Chapter 432

Jennifer and Donald had gotten engaged at the start of the month, with both families’ elders present. Teresa attended the ceremony; she even joined Jonathan and his grandfather for a family photo, which remained at home. Teresa rubbed her aching temples. She and Jonathan had agreed he would return tomorrow. Michael’s birthday was the day after tomorrow, and Teresa had promised Michael that Jonathan would be there to celebrate—she couldn’t bear to see Michael disappointed.

That afternoon, Donald unexpectedly arrived to see Teresa just as she was leaving work. He produced a bank card and handed it to her. "There's 400 thousand dollars on here." Teresa looked at him, confused.

Donald explained, "Jennifer only told me today that her mother owes a lot of money. Jennifer wanted to sell the place at Newuze Garden. Turns out, someone in my department was looking to buy there, so I sold it to him. This is the money from the sale."

"I can't take this," Teresa said. "That money was supposed to be from your parents so you could buy yourself a car. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be driving that A7. You could've at least gotten an A8, or even a Range Rover."

"My car's fine. Jennifer and I are family now; her problems are my problems. There's no way I could just stand by and do nothing. She acts like she doesn’t care about her mom, but honestly, she cares more than anyone."

But Teresa was unconvinced. "She's not exactly soft-hearted," she said, thinking of how Jennifer wanted to get rid of Donald's child without even discussing it. At this point, Teresa honestly didn't know if Jennifer had already gone through with the abortion. She looked at Donald with more sympathy—what if Jennifer had already done it?

Donald noticed her unease and looked puzzled. "Teresa, what's wrong? Do I have something on my face?"

Teresa retorted, "Do you really love her?"

Donald offered a helpless smile. "Jennifer's asked me that, too. She's always worried I'll leave her. I know she's really sensitive. Her family background left her with a lot of insecurity."

Teresa replied, "Honestly, she seems pretty secure to me. If anything, she's the one making everyone else feel on edge."

Donald frowned. "Teresa, do you have some kind of issue with Jennifer?" He could hear the bite in her words.

Hearing this, Teresa decided against further comment. For one, it was between her and Jennifer. For another, even if she explained, Donald would likely dismiss her concerns as petty or troublemaking. It wasn't worth the effort.

She changed the subject. "So, when are you two getting your marriage license? And the wedding?"

Donald answered, "We're planning to register on August 4th."

Teresa frowned. "If you really want to be with her, why not just get your marriage license today? Why wait?"

Donald grinned. "She likes that date. What's up, Teresa? Got something you can't say? Don't worry; I won't tell Jennifer."

Even then, Teresa remained unconvinced. "I really can't take this money. Take it back, please. You and Jennifer don't need to worry about it."

"No way. Jennifer insisted I bring it. If you don't take it, she'll totally chew me out when I get home."

"Then why not give it to Cheryl?" Teresa said helplessly. "I haven't seen her in ages. I wonder if she's doing okay."

Teresa left it at that, but Donald simply smiled, unfazed. "Cheryl hasn't been back to Nareigh in a long time, but she said she'll be home this weekend."

Teresa froze. Cheryl is actually coming back? She really dares to show up? Is she coming alone, or bringing Serena with her? Teresa didn't want to ask. She'd already given Cheryl money before. "Just take the card back, Donald. I'll talk to Jennifer myself, so you don't have to get stuck in the middle."

"You have to take it, Teresa. I'm out." Donald placed the card on the table and left without another word. Teresa was left speechless, feeling even more conflicted.

As night fell, a Porsche slowly pulled up to the Lynn residence. Teresa had spent a long time at the office contemplating. She didn't want to ruin Donald and Jennifer's wedding, but she also hoped Michael could celebrate his birthday with Jonathan, and that Jonathan could spend more time with him. The only solution, she realized, was through Irene. If Irene could accept Michael first, then she wouldn't take her anger out on Jennifer and Donald. That way, Jennifer and Donald could get their marriage license and have their wedding without trouble.

This was the first time Teresa had ever taken the initiative to see Irene. She sat in the car, taking deep breaths to steady herself, her slender fingers trembling. She was about to get out and retrieve the gift she'd prepared for Irene from the trunk when another Porsche—same model, different color—pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and a dainty woman helped Irene out, her smile radiant. Teresa narrowed her eyes. This woman looked familiar.

The woman had already spotted Teresa, and Irene was staring too, her face darkening, a chill settling in her gaze. Teresa got out of the car and approached Irene. "Mrs. Lynn," she greeted.

Irene looked surprised. "You came to see me?"

"I actually—" Teresa began.

"Hello, Ms. Johnston!" the woman interrupted, her eyes full of envy as she took in Teresa's glowing skin and sparkling eyes. She hated the truth that Jonathan couldn't get Teresa out of his head. "Hi, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Winnie. My brother is Chase. You might know him. In Shaville, I saw Mr. Lynn with you."

That's when Teresa remembered why Winnie looked so familiar. Winnie was the one who had followed Jonathan's car and mistaken her for Jonathan's girlfriend.

Irene looked at Winnie, puzzled. "Winnie, what are you saying? Did Jonathan really take her to Shaville?"

Teresa admitted, "Yes, I did go to Shaville with Jonathan."

Irene's expression soured dramatically. Turning to Winnie, she said, "Winnie, you should leave. I have a few words to say to my shameless ex-daughter-in-law in private."

As soon as Winnie left, Irene's face turned stormy. She gritted her teeth and confronted Teresa. "Why are you still hanging around my son? Can't you live without him, or are you just after his money? Trying to get back together so you can get your hands on the family fortune?"

"I owe Jonathan money. I only went to Shaville for business because I wanted to pay him back as soon as possible," Teresa explained.

"Haven't you already taken enough from him?" Irene's chest heaved as she glared at Teresa. Looking at Teresa's face brought back memories of her own past—how a rich girl almost ruined her happiness. That woman was still hiding out in Shaville, too scared to return to Nareigh.