Chapter 1068

“How could I pour out a drink you poured for me, Mr. Lynn? Honestly, nothing goes better with a drink than a dash of pepper, right? Really hits the spot.”

Carl downed the glass in one go. The sharp burn of the pepper shot straight up his nose. He was dying to stick out his tongue from the burn, but pride kept him from showing it–he just had to tough it out.

“Mr. Hussain, you can hold your liquor. Let me toast you again. We’re old friends. You wouldn’t want to refuse me, right?” Jonathan’s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. His tone was smooth as ever, but there was chilling sarcasm in his eyes.

Carl was looking pale after all that drinking. Everyone could tell Jonathan was going after Carl, but nobody wanted to stick their neck out and get involved.

Jonathan didn’t stop until Carl was forced to cover his mouth and run to the bathroom to throw up.

Jonathan slid his hand around Teresa’s waist and spoke up. “Ms. Teresa, the chairwoman of Teresouth Group, has been talking with me about joining the Nareigh Chamber of Commerce. What does everyone think?”

Teresa snapped her head toward Jonathan. ‘Wait, is he serious?’

Within seconds, everyone at the table started flattering her. “I have no objections. Ms. Johnston shows great promise. Her last product launch attracted significant investment.”

“Yes, she is now qualified to join us.”

Only then did Jonathan have Teresa stand up and briefly talk about her company’s plans.

Teresa had no clue Jonathan was going to step in for her like this–he hadn’t breathed a word about it beforehand.

Just like she had no idea he’d stand up for her today, putting Carl in his place for what he’d done to her before. Still, she made a quick speech.

“That’s settled then,” Jonathan said, slipping his arm around Teresa’s shoulders. He poured her a drink, but instead of handing it to her, he downed it himself.

“I’ll still be focusing my efforts here in Nareigh. Looking forward to working together and making great things happen." The rest of the group all raised their glasses to toast him as well.

After the gathering broke up, Jonathan and Teresa were the first to leave. His arm was still around Teresa, keeping her close as they walked out together. The others watched their backs, clicking their tongues in surprise.

“Weren’t they divorced? Why is he bringing her along?”

“Is she really the only woman Jonathan ever has?”

“Maybe in his eyes, she’s the only woman that exists.”

Teresa was in the car. Everything Jonathan did for her today kept replaying in her mind. “Was it Benny who told you?” Teresa asked, recalling Benny was there when Carl harassed her.

Jonathan didn’t deny it. “Seriously, saying stuff like that? Carl must have a death wish.”

Teresa blinked. She was surprised to see him this mad. She hadn’t expected him to bring her into the Chamber of Commerce, either. With him around, her path forward would be much easier. “I really am grateful for what you did for me today, but…”

Jonathan could see the pressure in her eyes and immediately understood what she was thinking. He let out a sigh. “Don’t stress about it. I helped you, but I do want something in return.”

“What is it?”

“I want you and the boys to move in with me at Forlisle Rose Estates.”

He’d already asked Gary to try convincing Teresa, but Gary told him he couldn’t make it happen. Teresa didn’t want to move into his place–she just wanted to stay at Rosary Estates.

But Jonathan couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Mike at home with only an elderly nanny for company.

“I’ll make sure you all have the best living environment, and I want to spend more time with my sons. It’d be so much easier if you lived there. Would you let me have this little selfish wish as a dad?”

Teresa couldn’t say no. “Alright, you can have Mike and Felix move in with you.”

“Do you think the kids could stand being away from you? I want you to move in with us too.”