Chapter 448

Just as he finished speaking, the assistant knocked on the office door. “Mr. Lynn, there’s a Ms. Shelton outside who says she’s your girlfriend. She’s waiting to see you.”

Edward was baffled. ‘Didn’t Jonathan just say his girlfriend was out of town? So why was she here now?’ he thought.

Jonathan let Winnie in. Winnie had expected to find Jonathan alone, but seeing someone else in the room, her smile faltered.

This was Edward’s first time meeting Jonathan’s girlfriend. He thought, ‘She’s not as pretty or as fit as Jonathan’s ex.’

“Jonathan, who’s this?” Winnie noticed Edward appraising her, so she gave him a once-over as well.

“My cousin, Edward,” Jonathan said politely.

Edward raised a hand. “Hey, I’m Edward.”

Winnie nodded, looking a little confused. “How come you’re not the brother I saw at your place last time?”

“That was my other cousin,” Jonathan replied.

“What’s the difference? We’re the only little brothers he’s got,” Edward chuckled, then leaned closer to Jonathan, his voice conspiratorial. “She’s meeting the family already? So, this is serious? Marriage serious?”

Jonathan shot him a look. “Keep your distance.”

“I’m just asking,” Edward shrugged.

Winnie smiled. “Edward, could you give us a minute? I want to talk to Jonathan alone.”

Edward dramatically shivered, rubbing his arms. “I’m not your cousin, you know.”

Winnie’s face stiffened, but Edward was already out the door.

After finishing his work, Jonathan finally sat down across from Winnie. He was dressed in a crisp suit, his features sharp and handsome. Winnie couldn’t help sneaking a few extra glances at him before taking a sip of her coffee.

“Jonathan, since we’re already together, when are you going to sign the deal with Chase Group?”

Jonathan took a sip of coffee and set his cup down. “I’ll think about it for a few more years.”

“A few years? You’ve got to be kidding me,” Winnie blurted out, shocked.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Business is about profit. With the way Chase Group is doing right now, I really need to think it over.”

Winnie bristled. “Chase Group’s been around forever. If Horizonlead Group works with us, you’re the one getting the better deal.”

“Your family’s business is already on the decline. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have rushed back from overseas, right?” Jonathan replied calmly.

A flash of anger flickered in Winnie’s eyes, but she maintained her sweet smile. She stood and walked over to him. “Jonathan, you’re my boyfriend now. Can’t you help my family out? We’re all on the same side, aren’t we?”

Before Winnie could massage his shoulders, Jonathan stood up first. He remembered how, back in Shaville, Teresa used to massage his shoulders—he couldn’t get enough of it then. But with Winnie, he simply wanted to avoid it.

“As for the partnership, I need to consider the board’s opinion. I hope you understand.” He nodded, gestured for her to leave, and called his secretary to show her out.

Winnie stormed out, fuming with resentment.

That night, all the major financial news outlets scrambled to cover the story about Jonathan and Winnie, throwing around words like (business alliance) and (wedding just around the corner).

Teresa was resting in her hotel room in Jade River City when she saw the news. She’d just noticed Jonathan had called her earlier. She thought about calling him back to ask what was going on, but ultimately, she let it go.

“Mom, Mom!” Michael came running over, clutching the remote. “I just saw Mr. Lime on the news! Is Mr. Lime really getting married?”

Teresa shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m not really close to him.”

Michael’s lips quivered. “But on my birthday, he was still all alone.”

“He probably gets tired of being by himself, too. Having a gentle, caring woman to look after him isn’t such a bad thing, is it?” With that, Teresa headed into the bathroom.

Michael felt absolutely miserable. He sat alone on the sofa, wiping away his tears. This news hurt even more than a breakup—though, honestly, he didn’t even know what a breakup felt like.

But on TV, whenever men and women broke up, they always cried. So maybe this was what heartbreak felt like. And then, thinking that Mr. Lime might have kids soon, Michael felt even worse, quietly dabbing at his eyes.

Teresa scanned the empty restroom for Michael before splashing water on her face. Her reflection showed slightly reddened eyes, though her bare face looked healthier than days ago. She dried off, the towel wiping away both water and lingering stress.

[Horizonlead Group. Arranged marriage. Wedding approaching.] The words echoed in her mind. Teresa remembered someone once saying love only had two paths—marriage or death. With the first path closed, her love had already flatlined.

Winnie was in Nareigh when she got Jonathan’s call, pretending not to know a thing. “What news? I have no idea. Who leaked it?”

Jonathan’s voice was icy. “I thought I’d made myself clear, Ms. Shelton. You left yourself a backup plan. You say you’re sincere, but being with me is all about your family’s business interests.”

Winnie let out a derisive snort. “Let’s be honest, Mr. Lynn—without your money and power, why would a pampered princess like me settle for a divorced man?” She twirled her hair, feigning innocence. “Oh sure, you’re handsome. But looks don’t pay the bills, do they?”

Jonathan replied indifferently, “And then?”

Winnie bristled at his icy demeanor. “The press release is already out!” she snapped. “Is partnering with Chase Group really so difficult? This just requires your approval—don’t pretend the board has final say when we both know you pull the strings.”

Back when she was in Shaville, Winnie just wanted to help her family. She’d even thought about begging Jonathan to work with their company.

She’d purposely knocked over a glass of red wine, spilling it on his clothes, then chased after him, acting all sweet and delicate. She was gorgeous, so she didn’t believe Jonathan wouldn’t fall for her.

But he really didn’t care. It wasn’t until Winnie saw his ex-wife, Teresa, that she had to admit Teresa was even more beautiful. No wonder Jonathan had such high standards; his ex was a real knockout.

So, she set her sights on Jonathan’s mother, Irene. Irene liked girls like her. With a few sweet words and some gifts, Winnie easily won her over.

But she never expected that when she went to the Lynn family’s house for dinner, everyone there gave her the cold shoulder—especially his grandpa, who even said Jonathan’s taste had really gone downhill.

Winnie couldn’t swallow her pride. ‘How dare that divorced man’s family talk down to me! If only Jonathan had just finalized the Chase Group partnership already, I’d tolerate this humiliation for the company’s sake,’ she thought.

But then he said she’d have to wait a few years. That was the last straw.