Chapter 244

Cathy was startled and quickly asked Donald, "What do you mean by that? Don't tell me you've gotten her pregnant."

"Mom, no way! I'm not that kind of guy," Donald replied.

"Listen, I just want to remind you, we don't do the whole unwed pregnancy thing in this family. If Jennifer ends up pregnant, you have to take responsibility for her. Our family has always been about doing the right thing," Cathy said.

Donald said, "I know, Mom. Jennifer and I aren't at that stage yet. I just like her so much that I can't help but imagine marrying her and having kids with her."

Cathy chuckled, amused and touched by his enthusiasm. She held his hand and said, "I've never seen you so crazy about someone before."

Donald said, "Yeah, I like her so much that I am determined to marry her."

Cathy smiled. "If you get married, I'll finally be able to cross one thing off my list. Then it'll be Cheryl's turn to settle down. Once you both have your own families, I can finally retire and enjoy spoiling my grandkids."

Donald smiled warmly. "Mom, that day will come sooner than you think."

"Alright, I'll be waiting for it," Cathy replied, her eyes filled with anticipation.

A nurse from another bed rushed over, her voice urgent as she called for Heidi and Irene. "Something's wrong!"

Gordon, who had just woken up, clung tightly to Jennifer's sleeve. His eyes locked onto the "Nelson" on Jennifer's name badge, and his emotions spiraled. He muttered, "Fiona. Where is she? Why is her name on you?"

Jennifer said, "Sir, please calm down. I don't know anyone named Fiona. Let go of me."

Gordon insisted, "Give Fiona back to me! I need her! My Fiona!"

Just then, Irene and Heidi arrived. They pried Gordon's hands off and guided him to the bed. Irene explained to Jennifer, "I'm so sorry. This is my dad. He's been battling Alzheimer's for years."

Heidi grabbed Gordon's arm firmly. She glanced at Jennifer and said, "You'd better stay away from my dad. He's unpredictable. He might hit or even bite."

"It's fine," Jennifer replied calmly, brushing off her sleeve. Though startled, she remained composed. This was nothing compared to what she had endured as a child.

Gordon, however, was far from calm. His eyes were wild, and his agitation grew. Irene and Heidi struggled to restrain him. Just then, Jonathan walked in.

Jonathan produced a photo of Fiona that Irene had given him and handed it to Gordon. "Grandpa, look, here's Grandma."

Gordon snatched the photo, his trembling hands clutching it tightly. His frantic expression softened as he stared at the image. At last, he quieted down.

From where Jennifer stood, all she could see was Gordon holding the photo, grinning. The picture itself was obscured, save for a yellowed corner peeking out. Jennifer turned and left the room. She thought, 'Whoever Fiona is, it has nothing to do with me.'

After calming the restless Gordon, Irene stopped Jonathan as he was about to leave. "Come with me, I need to talk to you."

Jonathan followed Irene out without reply.

At the end of the hallway, Irene asked, "Cathy mentioned that Jennifer is Donald's girlfriend and Teresa's older sister. Is that true?"

Jonathan frowned, realizing there was no point in denying it. "I don't want my past with Teresa to affect Donald's relationship. He genuinely likes Jennifer."

He glanced at his watch. "I've got work to handle at the office. Keep an eye on things and call me if anything comes up." With that, he left.

Irene, since Jonathan wasn't willing to talk, decided to go straight to Donald. Visiting him would be the perfect excuse to bring up Jennifer.

Seeing how much Donald seemed to care for Jennifer, Irene sneered, "Birds of a feather flock together. Can Teresa's sister be any better?"

Before Donald could respond, a cold voice cut through the air. "Who are you talking about?"

Irene turned, startled to see Jennifer standing there. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and a flicker of unease flashed in her eyes.

Jennifer strode forward, her gaze icy as she locked eyes with Irene. "Teresa refused to reconcile with Jonathan because of a nasty mother-in-law like you. Unlike her, I'm luckier. If I marry Donald, I'll have a kind and understanding mother-in-law, not someone as bitter and mean as you."

"Say that again!" Irene snapped, her voice rising sharply.

Donald, lying on the hospital bed, quickly tried to mediate. "Irene, please don't take it to heart. Jennifer just speaks her mind; she doesn't mean anything by it."

Irene scoffed. "Oh, really? I see nothing but bad intentions in her words. Am I wrong? She and Teresa are all the same—nothing but trouble. Donald, don't say I didn't warn you. You saw how Jonathan's marriage to Teresa ended. Their family's upbringing is a mess. Don't let her ruin you."

Jennifer's fists clenched. "What's your problem? You nasty old hag!"

Irene shot back, "Donald, did you hear that? She just called me an old hag. And I was right about her lack of manners, wasn't I?"

Jennifer retorted, "And you think you're so polite? What gives you the right to talk about me and Teresa? You didn't raise us, and no matter what, we're still better than a bitter old bat like you!"

"You!" Irene stammered, her face twisting with rage.

Irene and Jennifer locked eyes, their anger crackling in the air. Neither was willing to back down. It felt like the room was seconds away from erupting into chaos.