“Good morning, Mrs. Murphy.” Seeing Jenna, Meroy greeted her politely with a smile.
Jenna stopped and asked with a smile, “Morning, Meroy. What brings you to Green Jade Garden?”
Meroy stepped forward and informed her. “Actually, it has to do with you. The Old Madam wants to see you.”
“Oh, I see.” Jenna was stunned. So, the Old Madam knew that she hadn’t gone to work yet. She immediately asked, “Meroy, do you know why she’s looking for me?”
“I’m not too sure about that. She just told me to call and ask if you were still around. When she heard you hadn’t left yet, she asked me to come over to invite you there.”
Surely enough, it was so.
Jenna chuckled. “Okay, Meroy, let’s go then.”
Meroy nodded with a smile. The two of them got onto an electric vehicle and headed for Ink Garden.
Vivian was sitting on her lazy chair as usual. The air conditioning was set to a nice temperature and it was very comfortable.
When Jenna silently walked in, Vivian was still resting with her eyes closed.
Her head of silver hair was combed neatly, and her wrinkled hands rested on her knees. Her face was riddled with age.
Jenna watched her quietly. For the first time, she felt that this old woman in front of her had really aged. She was past her golden years.
She stood there silently, hesitating whether she should wake her up.
Vivian suddenly opened her eyes and looked at her with her blurry eyes.
“Grandma.” She hurriedly bowed and called in a soft voice.
Vivian looked at her with her eyes wide open.
That year, Vivian’s eyesight and hearing had deteriorated quite a lot. It took her a long time to get her vision to focus and see things clearly. Her hearing wasn’t as sharp as it used to be either.
“Are you Jenna?” Vivian looked at her and asked in a trembling voice.
“Grandma, it’s me.” Jenna came closer to her and raised her voice to her ear.
Vivian heard her clearly and her eyes lit up. She turned to look at her.
“Jenna, my good granddaughter-in-law.” She looked excited and grabbed her hand. “Come, sit down in front of me. Let’s have a good talk today.”
“Okay.” Jenna obediently sat down on the chair in front of Vivian.
“Jenna, I know that you are busy, and there are a lot of things to deal with at the company. The house is so huge, and you still have to work and take care of your husband and son. It must be hard on you.” Vivian held her hand and patted the back of her hand as she spoke lovingly.
“It’s okay, Grandma. These are my responsibilities. I’m still young after all.” Jenna smiled relaxedly, as if she was not afraid of anything.
“Jenna, do you know what I’m most proud of in this life?” Vivian asked with a smile.
Jenna was dumbfounded and quickly shook her head with a smile.
Vivian chuckled and said loudly, “I’m most proud of the fact that my grandson, Hansen, has married you. You are the pride of the Richards family.”
As soon as she said that, Jenna was a little shocked. After a pause, she quickly shook her head and denied it. “Grandma, you are being too dramatic with your praise. I am just an ordinary woman. I don’t deserve such praise.”
She knew that Vivian had a good impression of her, but Vivian had gone overboard with her words. It was impossible. Jenna was sure that she was just saying it out of courtesy.
So, she just smiled and didn’t take it seriously.
“Jenna, don’t doubt me. I’ve lived to this age. So, I read people well. You’re an amazing granddaughter-in-law. You’re definitely worthy of my praise.” As if she had seen through Jenna’s thoughts, Vivian once again held her hand tightly and praised her.
Vivian’s words were sincere. Upon hearing this, Jenna felt warmth in her heart, and her eyes became a little moist.
“Jenna, I’m getting old. In the future, you will be in charge of this family. I hope that you can shoulder this important burden. Take good care of the Richards family and make us proud. I am placing all my hopes on you. Please don’t let me down. This way, even if I end up in the afterlife, I will be happy.” As Vivian spoke, her eyes turned moist and she even choked on her sobs.
Jenna suddenly had a sad feeling, and her heart tightened. She took Vivian’s hand and said comfortingly, “Grandma, don’t say that. Your body is fine. You’ll live at least another decade or two.”
When Vivian heard this, she laughed heartily.
“Child, I know my own body well. It’s a miracle that I’ve even lived until now. I am content. Now, I have a great-grandson, a good grandson, and a good granddaughter-in-law. For me, this is better than anything else. I am really satisfied with life.” Vivian sighed and pointed at the cup of water on the table.
Jenna immediately understood and quickly picked up the porcelain cup on the table. She supported Vivian’s head whilst she fed her a sip of water.
“Grandma, have a good rest. Let’s talk more some other day.” Jenna was worried that she was tired and consoled her softly.
“No, Jenna. I want to talk to you while I can. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I have wanted to tell you these for a long time,” Vivian said seriously, shaking her head.
Jenna knew that Vivian rarely looked for her, except when she had something to say. Thus, she just told her very seriously, “Grandma, go ahead and speak your mind. I’m listening.”
“Good girl.” Vivian held her hands tightly and said earnestly, “Jenna, an outstanding woman grows through the rain and storm, you must be able to withstand the test of time. To marry into a wealthy family, you must know how to face what comes your way. Be courageous and more forgiving than any other ordinary woman. I’ve watched you grow up. So, I know you have all of these qualities. I still remember when I first saw you as a child. I immediately knew you were to be Hansen’s wife. I am never wrong.”
Vivian’s words were from her heart. Although it seemed like she was praising Jenna, but in fact, she was preaching to her about the principles of life. There was a deep meaning behind her words.
Jenna listened carefully as she pondered over the meaning behind Vivian’s words and actions.
“Child, it’s not easy to be a woman from a wealthy family. It is not as glorious as it looks on the surface. The hardships you will face are much more than that of ordinary women. So, I’m begging you, no matter what hardships you face, you must protect the Richards family empire together with Hansen. Can you promise me that you’ll never give up?”
Vivian held Jenna’s hands tightly, and her muddled eyes were suddenly so bright. She looked straight at her, and expectations were written all over her face.