Chapter 418

Chase hurried out after finishing his speech. Teresa looked at Sanford, who was already sitting with a faint smile on his lips, and frowned. “Horizonlead Group? Why didn’t you tell me Jonathan would be here?”

Sanford took a sip of coffee and grabbed her wrist. “I just found out myself. Come on, sit down.”

Teresa pressed him. “What are you up to? You knew he was my ex-husband. Do you have any idea how awkward this is for me?”

Sanford spread his hands helplessly. “Hey, my friend set this up. It’s not like I can just kick people out, right?” But now, it was too late for Teresa to leave—Jonathan was approaching.

Teresa glanced down at her phone and realized Jonathan had actually messaged her half an hour ago: [I’m heading back to Nareigh today], along with his flight information. But at that time, she was in Sanford’s car and never saw it. She looked up and saw Jonathan, wearing a black jacket, standing just a few steps away. Teresa could see a flicker of confusion in Jonathan’s eyes. She pressed her lips together, thinking her best bet was to get out of there as soon as possible. But Sanford caught her arm again, refusing to let her go. “We haven’t even eaten yet. You promised you’d stay and finish dinner with me.”

Jonathan stared at Sanford’s hand, a storm brewing in his eyes.

“Mr. Lynn, please, have a seat,” Chase said quickly. “Let me introduce you—this is my friend. His mother was once the heiress of the legendary Onlyora Group in Nareigh.”

About 30 years ago, Onlyora Group was a fashion powerhouse, with stores all over the country. But for some reason, it faded from the spotlight in recent years. People only heard that the lady boss of Onlyora had retired to Shaville to enjoy her later years.

Sanford straightened his clothes and stood up, formally introducing himself for the first time in front of Jonathan. “I’m Sanford Thomas, my mom Liora’s son.” Teresa couldn’t help but find his introduction a little funny—it was the first time she’d heard anyone introduce themselves like that.

“Jonathan Lynn,” Jonathan said, walking over and looking toward Teresa. “What are you doing here?”

Before Teresa could answer, Chase asked, puzzled, “Mr. Lynn, do you know this lady?”

Jonathan fixed his gaze on Teresa, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “She’s my ex-wife.”

Chase was stunned, stammering, “I—I’ve been overseas for years. I really didn’t know this was your…” He shot Sanford a look, demanding to know what was going on.

Sanford pulled Teresa into his arms protectively. “Teresa’s my girlfriend now.” As he spoke, he pulled up his phone and showed Jonathan the record of Teresa sending him money. “Did she ever send you money like this? Oh, you’re loaded—no way you need a woman to send you cash, right?”

Teresa felt like she had to explain herself right then. But Jonathan spoke first, his tone cool and calm. “I need to take her to the hospital for a checkup. There’s a good chance she’s pregnant—with my child.”

Chase and the others, who’d been too scared to speak, all sucked in a sharp breath.

Just as Teresa was about to stand up, Sanford suddenly slammed his hand on the table and said, “No way Teresa would have a baby with him! She already gave me a daughter.” The bystanders gasped, looking quite stunned. Jonathan’s gaze was sharp and probing, locked right on Teresa.

Teresa couldn’t hold back anymore. She impatiently shook off Sanford’s arm. “Are you insane? Since when did I have your kid?”

Sanford finally let out a breath and tried to comfort Teresa. “I’m just pissed off. Scum like him—abandoning his wife and kid, never taking responsibility.” Then he turned to Jonathan. “From now on, your wife and your kid are mine. Feeling angry now, huh? That’s what you Lynns deserve.”

Jonathan waited for Sanford to finish, then asked Teresa. “How come I never knew I had a daughter? You had a daughter with me?”

“He’s just making stuff up,” Teresa said before turning to Sanford. “Are you out of your mind? What nonsense are you spouting?”

Sanford looked at Teresa. “I’m just standing up for you. You said you’d marry me, and I’ll treat your kid like my own.”

“Can you just shut up? What kid? When did I say I’d marry you?” Teresa snapped.

“You said you’d think about it. You even sent me money,” Sanford insisted.

“I never said that.” Teresa glared at him.

Jonathan’s face darkened as the two chatted “intimately.” He said to Chase, “I’ve got things to do. I’m not sticking around for this meal,” and turned to leave.

Chase hurried after him. “Mr. Lynn, please let me explain. My friend was out of line—” But in the end, Chase could only come back looking defeated and said to Sanford, “Jonathan looked really pissed.”

Teresa glared at Sanford. “So this was your plan? You wanted to use me just to get under Jonathan’s skin? Unbelievable. You can just go back to Shaville since you’re not from here, but I actually have to live in Nareigh.” With that, she stormed off.

Sanford took a deep breath, sipped his coffee, and tried to steady himself. Chase looked at him and asked, “What’s up? Why did things get so heated between you and Jonathan? What’s this whole pregnancy and kid story?”

Sanford waved it off. “Just forget what I said. I was just talking nonsense.”

“Nonsense? Sanford, I thought we were friends, but you must be out of your mind. That’s the chairman of Horizonlead Group! Do you know how hard it was for me to get him here? How are you going to make this up to me?” Chase snapped. “Whatever you want for compensation, I’ll pay. I’ll just leave it at that. I’m heading out—I’m really not in the mood today.” Sanford grabbed his coat and left.

Jonathan was just about to leave the parking lot when Teresa came running after him. The hard lines of his face softened slightly—he clearly had expected her to chase him down. He popped open the passenger door. “Get in.”

Teresa got in and quickly explained, “I’m innocent. I barely know Sanford, and I had no idea he’d say all that tonight. Don’t think I’d ever get mixed up with someone like him.”

“Okay, I’ve got two questions,” Jonathan said. “First, why did you transfer money to Sanford?”

Teresa paused. “That’s between me and him. I don’t have to tell you.”

A private matter, huh? Jonathan’s face darkened. “Now, my second question: he claims he abandoned my wife and daughter. Did you have my child… my daughter?”

Teresa replied flatly, “How could I possibly have your child?”

“Oh really? Look me in the eye and say that,” Jonathan challenged.

Teresa stared straight into his eyes and said honestly, “How could I have your daughter?”

Jonathan still looked doubtful. “Then what did he mean?”