The Wrong Woman

Fenna's expression hardened visibly. Gritting her teeth, she exclaimed sharply, "Watch your words, Wanda!"

"What? Did I say anything inappropriate?" Mila replied nonchalantly.

Fenna seethed with anger as she responded, "It's a matter of timing. I was together with Nathan after your divorce. You got involved in our relationship later."

"You consider a boss-subordinate relationship being together? When will you snap out of your illusions?" Mila countered.

Fenna's face twisted with anger, her fists clenched so tightly they trembled, and she gritted her teeth so hard it seemed she might shatter them.

She suppressed her seething rage and said, "Elio and Josie have been together for years. They were each other's first love and were already discussing marriage. Yet, Candice swooped in and stole Josie's fiancé. How would you justify that?"

Mila was left speechless. She smirked and quipped, “Ms. Hudson, are you truly that oblivious, or are you simply pretending not to see the obvious?”

“What do you mean?”

“Josie was aware from the start that Elio was only using her as a front to deceive my mother. How could she ever believe their relationship was real?”

Fenna offered a faint smile but stayed quiet, her eyes ablaze with smoldering fury, turbulent like stormy seas. Having missed her chance with Nathan before, she now appeared resolute in aiding Josie to win over Elio as a form of redemption.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

After a pause, Fenna emphasized each word through clenched teeth. “Wanda Hoffis, nothing is decided yet. Everything’s still up in the air. It’s uncertain who Elio will ultimately pick.”

With that, she brushed past Mila, who called out firmly, “Fenna.”

Fenna halted in her tracks.

Mila turned, her eyes locked on Fenna’s silhouette as she warned, “Your husband didn’t climb to his current position easily. Sometimes, those who ascend too high forget their roots.

“I advise you to stay grounded. Don’t let obsession destroy the future of those around you and your own.”

Ignoring the advice, Fenna snorted disdainfully as she marched out of the hospital.

Watching her leave, Mila couldn’t shake the feeling that Fenna had become even more ruthless, reckless, and unrestrained. Recalling Elio’s mention of Candice’s near-miss overseas, Mila now harbored suspicions that Fenna might have played a part.

After leaving the hospital, Mila waited by the roadside.

Soon, a sleek luxury car pulled up, and Jasper stepped out from the driver’s seat. He approached Mila with a gentle smile and said, “Mom, please get in the car.”

Mila returned his warmth with a smile as she settled into the passenger seat. “Thank you, son.”

Jasper returned to the driver's seat, started the car, and they began their journey. As they drove, his curiosity got the better of him. “Mom, did you return this time because Grandma was injured, or because of Candice’s marriage?”

“Both,” Mila replied.

“This hinges largely on Grandma’s decision. If she approves of Candice marrying Elio, then everything will be fine despite any schemes Josie might cook up.” Jasper stated.

Mila nodded in agreement, her gaze studying Jasper’s striking features. She asked gently, “And what about you? You’re nearly 26 but haven’t even held a woman’s hand, let alone had a girlfriend. Are you struggling with some hidden ailment, or perhaps you’re gay?”

Her words startled Jasper, causing him to cough violently. After catching his breath, he grumbled, “Mom, what kind of mother speaks about her son that way?”

“How else then? You should find someone nice and start dating.”

Jasper smiled with resignation. “I’m just not into it.”