Chapter 68

Michael thought of something and said, “Can we stay a little longer? I don’t want to leave this place.” Teresa’s heart softened, so she relented, saying they would leave after the weekend.

In the following days, Teresa focused on clearing out some remaining stock in her warehouse, with Sherry lending a hand. Left alone at home, Michael seized the opportunity to sneak out without anyone noticing. Despite Michael’s usual obedience, that moment revealed a mischievous streak—he simply hadn’t felt like moving until then.

“The map says it’s right here…” Michael clutched his phone and took a taxi to Horizonlead Group. With his tiny legs and wide eyes, he wandered curiously around. Distracted, Michael bumped into someone. He turned and apologized, “I’m sorry.”

Hayden had rushed back after seeing the news about Teresa. He was just on his way to find Jonathan when he noticed Michael standing before him. Michael’s face struck Hayden with a peculiar sense of familiarity, a resemblance that tugged at his memory. “Are you looking for something, little one?” he asked.

“I’m looking for Mr. Lime,” Michael said.

“Mr. Lime?” Hayden thought. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and showed Michael a picture of himself with Jonathan. He pointed at Jonathan’s picture and asked, “Is this him? Mr. Lime?”

“Yes, that’s him!” Michael’s face lit up with excitement. “Wow—you’re amazing. Do you know Mr. Lime?”

Hayden chuckled, feeling a surge of pride. “Yes, I’m his grandpa. I’m heading over to see him now. Why don’t I take you along?”

“Yes, please,” Michael agreed happily. Since Hayden had taken out a photo of himself and Jonathan, Michael didn’t even question whether he might be a liar.

The unlikely pair—Hayden and Michael—arrived at Horizonlead Group. Employers passing by couldn’t help but speculate after seeing Hayden carrying Michael. They wondered who Michael was and noted his resemblance to Jonathan.

Jonathan had just returned to his office after finishing a meeting, only to be startled by the sight of Hayden and Michael. Hayden was there because of Teresa. He said, “On my way here, I ran into this little fellow. He said he wanted to see you. Whose child is he?”

“No idea. I’ve only run into him a couple of times by chance,” Jonathan’s sharp gaze fell on Michael. He then motioned for his secretary to bring some milk and snacks for Michael.

Michael shook his head. “I can’t drink milk. I’m allergic to it.”

Jonathan thought, ‘Allergic to milk? Is he lactose intolerant? Ever since childhood, the mere smell of milk made Jonathan want to vomit.’ Hayden had always said that Jonathan’s impressive, almost 6’3” stature was purely thanks to good genes.

“Kid, what brings you here to see me? Where’s your mom?” Jonathan asked. He wondered what kind of mother lets a child, barely three years old, wander out on their own.

Michael shook his head. “I snuck out without telling Mommy because we’re moving away. I wanted to say goodbye to you. So, I followed the address on the map to find you.”

Before Jonathan could respond, Hayden’s heart ached for Michael. “Poor child. Where’s your dad?” he asked.

“I don’t have a daddy… My daddy is old and ugly, so Mommy divorced him,” Michael replied.

“Ah, I see.” Hayden studied Michael’s pretty face and thought, “There’s no way his dad is old and ugly—unless his mom is extraordinarily beautiful.”

Jonathan said, “Being out alone like this will worry your mom. I’ll have the driver take you home.”

Michael lifted his teary eyes. “But you didn’t even say goodbye to me!”

Jonathan felt an inexplicable pang in his chest. “All right, then. Goodbye.”

“You’re just brushing me off,” Michael felt sad.