Chapter 267

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“ Alright , ” Jonathan didn’t immediately declare that he had no intention of remarrying . Whether he wanted to date or meet new people was something only he knew . He kept things vague to avoid Irene pushing more women onto him .
Seeing that he finally seemed a bit more open , Irene smiled , “ That’s the way to go . Don ‘ t shut the door completely . If there’s someone suitable , just give it a shot . I have a few great girls- ”
“ I’ll handle it myself , ” Jonathan said , not even glancing at the women Irene was trying to introduce , before turning and walking away.
Irene felt helpless . She had already accepted gifts from several major companies , and if Jonathan refused to meet anyone , it would put her in a difficult position . Left with no choice , she called Heidi and suggested setting up blind dates for Edward instead .
Heidi agreed immediately , promising to arrange for Edward to meet them during his next break .
A few days later , the Lynn family gathered for a family dinner . This time , the occasion was to celebrate Jonathan’s uncle , Donald’s father , Werner’s birthday . Hayden thought it was a good opportunity to bring everyone together .
By evening , Donald arrived after finishing his shift at the hospital . Irene and Cathy came together , and once Hayden sat down , he asked , “ Where’s Cheryl ? She’s not here yet ? ”
Cathy replied , “ Cheryl’s out of town for an art exhibition . She won’t be able to make it back today ”
Hayden let out a huff . “ That girl’s getting too casual . It’s her dad’s birthday – couldn’t she plan better ? ”
Werner stepped in to smooth things over . “ Dad , Cheryl sent me birthday wishes on WhatsApp and even bought me a watch . Check this out . ” He grinned as he showed off the watch , already strapped to his wrist .
Hayden then asked , “ And what about Jonathan ? He’s not coming either ?
Irene explained , “ Jonathan’s on a business trip in Everport and couldn’t make it back , but he booked the best restaurant in Nareigh for Werner’s birthday . ” Soon after , a driver sent by Jonathan arrived .
The venue was a century old restaurant with an open courtyard by an artificial lake . Guests dined by the lake , enjoyin successfully unlocked performances of lute players and classical dancers .
The appetizers were served one by one , and the waiter respectfully poured wine , saying . “ Please enjoy !
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Werner picked up a bottle , examined the label , and his eyes lit up . “ Such fine wine , worth a fortune . Thanks to Jonathan , I get to taste something this fancy . ” He poured a small amount for Hayden , mindful of his age and health .
Before long , a few of Werner’s close friends arrived to celebrate with him and share drinks . For men past their thirties , a bit of strong liquor was always welcome . The table was lined with several bottles of fine wine .
Irene couldn’t hide her pride as she said , “ It’s all thanks to Jonathan – he really pulled out all the stops for Werner .
“ Jonathan is super close to him . Every year for Werner’s birthday , Jonathan personally handles everything – the venue , the food , the drinks . He takes care of it all . ”
Cathy quickly chimed in , “ Irene , we all know how thoughtful Jonathan is . ” She then motioned to Donald , urging him to pour Irene another drink .
Cathy suggested they share a drink with Irene , reassuring her that it was fine since they had a driver to take them home .
After a few sips , Irene couldn’t hold back her thoughts anymore . She glanced at Donald , who was seated beside her , and asked bluntly , “ Donald , you still haven’t broken up yet ? ”
Donald , busy pouring drinks for everyone at the table , responded calmly , “ Irene , Jennifer and I are doing great . Things are going really well between us . ”
Irene sighed heavily , “ Why won’t you listen to reason ? What’s so special about Teresa’s sister ? She’s nothing compared to the girls I know . I can introduce you to someone
much better . ”
“ No need , Irene . Jennifer and I are doing just fine , ” Donald replied firmly .
“ Look at him ! ” Irene turned to Cathy , pointing at Donald . “ He’s just like Jonathan- completely smitten . What’s so great about someone from the Johnston family ? They ‘ re nothing . ”
“ Irene , don’t say that . Teresa is a good girl , and Jennifer is nice too , ” Cathy tried to mediate .
“ What are you all talking about ? Teresa ” Hayden’s voice suddenly cut through the
conversation .
Returning from the restroom , Hayden overheard Irene and Cathy’s discussion . Despite his usual hearing issues , he seemed unusually sharp at that moment . “ Has Jonathan got back with Teresa ? ”
“ Grandpa , this is about me , ” Donald said cautiously as he helped the elderly Hayden back to his seat . “ I’m the one in a relationship . ”
Hayden’s eyes widened in surprise . “ What ? Don’t tell me you’re involved with Teresa ! How could you do something so disgraceful ? ”
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Cathy quickly clarified , “ No , no , it’s not Teresa . It’s her sister , Jennifer , Please don’t misunderstand Donald . ”
Hayden’s confusion cleared up . “ Ah , so it’s Teresa’s sister you’re dating ? When did this happen ? You sly boy , you’re full of surprises .”
“ Grandpa , we’re in a stable relationship . Things are going well , and we plan to get married , ” Donald explained .
“ Marriage , huh ? Marriage is good . ” Hayden exclaimed , clearly pleased .
“ You can’t get married ! ” Irene interjected , her voice cutting through Hayden’s enthusiasm . “ Jennifer’s not suitable . She’s too assertive , lacks manners , and let’s not forget she’s Jonathan’s ex – wife’s sister . It’s just- ”
Hayden slammed his fist on the table , the sound echoing through the room , silencing Irene mid – sentence . He pointed a finger at her , his tone sharp . “ Donald’s the one I’m asking , not you . ”
Irene’s face darkened , her lips pressed into a thin line . Her fingers curled into a tight fist as she thought bitterly , ‘ He’s never truly accepted me . ‘ Feeling humiliated , Irene excused herself to the restroom and left the private room .
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