Chapter 1301:
Johnson’s expression darkened instantly. “Mom!”
Stella shot him a sharp look. “Come with me now.”
Johnson hesitated, his eyes flicking to Catherine with worry.
Catherine said, “Go. I’m fine now, really.”
Only then did Johnson give a small nod and follow Stella.
Stella led him to the backyard, her face a mask of fury and disapproval. She looked at him, her voice low and accusatory. “Johnson, tell me the truth. Are you harboring feelings for that woman?”
Johnson’s brow creased, his patience thinning. He met her gaze head-on. “Mom, Catherine’s practically family. Stop referring to her like she is a stranger. I know her mother and Dad had a thing before, but that’s in the past. Besides, it’s not fair to…”
“Pin her mother’s past on her.” His defense of Catherine only stoked Stella’s anger. She jabbed a finger at him. “So you’re taking the side of that woman? Answer me—have you fallen for her?”
Johnson’s face settled into weary resignation. “This conversation’s going nowhere. I’m done talking about it.”
He knew his mother’s deep-seated bias against Catherine wasn’t going to disappear, no matter what he said.
Him defending Catherine further would only make things worse.
Stella wasn’t letting the matter go. “Tell me right now—do you have feelings for her?”
She needed a definite answer to ease her mind.
“No,” Johnson said firmly, his eyes locked onto hers, his voice calm and unwavering.
“Really?” Stella asked.
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“Yes,” Johnson replied without hesitation.
He wasn’t lying. He didn’t have feelings for Catherine.
To be truthful, Johnson was deeply in love with Catherine.
His emotions toward her had long transcended mere affection. So when Johnson told Stella that he didn’t like Catherine, it wasn’t entirely untrue—but certainly not the whole truth, either.
Stella’s previously tense expression visibly softened.
“As long as you don’t like her, that’s a huge relief for me.” She smiled at once, her features easing with reassurance.
Seeing that his mother had believed him, Johnson exhaled quietly in relief.
He couldn’t afford for his mother to uncover his true feelings toward Catherine. If she knew, she’d go to any length to sabotage any chance he might have with Catherine.
Right now, Catherine didn’t reciprocate his affection, and he was still working hard to win her over. Any interference would be disastrous.
Until the day Catherine returned his feelings and their bond became something real, he had to guard this secret carefully. His mother must remain in the dark about this.
