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Jennifer could only muster a strained smile as she replied, “I was just joking. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
The reporters had been so aggressive, and at that moment, she had simply wanted to deflect their pressure with humor.
Millie shot back, her voice sharp with indignation. “What do you mean, ‘didn’t mean anything‘? You know my son is different from others. Did you really have to bring up his pain in front of the reporters? Is this how a fiancée should behave?”
Millie’s chest heaved with anger, and she continued, “From the very beginning, I never approved of your engagement to my son. Someone with your character doesn’t deserve him.”
Jennifer found herself at a loss for words.
She had no malicious intent; she had merely reacted to the
questioning with a poorly timed joke.
reporters‘ re n
Angelina interjected, trying to ease the tension, “Come on, Millie. Timothy finally brings his fiancée home, and you’re making a scene. Can we not overreact?”
With Angelina’s arrival, everyone stood up in respect.
Mary walked over warmly, taking Angelina’s hand. “Angelina, we were just chatting. I didn’t realize Millie would get so worked
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up.”
Millie glared at Mary. “Your daughter started it by making
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that inappropriate comment. How dare she bring up my son’s struggles in public?”
“Millie, Sandy was just stating the facts. Jennifer did say that in front of the reporters. It was just a joke, and who knew you’d take it so seriously?” Mary shot back, her tone sharp.
Millie trembled with fury, feeling cornered by Mary’s words.
She always seemed to lose these verbal battles, and today was no different.
Angelina, settling onto the sofa, smiled at Jennifer, “Come sit beside me, dear. I want to keep an eye on you.”
Jennifer slowly made her way over with her cane. Angelina took Jennifer’s hand with genuine concern. “What happened to your foot? You really need to be more careful.”
“Oh, I just tripped on the stairs at a party and ended up with a fracture,” Jennifer replied nonchalantly.
Hearing Angelina’s concern made Jennifer lower her head.
Sandy, ever eager to stir the pot, chimed in with a smirk, “I doubt it was just a simple trip. I heard your fourth brother pushed you down the stairs to teach you a lesson.”
Word had spread around the Hargreaves family that Sarah, the
Chapter 40 Cause Trouble
fávored sister, had eclipsed Jennifer.
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Jennifer maintained her composure as she replied, “You must have misunderstood. I fell because I tripped, plain and simple.”
“Stop lying! Everyone knows you were plotting against Sarah at the party. Daniel pushed you down the stairs to make you feel what it’s like. We all know it!” Sandy exclaimed, her voice rising.
Jennifer remained unfazed. “Just because there are rumors doesn’t make them true. I’m surprised you’re so quick to believe what others say. That could come back to bite you.”
In the past, such accusations would have sent Jennifer into a fury, but now she felt indifferent to the opinions of the Hargreaves family.
Sandy’s attempts to provoke her fell flat.
Angelina noticed Jennifer’s calm demeanor and gently patted her hand. “Jennifer, I believe you.”
Sandy, feeling frustrated and overlooked, declared loudly, “Grandma, Jennifer made that ridiculous comment in front of the reporters about Timothy being in a wheelchair, saying they should all embrace their perfectly imperfect family!”
Hearing Sandy’s complaint, Jennifer sighed, knowing this woman would stop at nothing to undermine her.
She looked at Angelina, exasperated. “The reporters were being outrageous. I was just trying to poke fun and show a little love
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för Timothy, I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
Angelina nodded knowingly. “I understand, my dear. You handled it just right. I trust you.”
Sandy’s frustration boiled over. “Grandma, how can you overlook the way Jennifer’s been mocking Timothy’s injury? You’re so biased!”
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Angelina’s gaze turned sharp as she replied, “Sandy, this is between Jennifer and Timothy. If he hasn’t taken offense, who are you to cast judgment? I’ve seen Jennifer stick up for Timothy, even in front of the press. Honestly, I don’t think her joke warrants such a fuss.”
Angelina understood the situation all too well.
When she heard Jennifer’s words, she felt a surge of pride. At least Jennifer wasn’t afraid or ashamed of her grandson.
It was a promising sign.
Sandy was about to protest again, but Mary gave a subtle shake of her head, signaling for Sandy to drop it.
Angelina stood firmly behind Jennifer, especially since Jennifer had recently moved in with Timothy. The warmth in her heart was palpable.
Anyone who dared to speak ill of Jennifer would face her wrath.
Mary chimed in, eager to smooth things over, “Angelina, you’re
.
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absolutely right. Sandy just doesn’t understand what’s going on. She means well; she’s trying to look out for Timothy.”
Millie huffed derisively, “And how do we know Sandy isn’t just parroting someone else’s opinion? She seems to have a habit of that.”
Mary waved off Millie’s comment. “Millie, you’re
misunderstanding me. I’m not trying to cause any trouble here. Since everyone’s gathered, let’s just eat.”
Ignoring Millie entirely, Mary moved forward, assisting Angelina as they walked ahead.
Millie was left behind, simmering in resentment.
Jennifer leaned on her cane as she trailed behind with Timothy.
Just then, Sandy approached with a hostile glare and, without hesitation, shouldered past Jennifer, intentionally shoving her.
Caught off–guard, Jennifer stumbled, her body tilting dangerously toward the ground.
