Chapter 277

Jonathan glanced at them briefly before looking away, their words barely registering. Meanwhile, Teresa was back at the hotel with Michael. He sniffled, his voice trembling as he repeatedly insisted he had seen Jonathan. Exhausted, he curled up on Teresa’s lap, his small body relaxing as he drifted off to sleep.

As Teresa gently stroked his hair, her mind wandered. Earlier that day, she had caught a fleeting glimpse of Jonathan's reflection in a glass window. She wondered if Michael was imagining things, or if Jonathan truly was in Silvar—perhaps on a business trip; he traveled frequently, so it wasn't entirely unexpected. Teresa had initially booked a flight from Silvar to Jarisburg but changed her ticket.

After his nap, Michael approached Teresa and apologized. “I know I was wrong, Mom. Even if I saw Mr. Lime, I shouldn’t have run off like that. I promise I won’t do it again.”

Teresa said firmly, “This can’t happen again, especially in a city you’re unfamiliar with. You absolutely can’t run off like that. Understand?”

“Got it.”

“Since you’ve been so good about admitting your mistake, I’ll take you back to Nareigh for a day. After that, we’ll head to Jarisburg.”

“Wow, really?” Michael’s eyes lit up as he clapped his hands. “Does this mean I can see Mr. Lime?”

“We’re only staying for a day. I’ll ask Sherry to take you to see him, but I won’t be going,” Teresa said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Michael nodded quickly, recalling his promise. “Got it, Mom.”

Jonathan had arrived at the hotel earlier that morning for the evening gala. As he walked from the entrance to the elevator, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if the air carried traces of Teresa’s presence. He had always been sensitive to scents, and though it seemed unlikely, the thought lingered. Just as he was about to head upstairs, he stopped and turned to the front desk. “Excuse me, has Teresa Johnston checked in here?”

“One moment, sir,” the receptionist replied, typing quickly. After a brief pause, she looked up. “Ms. Johnston checked out two hours ago.”

Jonathan froze, his mind reeling. She had been here, and he had missed her by just two hours. His breathing grew uneven as frustration and urgency gripped him. “Do you know where she went?” he asked, his voice tight with emotion.

“Sorry, sir, we’re not sure.”

Teresa and Michael had already arrived in Nareigh. They initially planned to stop by the company, but at the entrance of Teresouth Group, Teresa noticed Miriam driving with Edward in the passenger seat. The two seemed to be heading somewhere. Miriam’s cheerful expression caught Teresa’s attention, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were dating.

After Miriam drove off, Teresa led Michael into the building. The receptionist’s eyes widened in surprise at the sight of her.

Teresa kept her voice low. “Shh. Don’t let the managers know I’m here. I’ll be gone soon.”

“Understood, Ms. Johnston.”

The company seemed to be running smoothly under Miriam and Sherry’s management, which reassured Teresa. She scanned the office floor but didn’t see Sherry, meaning she couldn’t leave Michael in her care.

As they left the company, Michael tugged at her sleeve, his eyes wide with excitement. “Mom, can we go to Horizonlead Group? Please?” Teresa shook her head firmly. Taking that route would mean passing by Jennifer’s hospital, and that was something she wanted to avoid.

Lost in thought, Teresa suddenly spotted Jennifer through the taxi window. She asked the driver to stop for a few minutes but didn’t step out of the car. Instead, she observed the scene outside the mall entrance.

Jennifer clung lightly to Donald’s arm; his eyes never left her as he carried two shopping bags. Beside them stood Cathy, her enthusiasm almost overwhelming as she fussed over Jennifer, who maintained a cool and distant demeanor.

Watching Jennifer, cherished and surrounded by Donald and Cathy, Teresa felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite name—regret, perhaps, or longing. Her chest tightened. She couldn’t let herself go back; it would only bring trouble. Jennifer’s secret about swapping the DNA test samples at the hospital could be exposed by Jonathan or the Lynn family. Her medical license would be revoked, her bond with Cathy would shatter, and Donald wouldn’t escape the fallout.

Even without her, life seemed to move on just fine for everyone else. At least, Jennifer, who had endured so much hardship growing up, seemed to be living a good life. Yet, witnessing this warm scene brought a pang of sadness. It reminded Teresa of the days before her divorce from Jonathan, when she used to hold his arm. Now, it was Jennifer and Donald. If Hannah could find happiness, then perhaps that was enough.

“Teresa?” A sudden, sharp shout pierced the air, jolting Teresa from her thoughts. Benny stood on the road nearby, staring at her in disbelief. He couldn’t fathom that she was in Nareigh.

Teresa snapped out of it, her hand darting to the window controls. “To the airport, now!” she urged the driver, her voice trembling with urgency.

With a barrier separating Benny from Teresa’s taxi, he couldn’t follow her directly. He had no choice but to turn around at the next intersection and chase after her cab. Meanwhile, he didn't forget to call Jonathan.