Lucas cut her off. He said, “I don’t think that’s right. I agree with Fiona. Kids need both their mom and dad around. A mother’s love just can’t take the place of a father’s. Besides, Jonathan is a responsible guy.”

Lucas’s words made Evelyn quiet.

The way Lucas spoke up for Jonathan told Fiona they were on good terms.

Lucas explained to Fiona that back when he was struggling with separation anxiety, he almost ended it all–but Jonathan was the one who pulled him back from the edge.

Jonathan even got Lucas into the best hospital and arranged the top treatment for him.

Hearing this, Evelyn looked down. She remembered that when she was in the hospital, it was Jonathan who had taken care of her the whole time.

Just then, Jonathan had put Michael to sleep. He walked over and sat down next to Fiona.

Fiona said, “Lucas keeps talking about how great you are. I didn’t know you two were that close.”

Lucas smiled and said, “Jonathan is my lifesaver. I’m only here today because of him.”

He then raised his coffee cup in a toast and continued, “Jonathan, I really can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and my family. Here’s a toast to you.”

“It was the right thing to do. Life is precious–I’m just glad you’re doing well now,” Jonathan said, clinking his cup against Lucas’s.

Fiona smiled and nodded, thinking to herself that Lucas, just like Teresa, was such a good kid, kind and genuine through and through.

She turned to Evelyn and said, “Evelyn, you’re really lucky to have such wonderful kids. One is so handsome, the other is so beautiful, and they’re both so thoughtful. I’m jealous of you.”

Evelyn felt a mix of emotions, and she just gave a polite smile.

Lucas looked at Evelyn and said, “Mom, Jennifer broke the law. If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have been arrested. It’s not Jonathan’s fault, and he shouldn’t take the blame.”

Lucas’s words warmed Jonathan’s heart a little.

Evelyn said, “Jonathan, I know I’ve been a bit harsh these past few days. I hope you can understand what it’s like for a mother.”

“Evelyn, I know, I understand,” Jonathan replied.

Evelyn let out a heavy sigh and continued, “But honestly, things have already gotten so messy between our two families. I still stand by what I said–you and Teresa each live your own lives and don’t remarry."

“I can’t stop you from seeing your child; I don’t have that right. After all, you’re the father. You and Teresa can discuss anything about the child together.”

This was Evelyn’s final concession: Jonathan could see Teresa again–only for the sake of their child–but remarriage was off the table.

Fiona said, “Jonathan and I are here today because of the kids. I told him that he failed to protect his wife and children during the marriage. That’s on him, and he should take responsibility for it."

“Jonathan, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Jonathan said, “Fiona is right. Whatever I need to make up for, I will.” With that, he looked at Teresa, waiting for her response.

Teresa, who had been silent all along, finally said, “No need.” She then set the keys to the Phantom and the Strico villa down on the table, pushing them toward Jonathan.

She said, “Fiona, I don’t need anything from him. These–I’m giving them all back.”

Jonathan frowned, his expression serious as he pushed the keys back to Teresa. He said, “Take them. What I gave you is yours–I’m not taking them back.”

Fiona chimed in, “He gave them to you, so just keep them. These are things Jonathan is supposed to provide for you.”

Teresa said, “He’s already helped me so much, both personally and with my company. He doesn’t owe me anything.”