Chapter 493

Donald said, “That bracelet was a gift from the teacher who adopted Jennifer. She’s been living in a remote village for years. We wanted to invite her to the wedding, but she wouldn’t come.”

Jonathan frowned. “What’s the teacher’s name?”

Donald thought for a second. “I think it’s Genevieve Nelson.”

Jonathan pressed, “How old does she look?”

“Her hair’s all white. She’s got to be at least sixty. Why are you asking, Jonathan?”

Jonathan was quiet for a few seconds. He said, “Maybe Genevieve is my grandma.”

“What?” Donald’s eyes went wide, and then he laughed. “Come on, that’s impossible! Didn’t she pass away years ago?”

Jonathan sighed. “To be honest, my grandma went missing. We never found out if she was alive or dead.”

Donald shuddered. “Seriously? And her last name’s also Nelson?”

“I was just thinking, if she really wanted to disappear, she might change her name.”

Too bad Jonathan had a photo of Fiona, but he didn’t bring it. If he had, he could have shown it to Donald and confirmed her identity. He would have to find that photo tomorrow to be sure.

Donald said, “I’ll ask Jennifer if Ms. Nelson ever went by the name Fiona when I get home.”

After saying goodbye to Donald, Jonathan took a long detour to Teresouth Group. He told the receptionist he wanted to see Teresa, and just as he finished, Teresa walked in from outside. Their eyes met.

After considering it, Teresa let Jonathan ride the elevator up with her. Once they reached her office, she asked her secretary to make him a cup of coffee. “How’s your grandpa doing?” she asked.

“He’s alright now,” Jonathan replied. “I’m really sorry. Because of him, your sister and Donald’s wedding was ruined.”

Teresa shook her head. “You don’t have to apologize. It’s not your fault. If anything, it’s mine.”

“Your fault?” Jonathan raised an eyebrow.

“Jennifer blamed me. I shouldn’t have—” Teresa’s voice caught, the words stuck in her throat.

Jonathan watched her, concern in his eyes. “You shouldn’t have what?”

Teresa was silent for a couple of seconds, then shook her head. “It’s nothing. Why did you want to see me today?”

“I just wanted to check on you,” Jonathan said softly. “If you need anything, just tell me.”

“I’m fine. I wasn’t the one getting married, or the one embarrassed. If people knew your grandpa had an episode, they would understand. But Je refused to show her face, convinced everyone’s laughing at her. Honestly, that was on her. I couldn’t help but smile. What did your sister do to you? Your eyes are swollen?”

I tried to change the subject. “You should go take care of your family. If there’s nothing else, you need to get back to work.”

I stood up. Teresa lowered her head, focusing on her work, thinking he was leaving and not bothering to see him out. Suddenly, a tall shadow fell over her desk. She looked up, her eyes red and lashes still damp from crying.

From this angle, Jonathan could see everything more clearly. He gently put a hand on her shoulder and leaned down, his voice soft. “Teresa, talk to me. Did something happen? Are you upset about something?”

At first, Teresa just shook her head, not wanting to talk. Jonathan said quietly, “Just think of me as a friend. You can tell me anything, can’t you?”

Teresa pressed her lips together. Jonathan tried to cheer her up. “By the way, your singing’s actually gotten better.”

“Stop teasing me,” Teresa sniffled. “You know I can’t sing. I just wanted everything to go smoothly for the family. I practiced all night, tried to go along with everything Jennifer wanted.”

“So why does she get to take her bad mood out on me? Her wedding was ruined, but it wasn’t my fault. Why should I—” Her voice broke again, tears choking her words.

Jonathan couldn’t stand to see her like this. He gently pulled her up from her chair and hugged her, wiping away her tears.

He said, “If it hadn’t been for my grandpa, your sister’s wedding would have gone perfectly, and she wouldn’t have taken it out on you. So don’t blame yourself. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.”

Teresa shook her head. “I’m fine now. I should be thanking you. Even when I was singing off-key, you still kept the beat for me.”

Jonathan gave Teresa’s shoulder a reassuring pat.

He said, “I’ll do my best to make up for what your sister and Donald lost. Once she calms down and thinks it over, I’m sure she’ll say sorry to you. I need to check on something first, so I’d better go.”

His steps faded away. Teresa snapped out of her daze and realized—just before he left, he had kissed her on the lips. She thought she must have imagined it, and she touched her lips. They were still damp from his kiss.

When Donald got home, Jennifer was still upset in her room, too upset to eat or drink. He took her hand gently. “Babe, is there anything you want to eat? Let’s order some takeout.”

Jennifer rubbed her forehead, annoyed. “I’m not hungry. Did your parents do anything to stand up for me?”

Donald answered, “Gordon still hasn’t woken up. Once he does, he’ll apologize to you.”

“Apologize?” Jennifer let out a cold laugh. “He ruined our wedding, and an apology is supposed to make it all better?”

Donald sighed. “Gordon’s been losing his mind for years—sometimes he just loses it. He only freaked out because he saw your bracelet.”

He added, “Jonathan said your bracelet looks just like the one his grandma used to wear.”

“His grandma?” Jennifer frowned, confused.

Donald hesitated. “Ms. Nelson—the woman who raised you—might be his grandma.”

Jennifer stared at him, stunned. “What are you even talking about, Donald?”

Donald said, “We’re not sure yet. Jonathan told me his grandma disappeared years ago, and the family has been looking for her ever since. He thinks she changed her name and started a new life.”

Jennifer said, “That’s just impossible.”