Chapter 463

Teresa shouted, “You’re not getting away today!” She burst out of the bar, jumped in her car, slammed on the gas, and sped after Charlie. While driving, Teresa called 911 to report a drunk driver and a prostitute, providing the police with Charlie’s address and license plate number. After hanging up, she continued to tail Charlie’s car, which was weaving all over the road. Suddenly, Teresa heard a loud bang and the screech of brakes up ahead.

When Teresa pulled up, she saw Charlie’s car had hit an old lady by the roadside; the engine had stalled. Just as Teresa thought Charlie was about to get out, he swerved around the old woman and sped off. Unable to chase him further, Teresa pulled over, got out, and saw a pool of blood on the ground. Her hands shaking, she quickly called 911 for an ambulance. She called out to the old lady, but there was no response; the woman was already unconscious. Teresa knelt by the curb, her hands stained with blood. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand. She looked up in surprise and saw it was Sanford.

Sanford asked, “Are you okay?”

Teresa shook her head and pulled her hand back. “There was a hit-and-run. I already called 911. The ambulance should be here soon.”

When the ambulance arrived, Teresa and Sanford both got in with the old lady. At the hospital, the old lady was rushed into emergency care. Her family arrived and, without asking questions, immediately began accusing Teresa and Sanford. A man demanded, “Did you two hit my mom?”

Sanford replied, “Don’t talk nonsense. The driver who hit her ran off. We’re just witnesses, especially her. She called 911 and got your mom to the hospital right away.”

Hearing this, the family finally stopped and hurried off to find a doctor. Teresa rubbed her aching temples and sat down. Sanford poured her a cup of hot water.

“Thanks,” Teresa said. “Why are you here?”

Sanford explained, “I was driving from Shaville to Nareigh, happened to spot your car, saw you chasing someone, so I followed you. Would you believe that?”

“Why not?” Teresa replied. “Just a coincidence.”

Sanford grinned. “Aren’t you even a little suspicious I’m secretly in love with you and following you around?”

Teresa let out a cold laugh. “If you were stalking me, I doubt you’d be chatting with me so calmly right now.”

Sanford looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Teresa didn’t answer, changing the subject. “That hit-and-run driver is my mom’s ex-husband. He scammed my mom out of all her money and savings. My mom said he ran off abroad with his mistress. I never thought he’d have the guts to come back to Nareigh.”

As soon as she finished, Teresa got a call from the police, saying they had caught Charlie. He’d tried to make a run for it on the highway, but he was so drunk that the smell alone gave him away. The police stopped him right at the tollbooth—no breathalyzer needed. They needed Teresa to come in and give a statement. Sanford went with her to the police station.

Charlie was detained, along with the woman he was caught with in the bar restroom.

“He also scammed my mom out of all her savings,” Teresa stated.

The officer glanced at Teresa. “What’s your relationship? Father and daughter?”

“No, he’s my mom’s husband from her second marriage. We’re not related by blood. He took all my mom’s money,” Teresa clarified.

The officer didn’t question it; after all, Charlie looked nothing like Teresa.

“I called my mom on my way here. She’s on her way,” Teresa added.

“Alright, you and your family can come back tomorrow morning. For now, go home and get some rest,” the officer said.

Sanford grinned, putting his arm around Teresa. “Thanks, sir. I’ll take my wife home now.”

“Who are you calling your wife?” Teresa snapped, shaking off Sanford’s hand, clearly annoyed.

“Don’t be shy. You’ll be my wife soon enough,” Sanford teased, reaching for Teresa again.

Just then, Jonathan appeared at the door and saw the scene. He narrowed his eyes at Sanford, his gaze cold as he looked at the arm around Teresa. He immediately walked over and asked, “Are you alright? What happened?” Jonathan started to reach for Teresa’s shoulder, but Sanford immediately pushed his hand away.

Teresa turned to Jonathan. “Why are you here?”

Jonathan explained, “Your mom called me and asked me to help her find a top lawyer. That’s when I found out you were here at the station giving a statement.”

For a moment, Teresa didn’t know what to say.

“I’ve already taken care of Teresa. I was with her all night, so you can step aside now,” Sanford said.

Jonathan didn’t respond to Sanford’s provocation. He kept his eyes locked on Teresa. “I’ll take you home,” he said.

“No need, I can go back myself. Aren’t you supposed to be getting married?” Teresa replied, her tone distant.

“I’m not getting married,” Jonathan said, his voice full of sorrow and a hint of anger.

“It’s getting late. You should head home,” Teresa said, walking out without looking back. Sanford caught up to her, shooting Jonathan a challenging look before leaving.

Early the next morning, Evelyn rushed over and dropped Isabel off at Teresa’s place. Teresa could barely handle Michael, let alone take care of Isabel too, so she wanted to refuse.

“Just find anyone to watch her. She can’t be left alone. I have to get to the police station,” Evelyn said, hurrying out for the first time without worrying about Isabel.

As soon as the door closed, Isabel started crying, scared and lost. Michael, always the little grown-up, comforted Isabel. Then he turned to Teresa and said, “Mom, I’ll take care of Isabel. You can count on me.”

Teresa sighed. “I’ll call Miriam and ask her to come help. I ordered some food for you; it’ll be delivered soon.”

Michael nodded. “Mom, did something happen? Why did Grandma go to the police station?”

Teresa crouched down and held Michael’s hand. “Because last night, I caught a bad guy and handed him over to the police. Your grandma went to scold the bad guy.”

Michael immediately hugged her neck, worried. “You didn’t get hurt, did you? I don’t want you to get hurt catching bad guys.”

Teresa assured him she was fine. Isabel, still crying, clung to Teresa’s hand. “Teresa, I want Mommy.”

“She’ll be back soon,” Teresa comforted Isabel, omitting the fact that Isabel’s dad was at the police station. She thought there was no need, and the child wouldn’t understand anyway.

Once Miriam arrived, Teresa finally headed to the police station. As soon as Teresa walked in, she spotted Jonathan sitting in a chair with his eyes closed, resting.