Chapter 709

Jonathan hadn’t brought the DNA test results. He pressed his lips together, then turned to face Irene again.

Jonathan said, “It’s that kid. People always say he looks like me. I guess I just trusted others too much with that DNA test.”

Irene froze again, still not entirely convinced.

Irene questioned, “Wasn’t it Donald and Cheryl who handled your DNA test? Why would they fake it for no reason?”

“I’ll explain when I have time. Got business at the office,” Jonathan said, leaving Irene to finish her meal alone.

“Wait,” Irene called out desperately, trying to press Jonathan for answers, but he had already sped away.

Irene frowned as Michael’s face flashed through her mind. She remembered that little boy.

The first time Irene saw Michael, he looked so much like Jonathan that it shocked her. But Hayden was there too, and Cheryl offered a DNA test to prove he wasn’t Jonathan’s child.

Irene immediately dialed Cheryl’s number. Irene demanded over the phone, “Cheryl, do you know if Jonathan has a child?”

Cheryl quickly replied, “I don’t know anything about Jonathan’s affairs. Please stop asking me. It’s putting me in a tough spot.”

“What kind of answer is that? What’s so difficult for you?”

“I can’t just speak out of turn about his affairs. Please don’t ask me,” Cheryl said hastily, then immediately hung up, claiming she was busy with work.

Irene was exasperated. She thought, ‘What’s wrong with Cheryl? What exactly is Jonathan hiding?’

Irene called Donald again, hoping to ask if he knew anything about Jonathan’s child, but he didn’t answer.

Irene was exasperated once more. She thought again, ‘What has gotten into all of them?’

At a loss for who else to contact, Irene decided she might as well go and apologize to the Kelly family first.

By the time Irene arrived at Eason’s company, he had already left. Still, she couldn’t stop thinking about the child Jonathan had mentioned.

Irene couldn’t stop thinking, ‘Is that child one of the Lynns?’

Irene went to Horizonlead Group and, as luck would have it, ran into Jonathan’s current secretary, Bobby, just as he was leaving work.

Bobby told Irene that Jonathan had already left for the day.

Irene turned to Bobby and asked, “How come Mr. Lynn left work so early today?”

“Well,” Bobby answered while shaking his head, “I’m not sure.”

Irene grabbed Bobby’s arm and pressed, “Tell me. Does Mr. Lynn have a son?”

Bobby replied, “I’m not sure about that, Ms. Lynn.”

Irene asked, “Really? Has Mr. Lynn brought any children to Horizonlead Group lately?"

“Mr. Lynn has been swamped with work these past few days. I haven’t noticed him bringing anyone to the office.”

Irene saw no point in pressing further.

That afternoon at Forlisle Rose Estates, Teresa went to see Jonathan alone. She had planned to bring Michael, but Gary picked him up that morning for a trip to the amusement park and to ask about Jennifer.

Teresa replied, “I don’t know.”

“I told Jonathan that suing your sister would sever all ties with your family. He’d no longer be the Johnston family’s son–in–law, and that helps no one,” Gary said.

Teresa said calmly, “If we burn our bridges, so be it. I’m done with Jennifer’s situation, and if Jonathan wants to sue me, be ready for it.”

“I don’t think he will sue you or Jennifer. After all, she’s your flesh and blood. He’ll do it for your sake.”

Teresa thought, ‘It’s that very bond that lets those closest to you hurt you the most.’

Snapping back to reality, Teresa had already arrived at Jonathan’s place.