Chapter 177 This Makes No Sense
They talked for a bit and quickly set up a meeting with Catherine and her husband at Gourmet Haven that evening.
When Catherine and Edward showed up, the Hollis family was already in a private room. Hollis had her head down, looking really upset, while the others had serious looks on their faces.
Seeing them come in, Hollis forced a smile and said, "Uncle, Aunt, you're here."
After that, the smile faded, like she'd been through something rough.
Catherine looked confused and asked, "What's wrong, Hollis? Did someone mess with you? Tell me."
Just then, Alice's voice cut in, "It's those rumors going around, making Hollis look like she's just trying to climb the social ladder. She's been crying at home every day."
Hollis quickly said, "No, I know Donovan doesn't mean that. I hear those things but don't let them get to me."
As she spoke, Hollis's eyes started to tear up again.
Alice looked at her with a mix of helplessness and heartache. "You've been with Donovan for so many years. We know how you feel, but outsiders don't. Donovan, he..."
Alice lowered her voice and said to Hollis, "If Donovan cared about you, how could he let you go through this? He might be able to handle it, but as your mom, I can't. Listen to me, break up with Donovan."
Catherine and her husband heard everything.
Catherine frowned and asked, "What's going on? Is it because of those rumors? I'll take care of them right away!"
Hearing this, Alice looked up with a bitter smile. "How can you deal with it? Everyone in H City is saying the marriage between Hollis and Donovan has been one-sided for years. They think the Sutton family has been relying on the Wilder family to stay afloat. Now that Donovan has a new love and there's no news about the engagement, they're saying we've been holding Donovan back..."
"What nonsense!" Catherine's face darkened.
Alice forced a smile. "They're not entirely wrong. All these years, it's been Hollis waiting for Donovan. We both know the truth about the marriage. Donovan has already given our Sutton family enough. Since he has no interest in Hollis, we shouldn't hold him back any longer."
She looked at Hollis with heartache. "But Hollis... I've been trying to persuade her for days, but she can't let go. As her mother, I can't bear to see her talked about like this. It's better to end the pain quickly. Today, I'll make the decision to break off the engagement."
Hollis kept her head down, her body trembling slightly.
Even though her face was hidden, her sadness was clear.
Catherine didn't expect them to suddenly propose breaking off the engagement, and her expression changed. "This makes no sense! The engagement between Hollis and Donovan has been set for so many years. How can it be canceled just like that?"
"Only by canceling the engagement will the rumors stop," Alice said bitterly. "Don't worry, I'll help Hollis move on and find her next happiness as soon as possible."
Catherine was silent for a few seconds before speaking coldly, "There's another way to solve this."
Before Alice could respond, Catherine had already grabbed her bag and stood up. "I only recognize Hollis as my daughter-in-law. Don't worry, I'll handle this."
With that, Catherine left without looking back.
