Chapter 700

Jonathan arched an eyebrow and asked, “Muffin?”

“Muffin is Mike’s nickname,” Teresa explained.

Jonathan’s lips curved slightly, seemingly amused by the nickname. He quickly composed himself and said calmly, “Mike is still asleep. I’ll go wake him up.”

Upon hearing that Teresa had arrived, Michael sprang out of bed and raced toward her.

“Mommy, I missed you so much,” Michael said.

“Really?” Teresa asked with a soft, surprised smile as she squatted down and gently rubbed Michael’s face. “I thought you wouldn’t miss me at all.”

Michael pouted, “How could I not miss you?”

“I missed you too, sweetie,” Teresa gently ruffled Michael’s hair and replied.

Jonathan stood on the steps, silently watching the scene. ‘So this is how well they get along at home?’ he thought, surprised by the natural harmony between them.

His eyes burned with intensity. At that moment, Teresa’s unrestrained smile was wholly absorbed by his gaze.

Michael clung to Teresa’s arm. “Mommy, tell me quick. Is Mr. Lime my real dad? My dad isn’t that old and ugly one, but the handsome and rich Mr. Lime? Really?”

Teresa nodded firmly. No more excuses. This time, she wouldn’t hide the truth from Michael.

“Yes,” she confirmed softly, “he’s your biological father, and you’re his biological son.”

Michael huffed, “Mommy, why did you lie to me before and say my daddy was old and ugly?”

Teresa lowered her head, at a loss for words. Just then, Jonathan descended the steps and interjected, “Come here for a second, Muffin.”

Michael’s attention snapped to Jonathan, and he dashed over and asked, “How did you know I’m called Muffin?”

Jonathan pinched his cheek and smiled. “Of course, your mom told me all about it,” Jonathan replied.

Michael nodded curiously and asked, “Mr. Lime, do you know why Mommy used to say you were old and ugly?”

Jonathan’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he picked Mike up. He said, “Of course I know. You see, your mommy and I had a little misunderstanding. She was upset with me, so she didn’t tell you I’m your dad.”

Michael’s sharp little mind quickly pieced it together. He exclaimed, “I get it! Just like on TV, when people get mad, they say things they don’t mean. Those angry words aren’t meant to be taken seriously, right, Mommy?”

Jonathan’s face softened with a warm tenderness. “You can look at it that way, my clever boy. So your mom wasn’t trying to trick you,” Jonathan added.

The doorbell rang, and Gary had arrived.

“Jonathan,” Gary called out, surprised to see Teresa there.

Jonathan set Michael down and turned to Gary. “You’ve come at just the right time,” he said. “You can take Mike to handle some official business.”

“What kind of business?” Teresa quickly asked.

Noticing the guarded look in her eyes, Jonathan scoffed dismissively.

“An identity ID, plus mansions in Jarisburg and Cranur. You took him to Jarisburg, and I brought him to Cranur. Since he likes both, I’m buying properties in each and putting them under our son’s name,” Jonathan replied.

Teresa fell silent.

Michael ran over, grabbed Teresa’s hand, and exclaimed, “Mommy, guess what? Mr. Lime promised to give me a sports car! When I get it, I’ll take you for a spin!”

Gary overheard and wiped his brow awkwardly. “Jonathan, are you seriously going to buy Mike a sports car?” he asked.

Jonathan shot back, “Got a problem with that?”

Gary couldn’t help but point out, “But Mike’s only three. He can’t even drive yet.”

“Then he can drive it when he’s old enough,” Jonathan said with a smug grin, looking every bit like a man who believed that with money, his child deserved only the best.

Gary chuckled as he bent down to pick up Michael. With a playful grin, he said, “Mike, you’re so lucky! I’m jealous you have such an awesome dad. Come on, let’s go get you that sports car and mansion.”

Saying that, Gary glanced at Teresa, sighed, then turned to Jonathan.

Gary said, “Jonathan, I’ll take Mike out for a bit so you two can have a good chat. Don’t worry, I’ll bring him back later.”

Michael waved goodbye to Teresa, who gave a gentle nod. She softly reminded him, “You haven’t said goodbye to your daddy yet.”

Michael waved his little hand at Jonathan and said, “Mr. Daddy Lime, Bye-bye.”

Hearing that long-awaited Daddy, Jonathan’s brows relaxed just a little.

Jonathan knew Michael accepted him only because Teresa had acknowledged him. In the boy’s heart, she came first. She had given birth to him, raised him, and stayed by his side all these years.

After Mike left, Teresa turned to Jonathan and asked, “Why did you stand up for me in front of our son just now?”

Jonathan dropped the subject. He took a seat and gestured for Teresa to sit as well.

Teresa looked at Jonathan and asked, “You mentioned on the phone you had something to tell me. What is it?”

Teresa took a seat across from him.

Teresa looked at Jonathan and said, “I went to the airport this morning to see Sherry and Christian off. That’s when I found out they’d left Nareigh. Cheryl also called me. I know you’ve already settled scores with them one by one.”

Teresa looked up sharply and pressed, “So, who’s next on your list?”

“Settle scores?” Jonathan smirked, his eyes sharp. “I warned you that anyone who kept Mike from me would pay. Most already have. As for Jennifer, I’ve reported her for forging the DNA results…”

“What?” Teresa gasped sharply, drawing in a deep breath.

Jonathan’s eyes darkened as he stood and asked, “Why look at me? Since you won’t remarry me, I won’t go easy on her. I helped her get the job, but she’s unfit to be a doctor. I have every right to hold her accountable.”

As for the others, including Christian, Cheryl, Jennifer whom Jonathan had once helped, and even Donald, he would no longer lift a finger to help any of them.

Teresa also stood up, her gaze fixed on Jonathan. “I’m begging you. Spare my friends and family. This whole mess started because of me. Everyone else is innocent.”

Jonathan remained composed. “What are you willing to offer in exchange for my leniency?”

Teresa asked, “What do you want?”

Jonathan snorted, his eyes briefly scanning Teresa. “What can you offer? You don’t earn as much as I do. Do you think I’d be that desperate for your body?”

Teresa rolled her eyes and asked, “If you want sex, just say it outright.”

“Who’d want to sleep with you?” Jonathan folded his arms across his chest, scoffing. “Don’t flatter yourself. Do you think I can’t live without you?”

Teresa didn’t know what he truly wanted. She said wearily, “There’s nothing left to discuss. Fine, do as you wish. You’ve dealt with everyone else. Am I next?”

Jonathan sneered, “I’ve said it before: Remarry me, and I’ll let the past go. Otherwise, I’m considering suing Jennifer. She not only violated medical ethics but also broke the law. A court conviction is certain if I proceed.”

Teresa stared at him in disbelief and pressed, “Are you serious?”

“I’m not joking with you,” Jonathan said, narrowing his eyes. “This is your last chance. Will you remarry me or not?”