Chapter 445

“Why should I be worried? Everything’s been going exactly the way I hoped,” Jennifer said. “I married Donald. Teresa’s ex already moved on. At least we sisters can watch out for each other in Mareigh. The only wildcard is this baby.”

As Teresa walked past Jennifer, she said, “You better hold on tight to that department head title. It’s a long, hard fall from the top.”

Jennifer stared at Teresa’s back and retorted, “Why are you being so sarcastic? Is it because your ex already moved on, and you’re not okay with it?”

“If you’re upset, go find a guy yourself. I tried to set you up with Sanford, but you didn’t want him. So how is that my fault? Why is it only men who get to move on? You should too—just let it go already.”

Teresa hadn’t planned to keep arguing, but Jennifer was really pushing her buttons. Teresa spun around and said, “Oh, I’d love to. Go ahead, find me someone richer and more powerful than my…”

Jennifer let out a cold laugh. “Your ex just looks successful on the outside. For all you know, he’s drowning in debt. Most of those so-called big shots are just paper tigers—tough on the outside, hollow inside.”

“Then what are you?” Teresa fired back. “Jonathan got you your job, paid for your wedding, and owns mansions in three cities. Why trash him? Jealous he’s doing better than your husband?”

Jennifer’s face darkened. “I’m not as shallow or materialistic as you.”

“And how exactly am I shallow and materialistic?”

“I have noticed that bracelet on your wrist. That thing’s worth at least several thousand dollars. You should give it back before he uses it against you someday.”

Teresa suddenly laughed, then flashed a smile at Jennifer. “I’m not giving it back.”

“You—” Jennifer was so furious her face turned green.

After wrapping up things at his firm, Benny still made time to come over and look for Teresa. Last time, after Cheryl gave him a quick kiss and handed him that cactus toy, Benny went home and fiddled with it. But the more he thought about it, the more something felt off. If Teresa really had a kid, the timeline wouldn’t add up. She couldn’t have been pregnant when he thought she was. But he was sure he’d heard a baby crying that day. ‘Was I just imagining things?’ he thought.

Benny decided to pull a surprise visit, showing up even earlier this time—before seven in the morning. From what he knew about Teresa, there was no way she’d be up at this hour. If she was hiding a kid at home, she’d definitely be there, and there’d be no time to cover it up.

He knocked on her door for ages, but finally had to accept that no one was home. Frowning, he was just about to call Teresa to ask where she was when he heard footsteps coming up behind him.

Miriam spotted Benny and looked surprised. “Benny, what are you doing here? Looking for Teresa?”

“Yeah, where is she? I need to talk to her about something.”

“Teresa’s out of town for work. I just came by to grab her car keys from under the doormat. She’s letting me borrow her Porsche for a few days since mine’s in the shop.” Miriam grabbed the keys, and Benny followed her downstairs.

Benny didn’t say anything. He honestly didn’t care about whatever was going on between Donald and Jennifer; it wasn’t his business.

“She really went on a business trip? Isn’t her sister getting married soon? She’s not going to the wedding?”

“The wedding’s not for another two weeks. She can’t just sit at home waiting, right? Besides, you know how Jennifer is. She’s a handful.”

“Miriam, let me ask you something. Be straight with me, okay? I swear on my honor, I won’t tell Jonathan.”

“What now? If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out.”

“It’s about the kid,” Benny said bluntly. “Just tell me—did Teresa secretly have a baby?”

“Huh?” Miriam blinked. “What are you even thinking? No way.”

“Then, the kid Mike, is he Teresa’s or not?”

“Nope,” Miriam replied without even a second’s hesitation.

Benny nodded. “Alright, so that means it’s my second guess. Teresa just had a baby, and the kid’s still a newborn. Is she out somewhere nursing right now?”

Miriam was so annoyed that she swung her bag at Benny. “Say one more word and I’ll clobber you for my bestie!”

She wasn’t afraid to hit him because she was absolutely sure Teresa hadn’t just had a baby. Teresa was out of town with Michael, and Miriam knew that for a fact.

Benny rubbed his head. “I don’t know, I just have this gut feeling that something’s off.”

Miriam jabbed a finger at Benny. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. You’re so bored that you’re inventing drama. Focus on your own damn life, you lonely bachelor. Go get a wife like Jonathan did instead of meddling in other people’s business!”

Benny was stunned for a second. “Jonathan’s getting remarried?”

Miriam snorted. “He’s got a new girlfriend, or so I’ve heard. Probably won’t be long before he ties the knot again.”

Benny couldn’t believe it. “Who told you that? No way. He’s never gotten over Teresa.”

Miriam shrugged. “Eddie told me that. His mom is Jonathan’s mom’s sister, so I doubt he’d make it up.”

Benny’s attention was completely diverted. He hurried off to his car and drove away in a rush.

Once Benny was gone, Miriam let out a sigh of relief, then got in her own car and left. As she drove off, she texted Teresa to let her know Benny had tried to pull a surprise visit first thing in the morning.

Teresa and Michael had just gotten off the plane in Jade River City when a cool breeze swept by. Teresa pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “Got it, Miriam. Thanks,” she said.

“It’s nothing. Just enjoy your time away. I’ll try not to bother you unless it’s important,” Miriam replied.

“Alright, Michael and I are heading to the hotel we booked. I’ll hang up now,” Teresa said.

Teresa put away her phone and took Michael’s small hand. He shivered and sneezed from the chill, but luckily Teresa had brought a jacket for him and quickly helped him put it on.

Michael had been complaining that it was way too hot back in Nareigh. He said he’d melt at home if they didn’t turn on the AC, and he really wanted to find somewhere cool, preferably with mountains and water.

Teresa thought about how Michael would be starting kindergarten in September. She hadn’t really taken him out to have fun this summer, and his birthday had been so simple—just the two of them, no guests. Teresa always felt guilty about it. She’d even promised to take him to the theme park, but it was just too hot. If they went now, they’d probably get heatstroke.

Since the little one wanted to escape the heat, Teresa decided to indulge him. ‘Besides, we could both use a vacation,’ she thought, recalling how long it had been since their last trip.

Teresa was about to turn off her phone, pressing and holding the power button—just in time to miss a call from Jonathan.