's ear, "That grumpy one is Ryan. We call him 'Little Ryan.' He was terrifying as a kid."

"Ethan Sullivan!" Bella suddenly jumped up. "How dare you badmouth my brother?"

Ethan immediately feigned innocence. "Bella, can't you let me save face?"

Bella burst out laughing and scrutinized Susan. "What do you see in this fool, sweetheart?"

Caught off guard, Susan stammered, "Ethan is... very kind."

Bella doubled over with laughter and pinched Susan's cheek. "Where did you find such an adorable girl, Ethan?"

Susan was stunned by the superstar's friendliness. Up close, Bella was even more radiant, her youthful glow belying her age.

"Bella," Susan blurted out, "you look younger than me."

The room erupted in laughter. Bella slapped her thigh in delight. "Such a charmer! I like you!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "So, when's the wedding?"