Chapter 20

Teresa’s phone buzzed in her pocket as she watched her son leave. She took it out, surprised to see her father, Philip Johnston, on the screen. It had been years since their last chat—over three years, with barely a peep from either side. Their bond was as thin as the blood that connected them.

She answered, and Philip’s voice came through, saying he was back in Nareigh and wanted to meet her. Teresa didn’t have strong feelings about seeing her dad, but she was curious, so she said yes.

They met up at Blissful Dining, a place supposed to be filled with childhood memories. Philip looked at her with a wistful expression. “Remember all the times we came here when you were a kid?” he asked.

Teresa sipped her coffee, her response casual. “Not really,” she said, her tone flat. Her folks had divorced when she was only five, leaving her to be raised by her grandparents. Her parents began sending money much later, as if to assuage their guilt. Teresa’s early maturity brought her to a swift understanding: where love was scarce, money would suffice. Thus, she took the money without a second thought.

Philip gave Teresa a sidelong glance. “Evelyn told me you’re tight on cash. You really can’t come up with thirty thousand bucks?” Teresa’s brow creased with surprise at Evelyn’s indiscretion.

Philip rapped his knuckles on the table. “Come on, Jonathan’s worth billions now, and you’re his wife. You’re telling me you can’t even lay your hands on 30 grand?”

“Jonathan and I are history,” she stated matter-of-factly.

Philip laughed in disbelief. “You’re pulling my leg. I said marry big bucks when Jonathan was just starting out, but you went and married him anyway. Now that he’s rolling in it, you call it quits?”

Teresa’s laughter was dry. “I suppose wealth isn’t in the family genes,” she remarked, sarcasm tinging her words. Philip’s expression darkened with irritation as he caught the subtle jab at his money-focused advice. Philip and Evelyn’s marriage had been more of a business deal than a love story. Philip’s intutelity was the nail in the coffin, leading to…

Following the breakup, Philip hitched his wagon to a wealthy woman, while Evelyn forged her own path to prosperity through entrepreneurship. This contrast cast Philip in the role of a financial opportunist.

Philip, his face stern, proposed to Teresa, “Consider reconciling with Jonathan.” His voice smooth, he added, “I have a business plan to pitch, but he’s ignoring my calls. You two being back together might give me the chance to reach out again.”

Teresa let out a derisive laugh. “You were the one who always belittled him, urging me to end things,” she retorted. “Now that he’s made it, it’s no surprise he’s blowing you off. Looks like you’re experiencing a bit of what you dished out.”

Philip’s voice was firing, leaving no room for debate. “Enough. Don’t speak to me like that. In suggesting you reconnect with him for your own good,” he stated, eyes piercing.

Teresa’s laughter was icy, her gaze filled with resentment. “For my own good! You never cared about my happiness, just about hooking me up with a rich guy for money. That’s your caring?”

Philip’s anger was palpable as he slammed his fist to the table. “I’ve paid for your education and put money into your future. Don’t you dare disrespect me!” His face flushed with rage.

Teresa’s tone was steady, yet her words stung. “You shaped me for high society, but I never fit your mold. Should I apologize for that?” Philip’s jaw tightened. “We’re not hashing out the past, your father, and without my support, where would you be?”

Teresa’s gaze sharpened, her voice firm as she spoke to her father. “The house in Rosary Estates was a gift from Grandpa and Grandma. They were the ones who raised me; they were my real family.”

Philip snorted dismissively. “Your grandparents have passed, and legally, I’m the one who should inherit that house. If it comes to it, I could have you evicted.”

Teresa let out a skeptical chuckle, struggling to accept that her father would actually sue his own child over a house. Her tone dripping with sarcasm, Teresa challenged, “Go ahead and sue. Air it all out. Let everyone in Nareigh see how Philip’s trying to make his own kid homeless just to get her back with her ex. I dare you.”

Philip stood there, taken aback by Teresa’s sharp response. He was stunned, unsure where his daughter had found such a biting wit. Philip had no intention of suing Teresa; the house was the least of his worries. He was after investment, connections, and help to salvage his failing business. He hadn’t anticipated that Jonathan, whom he’d once dismissed, would become so successful. He had his hopes set on Teresa remarrying Jonathan, thinking maybe that would get Jonathan to help him out. But Teresa had other thoughts on the matter.

Philip tried to clarify, his voice tinged with annoyance. “You’re the one with the attitude, like your mom. That’s not what I’m saying!”

Teresa shot back, “I’ve had it rough, no parents, so my problems aren’t a shock.” Pausing briefly, she continued with a bitter edge. “Sometimes I think I shouldn’t have been born.”

Philip’s finger shot out, pointing at Teresa as he barked, “You!” He paused to compose himself, then smiled coldly. “Teresa, we rarely meet. Must we argue? I don’t want to hurt you. Consider Jonathan—rich, influential, a key figure in Nareigh. Isn’t making peace with him an option?”

As Philip spoke, Teresa’s expectations crumbled. She’d foolishly believed her father might be reaching out to mend fences, to see how she was doing, but his words made it clear his intentions were otherwise.

With a dismissive shake of her head, Teresa said, “There’s no going back with Jonathan. He’s moved on, and so have I.” She exhaled, her disappointment evident, as she rose from her seat. “Forget about me. Act like I never existed.”