Chapter 194

Jennifer finally spoke, her tone steady but firm. “Mom, stop blaring at Teresa. What’s done is done. Besides, we’re all going to leave eventually. Mike has nothing to do with his biological father. That man hasn’t done a thing to help raise him.”

Evelyn sighed, her voice softening slightly. “Well, that’s true, but…”

“You’ve kept this hidden for so long. Jonathan’s mother isn’t someone who lets things slide. How could she not fight for her grandson? Do you really think she’d just sit back and ignore this?” Evelyn asked.

Teresa shot back, her voice sharp. “I’ve already told you Jonathan and his family don’t know. Can you just listen for once?”

It finally clicked for Evelyn how deeply Teresa had concealed the truth. Not only was Jonathan unaware, but even his meddlesome mother had been kept in the dark. For a moment, Evelyn was at a loss for words, unsure of how to react.

“You’ve always been so carefree since you were little. This time, you even managed to fool his mother. Jonathan’s a CEO now, and you two have been entangled for years. How has he not noticed Michael? I mean, Mike does look like him,” Jennifer remarked.

Teresa glanced at Jennifer, her eyes filled with weariness and irritation. She didn’t know why Jennifer brought this up. She disliked how Jennifer handled things, even though she knew Jennifer was just trying to push her to leave.

“I told him I didn’t love him, that I’d never have his child—and he actually believed me,” Teresa said, her voice tinged with bitterness and disbelief.

Evelyn snorted, “No man would fall for that.”

Suddenly, a wave of sadness washed over Teresa. Jonathan, a man who had built an empire under Nareigh in just two and a half years, believed her every word. She told him she didn’t love him, and he believed it. She said she wouldn’t have his child, and he believed that, too. He chose to let her go, to keep things clear-cut, to part ways without resentment—just so he wouldn’t hate her.

“That’s how things are. Is blaming me all you know how to do? I never asked you to raise my child,” Teresa said, her voice sharp with frustration.

Evelyn let out a long, weary sigh, finally calming down. She had come to terms with the fact that Teresa had a child, though she felt indifferent toward Michael, seeing him as little more than an illegitimate child. What mattered now was figuring out the future.

“Rosary Estates isn’t big enough for all five of us. Listen to Jennifer—either we move, or you and Jennifer take your son and leave. I’ll stay here with Isabel,” Evelyn suggested.

“I have a house in Fernlandia, meant for retirement; Charlie doesn’t even know about it. The place is beautiful and peaceful. Jennifer said she’d follow you anywhere. You two are close, so why not go together?” Evelyn added.

Jennifer immediately looked at Teresa, her eyes lighting up with hope. But Teresa’s gaze remained devoid of any desire to go abroad. “The person who should go is you. You need a place to heal and recover.”

Evelyn hesitated. “But you two are in a mess. I just reunited with Jennifer. How can I feel at ease if I leave? I love Isabel, and I love you two as well. You’re my treasures, and I want you both to be happy.”

Neither Jennifer nor Teresa said a word, their silence speaking volumes.

“Let’s get some rest. Everyone’s tired,” Teresa said softly.

With five people sharing three rooms, the house felt undeniably cramped. Evelyn and Isabel shared one room. Jennifer had another to herself, while Teresa and Michael shared the last one.

That night, Michael couldn’t fall asleep. Snuggled in Teresa’s arms, he blinked at her with curiosity. “Mommy, there are so many people at home now,” he said.

“Yes, are you not used to it?” Teresa asked softly.

Michael nodded and hugged her arm tightly. “Mommy, do I have to wake up super early now? There are so many people, and even the bathroom’s always busy. I wish we could live in a big house. That would be so cool.”

Teresa stayed silent, her eyes filled with guilt.

After a moment, Michael hesitated and asked, “Does Mr. Lime live alone? He must feel really lonely.” Teresa lowered her head and saw his wide, watery eyes, full of longing and pleading. Her heart ached for Michael, and before she could stop herself, she said, “Why don’t we go live with him?”

Chapter 195