Chapter 307

Ryan looked completely worn out. “Mr. Powell, what are you talking about? I honestly have no idea what you mean.”

Kevin retorted, “You don’t get it? I think you’re just playing dumb.”

Kevin still couldn’t figure out why the head of Teresouth Group would appear in Everport, but he didn’t dare ask. He turned and left, foregoing his banking business.

Ryan’s face soured. He thought, What was Kevin trying to say—calling me a show-off? What was I showing off about? Sure, my own abilities are just so-so, but my family background is top-notch. His family owned several BMWs and a few storefronts; he was a respected architect; his parents worked for a state-owned company; and his sister was a teacher. Few in Everport could compare to him. Kevin calling him a poser was laughable.

Teresa emerged from the bank, hopped on her scooter, and headed to pick up Michael from kindergarten. Ryan pulled his BMW in front of her, ensuring everyone saw his vehicle. “Ms. Johnston, want to grab a bite? Last time you said you were going to the restroom, but then you disappeared.”

Teresa was silent. She’d never known anyone to wait for her all night. She didn’t believe he had. “Mr. Thompson, I already told your sister. I’m divorced. You really don’t mind?”

Ryan’s expression changed. “My sister never told me you were divorced. She just said you were my age and single.”

“Well, now you know. Is it a problem that I’m divorced?” Teresa walked away, and Ryan didn’t follow.

The next day, Teresa wore a pale green long dress to school. The weather was warming, and many teachers were wearing dresses. Teresa knew the dress code; her dress was modest, its hem falling to her calves. She figured she might as well wear her favorite clothes before her pregnancy became obvious.

At the office, only Ivy complimented Teresa, saying she looked beautiful. Others gave her strange looks, especially Tina, who clucked her tongue and fussed over Teresa’s attire. Disdain flickered in her eyes. Teresa knew Tina resented her for rejecting her brother.

When Teresa entered the classroom, the children gasped, their eyes lighting up. The warmth in her heart was genuine. She taught lower grades, and her students were always kind to her. She tried her best to reciprocate.

With exams approaching, Teresa encouraged the children to do their best. One little girl, sick for several days, was at school, hooked up to an IV, doing homework at her desk. Teresa’s heart ached for her. The child coughed, her face pale. As a mother herself, Teresa wondered, How could any mother not feel for her own child? Is getting good grades really worth all this?

She couldn’t bear to watch anymore. Teresa gently told the girl to rest in the nurse’s office, assuring her she didn’t need to worry about homework.

But the little girl shook her head, fear in her eyes. “Ms. Johnston, if I don’t do my homework, my mom will scold me.”

Teresa reassured her, “I’ll talk to your mom. Don’t worry—just go get some rest, okay?” She noticed the heavy dark circles under the girl’s eyes and thought, Is she really still studying at home while getting injections? It’s heartbreaking.

Teresa’s warm hand offered comfort. The girl nodded and, accompanied by a classmate, went to the nurse’s office.