Chapter 138 You Were a Bit Harsh on Her
Hearing his mother's words, Donovan nodded noncommittally.
Catherine thought he had agreed and was about to turn around to take her granddaughter away when she heard Donovan's voice behind her.
"You may not know what Finley has been like these past few days."
Catherine paused, her interest piqued. She had heard from Olivia that her granddaughter's autism had flared up recently, but she wasn't sure about the specifics.
"Finley's autism episode this time is worse than ever before. Even Alexander is at a loss. Only when she's with Riley does Finley seem like a normal child. And because of Riley, Finley even started speaking a few days ago. Could you have imagined that before?" Donovan asked in a deep voice.
Finley spoke! Catherine was filled with shock. She had steeled herself for the possibility that her granddaughter might never speak, but she hadn’t expected Finley to start speaking because of Riley!
Seeing his mother's surprised expression, Donovan couldn't help but soften his tone. "I was also very surprised, but it's the truth. Finley doesn't even know that Riley is her biological mother, yet she can't be without her. No matter how much you deny it, the blood relationship between Finley and Riley is undeniable."
Catherine unwillingly furrowed her brows.
Catherine unwillingly furrowed her brows, grappling with the gravity of his words. For a moment, she found herself speechless, unable to muster a retort.
Donovan seized the moment. "Mom, over the years, we've tried countless ways to cure Finley's illness, but none have worked. Now, there's finally hope. Even if it means having Finley accept Riley, I'm willing to do it. As long as she can be cured."
Donovan's voice was low and gentle, laden with persuasive earnestness. "You've also cared deeply for Finley all these years. I believe you want her to get better too. So, I hope you won't disturb their lives anymore. Finley can't handle any more stress."
Reflecting on Finley's struggle with autism, Catherine's heart softened, but she still couldn't let go of her anger. "Even after what Riley did to you back then, you're still willing to accept her?"
Donovan was noncommittal. "That's between her and me. I'll handle it."
Catherine pressed on, her frustration palpable."And what about Finley? If you let her get so close to Riley, what will she think when she finds out she was abandoned by Riley? Can the child handle it?"
A shadow of concern crossed Donovan's face. There might be some misunderstanding about this matter, but he hadn't yet uncovered the full truth, nor did he intend to delve into it right now. "You don't need to worry. I won't hide anything that Finley needs to know," he reassured.
The implication was clear: Donovan would continue to allow Finley to interact with Riley, maintaining their connection.
Understanding her son's steadfast nature, Catherine realized that no amount of argument would sway him. Yet she couldn't help but bring up Hollis. "And what about Hollis? What are you going to do about her? She's been waiting by your side for so many years and has been nothing but sincere to us. Are you just going to abandon her?"
Thinking of that woman, Donovan's expression darkened with disgust. "Do you know why Finley rejects her?"
Catherine was taken aback, quickly rallying to defend Hollis. "Was it because of what Hollis did to Finley? Hollis has already explained it to us. She didn't do it on purpose. She was just worried about Finley's safety and acted out of urgency. She regretted it deeply and even apologized to us."
After this earnest defense, Catherine's tone carried a note of admonishment. "But you were a bit harsh on her!"
