Chapter 413

As she spoke, Teresa pulled a bank card from her wallet and placed it on the table next to Cheryl. “There’s $220,000 on this card.” Jennifer froze, suddenly realizing what Teresa was doing, and shot her a sharp look. But Teresa didn’t look at Jennifer. She turned to Cheryl and continued, “Raising a kid costs a lot. Just think of this as a gift for the baby.”

Cheryl’s eyes lit up. “Teresa, I can’t take that much money. If my brother finds out, he’ll totally flip.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone about this,” Teresa said. That was exactly what Cheryl wanted to hear. She quickly took the card. “Then thank you from both me and the baby! Oh, I’m thinking of naming her Serena Lynn. What do you guys think?”

“Serena’s a lovely name,” Teresa said, giving the baby one last look. “Serena, Aunt Teresa is heading out now.”

“I’ve got something to take care of, so I’ll leave you here with Jennifer,” Teresa said to Cheryl.

“Teresa!” Jennifer hurried to catch up with her. “What’s the deal with that card you gave Cheryl?”

“I tried to pay Cathy back for the house you bought, but she wouldn’t take the money, and she sent it back. So I gave it to Cheryl instead. Makes sense, right?” Teresa said.

She continued, “Now that Cheryl and the baby are safe, I can finally relax. I’m just the so-called sister-in-law here, so I’m done meddling in your business. As for the baby you’re carrying, I really think you should reconsider whether you want to keep it. I’m not going through this with you. Whatever happens, you’ll have to deal with it yourself.”

Jennifer grabbed her arm. “Don’t leave me here. Let’s go together.”

But Teresa yanked Jennifer’s arm away. “Get a cab yourself. We’re not headed the same way.”

Hearing that, Jennifer let her go.

It was already very late by the time Teresa got home. Michael was fast asleep on the couch. When Teresa tried to carry him to his room, the little guy woke up.

“Mom, why are you back so late? Aunt Isabel was hungry, so I made her some milk,” he mumbled.

Teresa asked Michael, “What about you? What did you eat?”

“I ordered takeout. Mom, did you eat?” Michael looked up at her.

“I did. I’m sorry, sweetheart, I promise I’ll spend more time with you from now on. I really mean it,” Teresa said with guilt in her voice.

“Well, you always say that,” Michael pouted.

“This time I really mean it.” Teresa pressed her forehead to Michael’s. “My little muffin, your birthday’s coming up. How about we invite Miriam and take you to Eleneburg to celebrate?”

“Teresa, where are you guys going? I want to go, too!” Isabel had woken up and was hugging Teresa’s leg. When Teresa didn’t answer, Isabel pouted. “Michael, bro. Tell Teresa to take me with you!”

That snapped Teresa back. “He’s your nephew. You can’t call him ‘bro’; that messes up the family tree,” she corrected.

Michael chimed in, “Mom, Aunt Isabel can call my dad ‘bro,’ right?”

Teresa nodded, thinking, ‘That’s my boy. So smart.’

Isabel tilted her head. “Where’s Michael’s dad? I’ve never seen him.”

Michael spread his hands. “My dad doesn’t want me anymore.”

Teresa froze for a second and then quietly asked Michael, “Why do you think that?”

“Michael, didn’t I tell you? Your dad is old and ugly. It was I who didn’t want him,” Teresa explained.

Michael shook his head. “Mom, isn’t it really that Dad doesn’t want us? Otherwise, he would’ve come to see me at least once, right?”

“No, sweetheart, really. It was I who left him. Your dad never stopped wanting you,” Teresa said, word by word.

Michael wrinkled his little nose. “Mom, then where is Dad? Can I see him on my birthday? Just once, please? You’re the best, Mom.”