After her conversation with Irene and a phone call with Jonathan a few days prior, Teresa was determined to cut off all contact. Jonathan had sent her a message: “[I told my mom to stay out of our business.]” Teresa replied: “[There’s nothing left between us. Everything was settled on the day of the divorce. We don’t have kids, so there’s nothing to dispute. Let’s not stay in touch anymore.]” Then, she blocked his number.

She considered telling Jonathan about Michael but decided against it. She definitely wouldn't say anything; otherwise, Irene might fight her for Michael's custody, and she didn't want things to escalate into a legal battle. Her current life was perfectly fine, and she was happy with just herself and Michael.

Even after Benny left Teresa's company, he still kept Jonathan updated on events there. Benny asked Jonathan, “What’s up with you two?”

“Nothing,” Jonathan replied. He then thought, ‘She just blocked me again. How could someone be so heartless and cruel to me? Is her heart made of stone?’

Benny sighed. “Teresa didn’t study management in university, so she’s inexperienced. She’s working really hard now. If you really can’t help, at least give her a break.”

He continued, “With the right resources, anything is possible. Just invest a bit more in her, and she’ll get the hang of it.”

Jonathan said, “No.”

Benny asked, “Aren’t you going to help? Are you serious?”

“If she calls me, I’ll help. But if she doesn’t, I won’t contact her either,” Jonathan replied.

Every time they disagreed, she would block him before he even got a chance to explain. ‘Why do I have to lower myself like this every time?’ he thought.

Benny chuckled. Jonathan's expression clearly showed his concern, yet he still insisted he wouldn't help. “If you’re not helping, then neither am I. I’m leaving.”

Benny left, and just as Jonathan was about to finish work, Christian unexpectedly handed in his resignation letter. Jonathan was confused. ‘Is Christian really going to quit?’ he wondered.

Christian explained, “Mr. Lynn, something has come up at home. My mom called today to say my dad has been diagnosed with lung cancer. My parents both live in a small town, and I’m their only son, so I must go back to them.”

Jonathan frowned. “Is it early or advanced stage?”

Christian shook his head. “We don’t know yet. We’ll find out once we get the biopsy results.”

Christian’s eyes were red. The situation was upsetting, but not entirely unexpected. Last year, when he went home for the holidays, his father hadn't looked well and had lost a lot of weight, yet he still welcomed him with a smile.

Jonathan said, “Okay. Better take care of them while you can. Go ahead. I’ll approve your leave.”

Christian responded, “Mr. Lynn, I might not be back to Nareigh for a long time. I don’t want to disrupt your work. Maybe it’s best if you let me resign. I can find a new job later.”

Jonathan understood that dismissing an employee because of a family illness was wrong. At Horizonlead Group, whether at headquarters or its branches, there had never been such a case.

He explained, “You’re allowed to take leave. It doesn’t matter when you return. In the meantime, Riley from the secretarial department will take over your duties.”

Hearing Jonathan’s response, Christian had nothing more to say. Finally, he said, “Thank you, Mr. Lynn!”

“Sure,” Jonathan responded.

Christian turned around, clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and then exclaimed, “Mr. Lynn, the truth is, Mike isn’t my son!”