Chapter 33

Teresa shook her head gently. “He’s got a heat rash. Miriam wanted to make sure he’s fully covered,” she explained. Guiding Michael with a light touch on his hand, Teresa encouraged him. “Michael, wave hello to Mr. Lawrence.”

Michael, taking his cue from Teresa, looked up and greeted Edward with a shy, “Hi, Mr. Lawrence.”

Edward chuckled and waved a hand casually. “You can just call me Edward, little man.”

Michael responded with a well-mannered, “Hi, Edward.”

Teresa’s frown deepened, her posture hinting that she was about to step in and end the interaction. Miriam’s call interrupted the moment. “Teresa!” She rushed over, having come to look for them after waiting for what felt like too long.

Edward found himself in the spotlight as Miriam’s eyes lit up upon seeing him. “Eddie! What are you doing here? Are you just visiting Jarisburg?”

With a casual shrug, Edward replied, “Nah, I’m just tagging along with my cousin. He’s here for work, and I’m along for the fun.” Teresa cast a reproachful glance at Miriam, silently expressing her discontent with the possibility of encountering Jonathan in the city. Miriam responded with a helpless shrug, just as surprised by the news.

Given Jonathan’s high-profile position and frequent business trips, it wasn’t surprising to find him in a bustling city like Jarisburg. Miriam found it quite a coincidence that Jonathan and Teresa both ended up in the city at the same time, but was glad he didn’t take the train, which could have led to an awkward situation.

Miriam changed the subject to their current predicament. “We’re hotel hunting with no luck. It’s a zoo out there—all the hotels are completely full.”

Edward offered a solution. “What about staying at Jonathan’s place? It’s a nice courtyard house. I can call and see if it’s an option.” Teresa dismissed the offer with a firm shake of her head. “Don’t bother. Miriam and I will find a hotel.”

It was a rare opportunity for her to travel with Michael, and the chance of bumping into his father in this particular city out of so many across the country was an extraordinary coincidence.

Edward, casting a glance at the bundled-up child, pointed out, “If you don’t stay there, her nephew could be sleeping on the sidewalk tonight.”

“Nephew?” Miriam’s brow lifted, intrigued.

Teresa smoothly clarified, “Right, Miriam’s nephew is only two. We can’t leave him without a place to stay.”

Miriam caught on to Teresa’s quick thinking and silently approved, impressed with Teresa’s wit in passing Michael off as her nephew.

With a chuckle, Miriam threw out an idea. “Then let’s bunk at Jonathan’s. He must have dropped a bundle on a sweet courtyard house.” Edward couldn’t help but boast, “You mean 500 million. He sounded like he was the one who’d written the check.”

Teresa let out a whistle. “That’s no small sum. Let’s head there, then.”

Teresa felt a little out of sorts, but she decided to just go along with it.

On the cab ride to downtown, Teresa grew quiet, leaving Edward to direct the driver. Checking his phone, he announced they’d arrived at their destination.

Stepping out, Edward quickly spoke with the housekeeper of the courtyard house, showing his driver’s license. After a brief conversation, the housekeeper ushered them in and guided them through the property.

Miriam entered the expansive estate, her eyes widening in amazement. “This is incredible!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with wonder. “It’s enormous!”

The sprawling estate featured grand wings extending east and west, each graced with hot springs and ponds alive with vibrant fish, a testament to opulence. Further in, a sumptuous living room, a modern kitchen, and an expansive dining area beckoned for their enjoyment.

Teresa, her hand firmly around Michael’s, felt a swell of admiration. Jonathan had truly made it to the top; he was a success. Miriam, still grinning, turned to Edward and guessed, “This place must be enormous, right? It’s got to be over 1,300 square yards.” Edward, as they entered the second courtyard, admitted, “Not sure exactly. This is my first time here too.” Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket.

He took it out to see “Jonathan” flashing on the screen. Teresa gently pulled Edward’s arm, signaling for him to keep her presence discreet.

When Edward answered the phone with a casual, “Hey, Jonathan,” Teresa seized the moment. She quietly took Michael’s hand and guided them to a quieter spot, steering clear of Edward’s ongoing conversation.

Edward spoke into the phone, nodding. “The housekeeper must’ve given you a heads-up. Yeah, I’m at your new courtyard house.” His expression shifted, becoming somber as he listened to what Jonathan was saying on the other end.

With a sigh, Edward acknowledged, “Yeah, I understand,” his tone tinged with disappointment, his lower lip protruding just a bit. As soon as the call ended, Teresa quickly inquired, “So, what’s the scoop? What did he tell you?”