Teresa said, “Look, it’s not about who takes the blame. Don’t beat yourself up over this. We’ve only got three days until the launch–let’s hustle and see if we can come up with something even better, something truly creative.”
Miriam shook her head and said, “It’s not just about coming up with a new design–we have to make new samples, and we still have to make up for the previous orders. What are we supposed to do? We’re running out of time.”
“Even if it seems impossible, we have to make it happen. Worst-case scenario, the company goes under. It’s okay,” Teresa said, trying to sound calm, though she was a mess inside.
She was all alone, feeling powerless–without Jonathan by her side, she realized just how tough life could be. Her heart felt sour and unwilling to accept it all.
Miriam suggested, “Maybe we should just postpone the launch. It’s better to lose some money than to embarrass the company in public. As for the losses, I’ll find a way to deal with them.”
Teresa hesitated. All the invitations had already been sent out, and this was supposed to be her first big comeback after giving birth. She thought, ‘Am I really going to just sit back and let this happen?’
“We can’t postpone the launch. Our funds are limited–we can’t afford to pay out that much money,” she said.
Miriam blurted out, “Isn’t there someone giving us money? Doesn’t Jonathan give you 6 million dollars a year for the child?”
Teresa knew exactly what Miriam meant, but she refused. She said, “No, that’s for the child. I won’t touch that money unless there’s truly no other way.”
Miriam said, “I know, but we can just treat it like a loan from him. Once we get through this crisis, we’ll pay him back. Let’s just use it for now.”
“No, Miriam. Seriously, we can’t,” Teresa cut her off.
“Alright, I respect that,” Miriam said with a nod. She knew just how stubborn Teresa could be. She thought, ‘Maybe Teresa has really made up her mind to never rely on Jonathan again.’
Teresa was stubborn to the core. She knew that if she ever touched that money, Irene would just look down on her even more–and Teresa just couldn’t let that happen.
“Let’s put our heads together and come up with another solution,” she said.
“Sure,” Miriam replied.
Teresa had barely had a moment to herself all day, and by the time she finally made it home, it was already late. The lights in the living room were still on, and she immediately spotted a familiar figure waiting for her.
“Mom,” Michael mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he sat up on the couch. He asked, “Why did you come home so late?”
Teresa hadn’t expected Mike to still be awake, and guilt washed over her.
Amy came over and said, “Felix’s already asleep, but Mike just wouldn’t go to bed.”
“Where’s Lucas?” Teresa asked.
Amy explained, “Lucas was out filming today. Mike said he wouldn’t go to sleep until you got home.”
Hearing that, Teresa’s guilt deepened. She quickly shrugged off her coat and hurried over to scoop Michael into her arms, softly comforting him.
She said, “I’m so sorry, Mike. I have been a little busy these days, but once I get through this, I promise I’ll make it up to you and spend lots of time together.”
Michael said, “Mom, Mr. Lime gives us so much money. Why do you still have to work?”
Teresa was taken aback. She had never told Michael that Jonathan gave him a lot of money.
Michael said innocently, “I heard it from Werner the last time we went to Hayden’s house.”
Teresa said, “I see. Your dad is really rich, but I have to earn money too. There are a lot of employees who need their paychecks, and they have their parents and kids to support.
“So I have to work hard and make more money, so I can pay everyone.”
“Why don’t we just let Mr. Lime pay everyone’s salary?” Michael piped up.
Teresa said, “You silly goose, we can’t do that. Come on, time for bed. I’m sorry I missed picking you up today. How about I take you to kindergarten myself tomorrow, okay?”
Mike was wide awake now–he didn’t want to go to bed anymore. He said, “Mom, when is Mr. Lime finally coming back? I want to call him today and ask why he still isn’t home.”