Chapter 564: He Has Decided on Her (6)
Chapter 564: Chapter 564: He Has Decided on Her (6)
’But if Shane Caldwell found out the girl he liked was his own cousin, I wonder what kind of experience that would be for him?’
An idea began to form in Susan Caldwell’s mind. ’Since it’s no longer possible for me to treat Vera Xavier like a stranger and keep her out of the Caldwells’ sight, maybe I can give her a new label—like Shane Caldwell’s girlfriend?’
There was a term for this kind of strategy: hiding in plain sight. Or, to put it another way, the most dangerous place is the safest. ’If Vera Xavier becomes Shane Caldwell’s girlfriend, who would ever suspect she’s a daughter of the Caldwell family?’
At first glance, the idea seemed a bit risky, but Susan Caldwell had perfectly inherited Rona Langdon’s adventurous spirit.
Rona Langdon had once switched the babies in pursuit of wealth, and now Susan Caldwell was pushing Vera Xavier at Shane Caldwell to protect that wealth.
Susan Caldwell had actually wanted to kill Vera Xavier back in Trellis, but she never got the chance because of Nathaniel Nathan. Now in Veridia, her chances were even slimmer, so she needed to find another way to ruin Vera.
As long as something physical happened between Vera Xavier and Shane Caldwell, then in the future, even if Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell discovered Vera was their biological daughter, a man like her father—who cared so much about his reputation—would absolutely refuse to acknowledge her.
Because if something like that happened between first cousins, it would essentially be incest.
Julian Caldwell could not afford that kind of shame.
And if something like that ever came to light, Vera Xavier’s life would be ruined, and she would live in utter misery.
’I can’t believe I came up with such a brilliant way to ruin Vera Xavier,’ Susan Caldwell thought. ’I’m not just smart; I’m a true genius!’
’Now that I’m sure Shane Caldwell likes Vera Xavier, the plan is already halfway complete. With my intellect, I’m certain I can pull this off.’
As for whether this would harm the innocent Shane Caldwell, that didn’t even factor into her considerations.
Susan Caldwell was so delighted by this thought that she couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.
Julian Caldwell asked her, "Susan, what’s so funny? Tell your dad!"
Susan Caldwell smiled sweetly. "I was just thinking about how school is about to start. I’m going to be a college student, so I’m just really happy!"
Julian Caldwell sighed. "Time flies. My little Susan is all grown up!"
He recalled when Winter Sullivan had given birth to Susan. Something had come up with the family at the time, and he hadn’t been by Winter’s side to witness the birth. It was one of the greatest regrets of his life. Thankfully, everything turned out fine afterward. Otherwise, he would have been consumed by guilt.
In fact, the reason he doted on Susan so much all these years was inextricably linked to his failure to be present for her birth.
When Nathaniel Nathan led Vera Xavier into the Nathan home, the family’s housekeeper was cooking, and a faint, pleasant aroma filled the air.
Brooke Mitchell’s brow furrowed slightly upon seeing Vera Xavier, but she said nothing, only smiling at Nathaniel Nathan. "You little rascal. It’s getting so hard to see you these days. If we hadn’t happened to run into you, I doubt you would’ve even come home for dinner tonight!"
Nathaniel Nathan said in a flat tone, "You’re right, Mom. After all, you have Dad to keep you company. So when I’m free, it’s only natural that I spend time with Vera."
’He’s being so blunt in front of his own mother,’ Vera thought. ’He’s practically telling Brooke Mitchell that I’m here to steal her son. It’s like he’s trying to add fuel to the fire of an already difficult relationship between a mother and her son’s girlfriend.’