Chapter 723

Jonathan carried Michael, with Teresa trailing behind. “Teresa, you’re here!” Hayden’s booming voice startled her. Teresa had already resolved the matter en route. ‘Mike was conceived before the divorce. No need to lie,’ she reminded herself.

But seeing Hayden in a wheelchair and hearing his greeting first brought tears to her eyes. She said, “Hello, Hayden.” She then greeted Werner, who sat beside him.

“Come in. Let’s talk inside,” Hayden said, grinning broadly as he wheeled himself forward, his eyes immediately fixed on Michael.

Once in the living room, Jonathan set Michael down. “Mike, this is Great-Grandpa. Say hi.”

“Great-Grandpa,” Michael chirped. Teresa had explained on the way that Hayden was Jonathan’s grandfather, making him Michael’s great-grandfather. Michael was a bright child; he understood immediately.

“Hay, Mike,” Hayden said, delightedly holding Michael’s tiny hand. The more he looked at Michael, the more he liked him.

“Mike, I’m Grandpa Werner,” Werner said warmly, appraising Michael.

“Hello, Grandpa Werner,” Michael replied, standing straight and greeting Werner politely.

“What a well-behaved kid,” Werner said, smiling. He thought, ‘He really takes after Jonathan. Such an adorable little guy.’

While Hayden showered his great-grandson with affection, Jonathan looked around. “Where’s Mom?” he asked. Teresa wondered the same; she hadn’t seen Irene.

“I called her. She’s on her way,” Werner explained.

Just then, Donald and Cheryl arrived. Teresa noticed Jennifer was with them. They brought gifts. “Sorry we’re late,” Donald said.

Jonathan nodded curtly.

“You’re all here,” Cheryl said, touching her nose as she greeted everyone. She’d come alone; Donald had advised against bringing Serena.

Hayden was overjoyed about his great-grandson, but he wouldn't be pleased about Cheryl’s unmarried pregnancy. Such news was hardly ideal for the Lynn family. Cheryl’s situation differed greatly from Jonathan’s, especially since she didn't know her baby's father.

Cheryl’s thoughts were interrupted by Teresa approaching. She bit her lip and remained silent. Teresa understood; Cheryl wanted discretion. Teresa wasn't one to gossip. Then, she saw Jennifer, a surprising sight.

Jennifer glanced back at Teresa, her lips pressed together as if wanting to speak, but with Hayden present, she stayed silent.

“What’s up with you two? Why—” Werner began, looking at Donald and Cheryl, clearly about to question their behavior.

But Jonathan quickly interrupted. It was best not to mention the DNA test in front of Michael. Werner fell silent.

“Mike,” Hayden said, still holding Michael’s hand, “This is Uncle Donald, Aunt Cheryl, and Aunt Jennifer. Call them whatever you like.”

“Uncle Donald, Aunt Cheryl—I know them! And Aunt Jennifer, too,” Michael exclaimed, but then seemed overwhelmed. He ran to Teresa, whispering, “Mom, I’m suddenly so confused.”

Teresa gently patted his head. It was clear Michael was closest to her.

“Don’t worry. Just remember me. That’s enough,” Hayden said, his gruff voice softening considerably, as if he couldn't dote on Michael enough.

Another car arrived. Irene had deliberately arrived late. She couldn't bear the thought of waiting for Teresa; it would be too humiliating.

Seeing Irene enter, puffed up and stern, Teresa took a deep breath. ‘Well, this was inevitable,’ she thought, clenching her fists. She didn't want Michael to call Irene “Grandma.” The idea repulsed her.

“Mom,” Michael said, looking up at Irene. “Is that Grandma? Should I call her Grandma?”

Teresa sighed. “Yes, that’s Grandma.”

Michael ran to Irene. “Grandma!” he cried happily. ‘Great, I’ve greeted everyone,’ he thought. Irene smiled, and he grinned back before dashing back to Teresa.

Michael tugged Teresa’s hand. “Mom, I’ve finished greeting everyone! I’m starving. When are we eating?”

“Hungry, Mike? Let’s go to a restaurant,” Hayden said, wanting to jump from his wheelchair, but his legs were still weak from the stroke.

“I’ll call for delivery. We’ll eat at home,” Jonathan said, already outside making the call.

As Jonathan left, Werner, looking stern, beckoned Donald and Cheryl. He wanted to speak privately. Hayden joined him, also wishing to speak with them.

Once alone, Jennifer approached Teresa. She was about to ask something when Irene called out from across the room, “Mike, come here!”

“Grandma, what is it?” Michael asked, running to her.

Teresa watched cautiously.

Irene ignored Teresa, surveying Michael. “What a good boy. You’ve been through a lot, but now you’ll enjoy life.”

Michael looked up. “Grandma, I haven’t suffered at all. Mom treats me really well.”

Irene raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Well, Mike, isn’t it better having your dad and grandma now?”

“Mike, come here,” Teresa called. Michael ran to her, and she held him close, her gaze meeting Irene’s silently.

They locked eyes in a silent contest of wills. Teresa saw the possessive anger in Irene’s eyes, the urge to take Michael away.

“Should a grandma really say that to her grandson?” Jennifer interjected.

Teresa glanced at Jennifer, surprised by her support.

Irene laughed coldly. “What? I said nothing wrong. He’s my grandson. He belongs to the Lynn family. He carries our bloodline.”

“Lynn family? Mike is Teresa’s! Are you trying to steal him?” Jennifer retorted sharply.