Chapter 284
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“ I’ll be back soon , ” Jonathan told Irene and then hung up . Irene could hear the clinking of glasses from Jonathan’s side and wondered what Jonathan was busy with . Back at the table , Irene covered for Jonathan . “ He’s just been swamped with work . He ‘ s been to Everport , then Jarisburg , and now he’s stuck on the highway . He should be here any minute ,” she said with a smile .
Hayden spoke up , “ No need to wait for him . Let’s just eat and drink . No need to stand on ceremony . ”
Jonathan ran into a bit of trouble on his way back , which delayed him . He arrived at the restaurant after dinner had already started . Hayden gave him a tap with his cane , but Jonathan didn’t bother explaining .
“ Jonathan , you’re here ,” Werner said , glancing over at Jonathan .
Jonathan greeted Werner and Cathy too . Irene came over , wanting to help him take off his coat , but Jonathan frowned slightly . He could do it himself .
Irene motioned for Jonathan to sit beside her , but instead of sitting with Irene and Cathy , Jonathan chose the seat next to Donald and then took off his coat .
Donald greeted him . Jonathan saw the warmth and happiness on Donald’s face – a look he himself used to have before the divorce .
“ Things going well with Teresa’s sister ? ” Jonathan asked .
“ Yeah , things are pretty good ,” Donald replied , rubbing his nose shyly . Jonathan didn’t press further ; his gaze was full of blessing , but also a touch of regret for himself . Werner turned to Jonathan . “ What have you been busy with lately ? I heard you spent some time in Everport . ”
“ I’ll have to go back again in a few days , ” Jonathan replied .
“ You’re always so busy , seldom having a moment’s rest . Take care of your health ,” Werner said .
“ Got it , Uncle . ” Jonathan stood up to pour his uncle a drink . It was to make up for missing Werner’s birthday last time .
While Jonathan and Werner were having drinks , Donald got a message from Jennifer : He opened his phone – it was a long WhatsApp voice message , so he converted it to text .
Jennifer : [ I saw Teresa’s ex – husband having dinner with our hospital director today . Be honest with me – did Jonathan pull some strings to get me promoted to deputy department head ? If that’s the case , I’ll resign right away . ]
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Donald’s grip on his phone tightened . He glanced over at Jonathan , suddenly realizing why Jonathan had barely touched his fork during dinner .
It wasn’t the right time to ask , so Donald waited until the meal was over . As they walked out side by side , he finally turned to Jonathan and asked him quietly .
Jonathan frowned and said , “ Sort of . Why are you asking about this all of a sudden ? ”
Donald knew Jonathan well enough to read between the lines – if Jonathan was being vague , it meant it was true . “ Jennifer saw you having dinner with her hospital director . She messaged me about it , wanting to know the truth . ”
“ That was a while ago . I did it for Teresa . I just didn’t want her to have a hard time at work , ” Jonathan said . “ Don’t overthink it . ”
“ I get it . Thanks , Jonathan , ” replied Donald .
Jonathan gave Donald’s arm a reassuring pat , then turned and walked away .
Jennifer’d been anxiously waiting for an answer . She’d always wondered why – she wasn’t old enough for a deputy senior position , but the department head said she was talented , transferred her to the biggest hospital in Nareigh , and even made her deputy head of the gynecology department .
If someone had pulled some strings for her , then everything would make sense .
When Donald got back to the hospital , Jennifer confronted him . “ Was it Jonathan who helped me get this job ? ”
Donald knew she wouldn’t believe him if he denied it , so he finally admitted , “ It was me . I asked him to help . ”
Jennifer frowned , “ What ? ”
Donald licked his lips and then lied , “ I asked Jonathan for help before . I was worried you’d go to Shaville and never come back .
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