Chapter 320

Jonathan glanced at Teresa. “Get in.”

Ryan thought to himself, ‘Hey, that’s my line.’ They arrived at a nearby five-star restaurant. As Ryan flipped through the menu and saw that every dish was at least ninety dollars, he shot Jonathan a look full of mockery. “Careful you don’t eat up your whole paycheck in one meal.”

Jonathan didn’t bother explaining. He pulled out his phone, sent a message, then set it face down and gestured for Ryan to order whatever he wanted. Ryan called the waiter over. “We’ll have these, and your signature dish,” he said, handing the menu to Teresa. “Want to add anything?”

Teresa glanced down, frowned slightly, and said coolly, “That’s enough.”

Ryan passed the menu to Jonathan. “Is this okay with you?”

Jonathan glanced at Teresa and said, “She doesn’t eat celery, jellyfish, or fish. Please take those off.” Then he ordered a few dishes Teresa would actually like.

Teresa sat uneasily, feeling like her lie was about to unravel, but she had no choice but to keep pretending. The food hadn’t even arrived when two people walked by in the hallway outside, asking the staff about the private room. Ryan heard familiar voices and, spotting the two men, quickly got up to greet them. “Mr. Powell, what brings you here?”

His direct boss, Kevin, was there, and next to him was Kevin’s boss, Ramon. Both noticed Jonathan sitting inside, expressionless, and coughed awkwardly.

Kevin said to Ryan, “Ryan, this is Ramon, the General Manager of the Design Department at Horizonlead Group’s headquarters. We were just looking for a place to eat.”

Seeing this, Ryan quickly offered, “If you don’t mind, why not join us? The room’s pretty spacious.” Kevin and Ramon walked in. They exchanged glances with Jonathan. Jonathan gave them a small nod and a look, signaling them. Kevin and Ramon nodded back without a word. After all, Jonathan had already messaged them earlier, telling them to play along.

Ryan pulled out chairs for his two bosses. “This is my girlfriend, Teresa,” he introduced. Then, not knowing Jonathan’s real name, he added, “And this is my driver.”

Kevin and Ramon stiffened, their shoulders twitching. Their look suggested they suspected trouble.

Teresa, watching from the side, immediately understood that Kevin and Ramon were there because Jonathan had arranged it. Ryan was trying to show off in front of his bosses, completely clueless about who was really sitting across from him. Teresa silently mourned for Ryan, then shrugged it off. She thought, ‘Whatever. It’s not like he has anything to do with me anyway.’

“I’m not your driver,” Jonathan said.

Ryan ignored Jonathan and turned to Kevin and Ramon. “My driver can be a bit arrogant and does whatever he wants. Sorry you had to see that. So, are you two here to talk business?”

Kevin let out a cold laugh, clearly unimpressed by Ryan’s act. “Mr. Lynn sent us. You know Mr. Lynn, right? The chairman at headquarters? Do you not know who that is?”

Since Ryan only worked at the branch and didn’t pay attention to what went on at HQ, he asked, “So where is Mr. Lynn? If he’s here, why not join us at the table? I’ll treat him to dinner.”

Jonathan chimed in, “We already agreed that this meal’s on me.”

Ryan shot Jonathan a look. “What’s it got to do with you? Can you just keep your mouth shut?”

Jonathan grinned. “You want me to shut up? Sure. But if he’s right here, how exactly are you planning to treat him?”

Ryan looked around, confused. “Where is he?” He turned to Kevin and Ramon again. “Where’s Mr. Lynn? Am I supposed to go out and greet him or what?”

Kevin and Ramon both shook their heads. But since Jonathan hadn’t said anything, neither of them dared to reveal who he was.

Teresa finally couldn’t take it anymore. She pointed at Jonathan and said, “He’s Mr. Lynn.”

Ryan’s eyes widened in disbelief. He nudged Teresa, telling her to stop joking around. That move completely angered Jonathan. He stood up and said to Ramon, “Looks like our hiring standards are way too low. We’re letting just anyone in these days. You two, deal with it.”

Ramon and Kevin immediately stood up. “Sorry, Mr. Lynn. We’re really sorry for the trouble. Our guy’s made a fool of himself.”

Ryan’s face went pale as it finally hit him. He stammered, “M-Mr. Lynn, you’re the chairman of Horizonlead Group, Jonathan?”

“When I retire, maybe I’ll come be your driver.”

Ryan’s face went completely pale. Kevin walked over and gave Ryan a couple of hard slaps on the shoulder. “Ryan, how many times have I warned you? Stay away from that beauty. She’s way out of your league. And what’s this? She’s your girlfriend? Mr. Lynn is your driver? Seriously?”

“No, no, no!” Ryan immediately backpedaled. “She’s not my girlfriend. A goddess like her would never go for a loser like me. I’m just trying to chase her, but haven’t even gotten close. I was just talking big, Mr. Lynn, just running my mouth.”

Teresa took a deep breath and glanced at Jonathan. She knew she’d lost this round. Without another word, she turned and walked away. Jonathan stood up and left as well. Ramon gave Kevin a stern warning to keep his people in check and not drag him into trouble. Kevin was already thinking about how to deal with Ryan.

Outside the restaurant, Jonathan grabbed Teresa’s wrist. “So I got it all wrong? He was just some creep bothering you?”

Teresa shook off his hand. “I never said he was my boyfriend.”

Jonathan let out a cold laugh, but there was a hint of relief. “But you never said he wasn’t, either.” He couldn’t believe he’d been jealous of a guy like that for days.

“I already told Benny I had nothing to do with that guy. I figured he’d tell you.”

“Benny didn’t say a word to me. What kind of logic is that? You tell him, so you don’t have to tell me?”

Teresa nodded. “He’s my friend. You’re my ex-husband. Why do I owe you an explanation?”

“Just because I’m your ex doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. From now on, anything you tell Benny, you tell me first.”

Teresa bristled. “Says who? I’ll talk to whoever I want. It’s not like you tell me everything, either.”

“What haven’t I told you?”

She shot back, “You and that actress posed for photos, looking all happy together. Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, paused, and thought back. “You mean that spokesperson?”

Teresa snorted. “I don’t care who she is. You looked pretty pleased with yourself. With your status now, it’s not like you couldn’t get a celebrity girlfriend if you wanted.”

Jonathan suddenly broke into a smile.