Chapter 682

Irene gave Jonathan’s arm a playful swat and said, “Where are you off to now? You’re off work, aren’t you? If you’re free, go see Yalena.”

Jonathan shook off Irene’s hand and said, “I have no interest in Yalena. Haven’t you learned your lesson from last time? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t meddle in my affairs anymore? I’m old enough to make my own decisions.”

Irene scoffed, “You do know how old you are, don’t you? I almost thought you’d forgotten. If Yalena isn’t your type, then who is? And don’t even mention that woman–I refuse to utter her name. It’s been years, and you still won’t remarry. Is this how you repay me? Or your grandfather, who’s been longing to hold a great-grandchild?”

Jonathan was utterly disgusted by such talk. He retorted, “I don’t need to answer to anyone. I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Irene sighed and said, “Fine then, just go have a baby through IVF.”

Irene’s words stopped Jonathan dead in his tracks.

Irene let out a sigh, her tone softening as she tried a different approach. She said, “Jonathan, what wealthy family doesn’t have an heir? You have more money than you could ever spend, and I certainly can’t take it with me when I’m gone. Are you going to let it all fall to strangers? If you’re not interested in women anymore, then at least consider IVF or some other way. Just make sure you have a child of your own. It’s been all these years since your father passed away. If it weren’t for raising you, I know I would have followed him to the grave back then.”

Irene had set her sights on Yalena mainly because Yalena had confided in her that she wanted to start a family right after marriage. Irene didn’t give it much thought and simply felt Yalena was a decent young woman.

Jonathan said firmly, “Having a child with someone I don’t love, just to carry on the family line–that’s unfair to the child. I’d rather remain childless my entire life than let my flesh and blood be treated as a mere tool.”

Irene was pissed, but she could only watch helplessly as Jonathan walked away, unable to stop him.

At Nareigh International Airport, Jonathan was greeted by the airport staff, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

The moment he arrived, he scanned the area, as if searching for something–or someone–though no one knew exactly what he was looking for.

The manager who had informed Jonathan about Teresa’s flight approached Jonathan and said, “Mr. Lynn, we haven’t seen Teresa at the airport.”

“I’m not here for her,” Jonathan said coolly as he settled into a sofa in the VIP lounge.

The manager asked, “So, Mr. Lynn, are you here to board? Shall I arrange for you to be on Teresa’s flight?”

Jonathan shot him a look.

The manager awkwardly rubbed his lips, thinking to himself, ‘Did I just say something wrong?’

Jonathan lowered his gaze slightly and said, “That won’t be necessary.”

The manager said, “Please let me know if you need anything, Mr. Lynn.”

Jonathan replied, “Thanks.”

Jonathan glanced at his watch and thought, ‘It’s past six already, why hasn’t Teresa shown up? But that is typical of Teresa. She always shows up at the last minute, with absolutely no sense of punctuality. She comes and goes as she pleases–no one lives with such carefree abandon as she does.’

Suddenly, Jonathan recalled Irene’s words. He thought, ‘Why couldn’t Teresa have just left me with a child? How I wish she hadn’t taken those contraceptive pills all those times. If only she could have given me a baby–I would have loved our child just as much as I loved her. The only child I ever want is hers.’

Just as Jonathan was lost in thought, a kid accidentally bumped into his leg.

Looking up with a giggle, the child said, “Sir, you’re so handsome.”

The kid’s mother called, “Sweetie, come here. We’re leaving.” Then she apologized to Jonathan and led her child away.

Jonathan gazed at the child and suddenly thought of Mike, who’d always grin at him and say, “Mr. Lynn, you’re so handsome.”

A sudden realization struck Jonathan, sending a jolt through him.