Chapter 1075

Lucas added, “You don’t owe Jennifer anything. She’s not your biological daughter, and you’ve already done enough for her. Teresa is your daughter.”

No one could understand why Evelyn was so kind to Jennifer but so strict with Teresa.

“After all, Teresa just returned to us not too long ago, and Isabel is still young. Teresa deserves your respect and approval. Therefore, I hope you can change your attitude and start respecting Teresa’s ideas from now on,” Lucas said.

Lucas’s words got to Evelyn. If Teresa had said this directly to Evelyn, Evelyn probably wouldn’t have taken it to heart. However, Lucas’s words made Evelyn continue to reflect on it.

Lucas continued, explaining that since Teresa had been left in the care of Bradley and Natalie when she was little, Teresa always felt that her parents didn’t want her. So when Teresa grew up, she tried so hard to gain her parents’ approval.

Although Evelyn supported Teresa financially, there was still a lack of emotional connection. Teresa yearned for her parents’ love. Thus, she kept pushing herself, attempting to prove that she was worthy of her love. She’d rather condemn herself than be denied.

“I heard from Jonathan about Teresa’s childhood,” Lucas said.

Then he turned to Evelyn and added, “Mom, stay out of Teresa and Jonathan’s relationship from now on. Whether Teresa chooses to reconcile with Jonathan or not is her right. Just respect her decisions.”

Then Lucas added again, “Whether it’s her personal life or her career, I hope you can accept and recognize her.”

Evelyn remained silent for a long while before finally saying, “Got it.” She would go home and seriously reflect on her behavior.

Evelyn said, “Lucas, I’m a little tired today. Take me home now.”

“Okay,” Lucas replied. Before leaving, he looked at Teresa and added, “Teresa, your health is more important than money. Take care of yourself first.”

Teresa nodded and said nothing.

Jonathan walked Lucas and Evelyn to the door.

Once outside, Evelyn suddenly turned to Jonathan and said, “I know I’ve made mistakes, but the two of you aren’t right for each other. You should stay apart and keep things as they are.”

Jonathan frowned and said, “Evelyn, if you can protect her, then I’ll leave. I know I’m selfish, but I can’t just stand by and watch you hurt her.”

Evelyn hadn’t expected Jonathan to say that. She said, “I’m not hurting Teresa. She’s my daughter.”

“Sometimes, favoritism can be hurtful. I hope you can treat Teresa and Jennifer equally. If you can’t, then just be more partial to Teresa,” Jonathan said, and then closed the door.

Only Jonathan himself knew how much he cared about Teresa.

Teresa sat alone in her room, a bit absent-minded. She saw Evelyn and Lucas leaving through the window and also caught a glimpse of Jonathan talking to Evelyn about something.

From her perspective, all she could see was Evelyn looking a bit emotional. She never anticipated that Jonathan would bring Lucas over today. Moreover, she was even more astonished by what Lucas said.

Jonathan came back and said, “They have left. Evelyn also asked me to remind you to get some rest.”

“Did you say something to Evelyn?” Teresa asked.

“I didn’t say anything to her,” Jonathan replied.

Teresa didn’t ask any further questions. She just nodded.

“Go ahead and get some rest. Don’t overthink things. If you need anything, give me a holler,” Jonathan said as he was about to close the door.

But just then, Teresa spoke up and said, “Thank you.”

Teresa had no regrets about marrying Jonathan, and she never doubted her choice years ago. Regardless of the current situation or any future changes, she remained grateful for all the times he stood by her when she needed him most.

Teresa took a few days off to rest. She stopped stressing about achieving quick results at work, realizing that her health was of utmost importance.

These days, she spent more time with her kids. In the mornings, she dropped Mike off at kindergarten, stopped by the office for a while, and when the workday ended, she left on time.

Every time Michael saw Teresa come to pick him up, he was super happy. He grabbed Teresa’s hand and asked Teresa to go to the mall.

“Mom, where’s Mr. Lime?” Michael asked.

“He’s at home taking care of your little brother. You’re with him every day. Isn’t that enough?” Teresa replied.

“Nope. I want to be with Mr. Lime forever!” Michael said, smiling. He had been extremely happy these days, spending time with Jonathan.

Teresa gave a bittersweet smile and remained silent.

There were plenty of kids in the supermarket, and Michael was the one pushing the cart.

“Mom, all the kids in our kindergarten have their fathers’ last names, and I’m the only one who has my mother’s last name,” Michael said.

Teresa thought, ‘Most of the kids probably come from wealthy families.’

“Do you want to have your father’s last name?” Teresa paused for a couple of seconds and then said, “I have no problem with that if you do.”

“No. Mom. I’m already used to my name,” Michael replied. Then he added, “Yvette and Bob think my name is great.”

Yvette and Bob were Michael’s best friends in kindergarten, and Teresa knew Michael was popular there.

“When you came to pick me up, Bob said you were really good-looking. He even asked me if you were a movie star or something,” Michael said.

“Really? Thank him for me,” Teresa replied.

At Forlisle Rose Estates.

Jonathan was in the study, having a work video call with Felix sitting on his lap. And Felix was staring intently at Jonathan with his big eyes.

“Dad!” Michael burst through the door when he got home, ran straight over to Jonathan, and wrapped his arms around Jonathan’s neck, snuggling up to Jonathan like a little puppy.

Michael asked, “What are we having for dinner tonight? Could you make mashed potatoes? I’d like to eat them again!”

Jonathan chuckled, ruffled Michael’s hair, and looked at the people at the other end of the call. Then he said, “This is my son, Michael.”

Jonathan’s voice was deep and magnetic, and then he asked Michael to say hi.

Michael greeted the camera confidently.

Teresa watched the scene. For a moment, she felt as if she didn’t belong there.

She thought, “Jonathan provides kids with the best education and the best opportunities. He’s always calm and never gets angry with the kids. He’s exactly the one who deserves to live with the kids, right?”

She knew there were some things she couldn’t keep bottled up any longer. Perhaps it was time to let them out.