Chapter 179 Build a Relationship
Donovan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, the city lights twinkling outside while he wrestled with his thoughts. After a moment of contemplation, he reached for his phone and dialed his father without hesitation.
The call was quickly answered.
"Donovan, what's up?" Edward, who didn't go to the office today, was having breakfast at home. When he received his son's call, he glanced at Catherine sitting across from him.
Hearing her son's incoming call, Catherine quickly grasped the phone from Edward's hand, her expression unreadable.
Edward didn’t object, surrendering the device as she wished.
On the other end, Donovan, unaware of the switch, asked in a deep voice, "Was it you who released the news about the engagement?"
Although Paxton had already investigated, Donovan still wanted to hear his father's confirmation.
Unexpectedly, it was his mother's voice that came through.
"It was my idea, so what?" Catherine responded matter-of-factly.
Hearing this, Donovan was slightly stunned. After a moment, his brows furrowed. "Why didn't you ask for my opinion first? This is my marriage, after all. Besides, I've already told you not to interfere. I have my own plans."
Catherine's face darkened as she thought of the Sutton family's words from last night. "What plans do you have? Your plan is to neglect Hollis? Because of your actions that day, the rumors about Hollis are spreading outside. Have you dealt with it?"
Donovan was getting a headache from his mother's words. "How do you know I haven't dealt with it?"
He had heard the rumors after taking Riley away that day. Although he didn't like Hollis, he still considered the relationship between the two families and didn't plan to stand by idly.
But just as he was about to take action, the news outside took a dramatic turn, even dragging him into it.
Donovan had been caught off guard.
"Whether you've taken measures or not, this is the only way to stop the rumors."
Catherine said firmly, "The rumors started because of you, so they must end with you. Besides, Hollis has been waiting by your side for so many years. You should have given her a proper status long ago. I announced it for you, what's wrong with that?"
Donovan pressed his brow, trying to suppress his irritation. "You know I don't have that intention. And you know Finley's situation well. She has never liked Hollis. A few days ago, Hollis even laid hands on Finley. Now you want Finley to accept Hollis as her mother? Have you considered her feelings?"
Catherine was indifferent. "Finley doesn't like Hollis because they haven't spent enough time together. Hollis already knows she was wrong. You two are going to get married sooner or later, and Finley will have to accept Hollis eventually. The sooner she accepts, the sooner they can get along."
After saying this, without waiting for Donovan to respond, Catherine continued, "You said you don't intend to be with Hollis. Do you really want to marry that woman? I'll say it again: for whatever reason, I will never accept her! If it weren't for you saying that being around her would help Finley's recovery, I wouldn't have agreed to let Finley stay with her! This is my biggest concession!"
Donovan remained silent.
"Now that Finley should be almost recovered, you should bring her back as soon as possible and let her get along with Hollis."
Catherine's tone shifted. "By the way, you should also remind that woman not to have any inappropriate thoughts. The Wilder family's door is not one she can step into a second time!"
After saying this, Catherine hung up the phone directly.
Listening to the noise in his ear, Donovan's face looked extremely grim.
