Teresa opened another can of beer. “Forget it.”
Miriam said, “Mike’s dad has money and power; his future will be smooth sailing, and you can have an easier life too, Teresa.”
Teresa sighed. “If I don’t want Michael anymore, I think he’d be better off with anyone else than staying with me.”
Neither Teresa nor Miriam noticed Michael hiding behind the door. He had somehow woken up and only heard Teresa say that if she didn’t want him anymore. He sniffed hard, wiping tears from his eyes.
Jonathan needed to travel to Shaville on business. Before leaving, Irene insisted he return home for a meal. This time, he went to Irene’s parents’ house for a New Year’s Eve dinner, as tomorrow was New Year’s Day.
“Irene,” Irene’s sister, Heidi Lawrence, said, holding Irene’s hand. Heidi admired the emerald bracelet on Irene’s wrist. “That’s a gift from Jonathan, right? It’s beautiful.”
Irene laughed. “He’s just so filial.”
Heidi was envious. “Jonathan is not only filial, but he’s also a good earner. Edward should learn from him. Since it’s winter break, maybe Jonathan can arrange an internship for Edward at Horizonlead Group.”
“Got it. I’ll have Jonathan arrange it later,” Irene responded.
Heidi was delighted and chatted with Irene, almost wanting to give her a shoulder massage. Heidi’s husband, George Lawrence, quickly poured Jonathan a cup of coffee.
Jonathan got up. “George, let me do it.”
George waved his hand. “Sit down. You’re a big boss now. We can’t have you serving us. Try it; it’s some great coffee I got from Xandaschuttes.”
Irene watched the scene with a sense of pride. As Irene and Jonathan were leaving after the meal, Heidi even packed them a gift, which Irene accepted.
Once in the car, Irene said to Jonathan, “Having money really makes a difference. See? Who in the family dares to look down on us? They even hold their breath around us.”
Jonathan said nothing, focusing on the documents on his phone. Irene sighed, recalling how she had to raise Jonathan alone after losing her husband. No relatives showed her respect, not even Heidi. Irene remembered how Heidi often boasted about her good marriage and promising son. Now, it was still Irene’s son who had turned out better.
“People change with your fortunes. When you’re poor, even your family looks down on you. Once you’re successful, everyone, including spouses, suddenly becomes friendly and asks for favors. Who doesn’t prefer the rich over the poor?” Irene said.
“Enough,” Jonathan interrupted. He was unfazed by talk of relatives, but his expression changed when Teresa was mentioned. “Just let it go.”
Irene pressed her lips together. “Are you still upset that I spoke to Teresa alone? I just wanted to tell her to stop pestering you.”
“Are you done yet?” Jonathan frowned with irritation. “She’s not pestering me, and I’ve told you to stay out of our affairs.”
Irene pursed her lips and thought, ‘Now, I’m spending Jonathan’s money. Although he’s my son, he’s 30 now, not 13. There are things he refuses to listen to and prohibits others from talking about.’
“Simona’s quite nice. She even brought me a gift yesterday,” Irene mumbled softly, which Jonathan ignored.
Meanwhile, Teresa was swamped with work. She pondered, Time flies. Despite multiple bank visits at the end of last month, the loan is still pending. With New Year here, it’s almost payday for the staff again.
If I can’t solve the company’s financing problems, we won’t be able to issue salaries. Are we starting a new year without paying salaries? That’s not a good sign. Teresa was worried about what to do when her phone rang.
It was a call from an unknown number. She picked it up. “Hello?”
“It’s me.” A familiar voice came through.
Teresa glanced at her phone and said, “Why are you calling? And with a different number? Didn’t I say not to call me to avoid your mom saying I’m pestering you?” Jonathan ignored her annoyance. “Peter Hills is back from Archulea. I’m in Shaville and can’t get back. In Nareigh, besides me, you’re the only one he knows.”
Teresa asked, “Which one? Could it be the Peter who only smokes Marlboro and only drinks Jack Daniel’s?”
Jonathan seemed to chuckle. “Yeah, that’s him. Could you pick him up from the airport and give him some gifts?”
Teresa replied, “You decide what to give; I have no idea what would be appropriate—” “I’ve already prepared it. Head over to Luviston Estates to pick it up.” Without waiting for Teresa’s response, Jonathan hung up.
Teresa was speechless and thought, Why does he enjoy ordering me around? Can’t he see I’m stressed about my company’s issues? Besides, I’m his ex-wife! What kind of ex-husband asks his ex-wife to run errands for him?
‘Forget it. There’s no use worrying.’ With that, she had no choice but to head out for a while. When she arrived at Luviston Estates, she picked up the items Jonathan had prepared for Peter. Peter owned the company where Jonathan worked during his marriage.