Chapter 446

“The number you have dialed is currently switched off.”

Jonathan pressed his lips into a thin line and set his phone aside without expression. A knock interrupted the silence. “Mr. Lynn,” his subordinate entered, contract in hand. “The Horizonlead Plaza development project—should we proceed as planned?”

Lynn signed the contract, writing his name with a swift stroke. Afterward, he glanced at his phone. He’d wanted to let her know he had a project starting near her place at Rosary Estates, but since she wasn’t answering, he let it go.

Teresa had no idea things had almost blown up back home. She and Michael were having a wonderful time in Jade River City, enjoying the cool weather and the beautiful old town. At every scenic spot, Teresa snapped photos of Michael, capturing all his happy moments.

Michael, dressed in a crisp white shirt, black shorts, and a cute plaid tie, was running across the grass at Flowers Park. Teresa called after him, “Slow down!”

Michael turned around and saw Teresa sitting on the steps, holding her stomach. He hurried back. “Mom, are you okay? Does your tummy hurt?”

“Just a cramp, I’m fine,” Teresa reassured, ruffling Michael’s damp hair with a tender smile. She dabbed his flushed face with her handkerchief. “Look at you—a sweaty little pup! Didn’t I tell you not to sprint like that?”

Michael looked worried. “Mom, wait here for me, okay? I’ll go ask for a cup of water.” With that, he dashed off again.

A moment later, he came back, carefully holding a cup of warm water in both hands and handed it to Teresa. Teresa took a sip. “Mom, do you feel better now?”

“Much better, thank you,” Teresa said, kissing Michael on the cheek. “Go have fun, but don’t fall, and don’t let me lose sight of you. I’m getting old. I can’t run after you anymore.”

“Hmph! I won’t let you say that. You’re not old at all. You’re just as pretty as you were when you were young!”

Teresa, not even thirty yet, couldn’t help but laugh at Michael’s innocent words. She straightened his little tie, patted his shoulder, and sent him off to play.

“I’m going to play with the alpacas! Mom, hurry up and come too!”

“Alright.” Teresa stood up and walked ahead. The sunlight was warm on her back. In this rare moment with just her and her child, she felt truly relaxed and let out a genuine smile.

At the same time in Nareigh, Jonathan finally learned from Benny that Teresa was on a business trip. No wonder he couldn’t get through to her.

He rubbed his aching temples. Just a couple of days ago, she’d sent him another 150 thousand. He wondered if she had enough left for herself, where she had gone, if it was hot there, and whether she had gone alone.

He dropped his hand, forcing himself not to worry or think about her anymore.

“Come on, Jonathan, don’t just sit there in silence. Do you really have a girlfriend or not?”

“More or less.”

“I don’t buy it,” Benny said, disbelieving.

Jonathan replied coolly, “You can believe it for now.”

Benny was left confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Just then, Jonathan’s phone started buzzing. He said to Benny, “I’ve got a few more meetings. I won’t keep you—go do your thing.”

“Hey, wait! You still haven’t answered me. Is this girlfriend even real? Do I know her? And what do you mean, ‘believe it for now’!” But Jonathan was already out of the office.

It was Monday, and downstairs, Edward officially started his first day at Horizonlead Group. Thanks to Jonathan, even though Edward was just a regular guy from a third-rate college, he got to join the sales department right away.