Chapter 302

Jonathan didn't bother explaining who was lip-syncing. His eyes kept drifting, almost unconsciously, to Teresa.

“These are all full-time teachers?” Jonathan asked.

“Some are full-time, some are on contract. See the second row?” the man replied. “Those ladies on the left—they’re all new, single, and not officially on the payroll yet.”

Jonathan didn’t say a word, just snuck another glance at Teresa standing in the second row.

“Mr. Lynn, are you interested in one of the teachers?” someone teased.

Jonathan was quiet for a few seconds before finally saying, “Just because I like someone doesn’t mean they’ll like me back.”

Seeing Teresa keep dodging his gaze, he stopped looking at her, not wanting to make things awkward.

The four-minute choir performance finally ended, and Teresa let out a sigh of relief, hurrying off the stage. Backstage, Ivy grinned at Teresa. “You didn’t sing just now, did you? I couldn’t hear your voice at all.”

“Nope. I was afraid I’d go off-key and mess everyone up. That would’ve been a disaster,” Teresa admitted. Honestly, it wasn’t a real concert, and whoever sang or not didn’t matter. It was just a school anniversary.

Teresa headed back to the office, with Ivy trailing behind, still gossiping. “Did you see that handsome guy sitting next to the vice principal?”

“I saw him,” Teresa replied.

“I noticed he kept looking at you while we were singing. Are you two… you know… acquainted?” Ivy pressed.

“No, we’re not,” Teresa said softly, her voice tinged with sadness.

Behind her, Jonathan overheard her say they didn’t know each other. He walked past with a cold expression. His intimidating presence made Ivy shiver. She quickly grabbed Teresa’s arm and nudged her, signaling her to look. That’s when Teresa finally noticed Jonathan behind her. She hadn’t realized he’d been right there. Her fingers tightened. He must’ve heard what she said.

‘But so what if he did? Maybe this really is the best ending for the two of us,’ Teresa thought, and forced herself not to look at him again.

After work, everyone else had already left. Teresa was packing up her things when Tina spotted her. “Teresa, perfect timing! My brother just came to see me—this is my brother.”

“Ryan Thompson,” he introduced himself.

Tina added, “Let me introduce you. This is Teresa Johnston.”

The moment Ryan saw Teresa, his face turned red, and he stammered, “H-hi.”

“You two have a chat, okay? Ryan, you can give Teresa a ride home, or maybe grab dinner together. I’ll leave you to it.” With that, Tina closed the door behind her.

Teresa glanced at Ryan. She felt absolutely nothing. He just wasn’t her type.

Ryan, on the other hand, couldn’t take his eyes off her. “My sister told me you’re really pretty, Ms. Johnston, but you look even better in person than in your photo.”

Teresa frowned and thought, ‘Where did Tina even get a photo of her?’ But then she thought, since they worked in the same office, it wouldn’t be surprising if Tina had secretly snapped a picture. Still, the idea made her uncomfortable.

“Ms. Thompson means well with the introduction, but I’ve told her several times. I’m really not interested in dating. Let’s just leave it at that,” Teresa said.

She started to get up, but Ryan quickly said, “Don’t be in such a hurry. Can’t we get to know each other a little?”

“What exactly do you want to know?” Teresa asked. She was being polite, but her eyes were distant and formal.

“I haven’t really introduced myself yet. I’m Ryan, 26 years old. I work as an architect. My parents both work for state-owned companies and are about to retire. It’s just me and my sister, no other siblings.”

“And you, Ms. Johnston?” Ryan was clearly pleased with her. Guys always look at appearance first, and Teresa was flawless.

Teresa didn’t want to waste time. “You’ve got great qualifications, but I’m really not the right person for you. You should look for someone else.”

As she stood up, Ryan jumped up too. “Are you heading home? Let me drive you.”

He was completely smitten. He’d been on other blind dates before, but he’d never met anyone this beautiful. If he actually married Teresa, he’d be hitting the jackpot. At least their kids would have good genes.