Chapter 174

Jonathan caught her arm, his grip firm but gentle. "Let go," Teresa said. He hesitated.

Back when they were married, Jonathan hadn't allowed Teresa to work. She had been wealthy and beautiful, her accounts overflowing with tens of thousands each month. Jonathan had shouldered the weight of their household—working by day and cooking by night. People often asked him, "Is it worth it? Did you marry her just to serve her?" But Jonathan had never hesitated. He worked hard to ensure she never wanted for anything, seeing it as his duty to provide. He didn't want her to lose the comfortable life she had before, and he certainly didn't want her to suffer.

At present, watching her navigate business deals, sip wine, and offer practiced smiles, Jonathan felt a pang of discomfort. That wasn't the life he'd envisioned for her.

Amid the glittering conversation, Teresa glanced over and saw Jonathan watching her. His gaze, filled with sadness, made her heart ache. For a brief moment, the room seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them. Then, Jonathan looked away and downed his wine in one gulp.

Just then, someone bumped into him. It was Sheldon Larkin, the general manager of Larkin Group and Simona's uncle. A smug smile spread across Sheldon's face.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize it was you, Mr. Lynn," Sheldon said with feigned politeness. "The self-made man of Horizonlead Group—or should I say, the former manager of Hills Group? Back with your old employer?"

"Look at you now—a 'nouveau riche' who built his own company. Truly impressive," Sheldon sneered.

Jonathan remained composed, his expression unreadable. Having achieved long-term success in his career, he didn't waste a second on the sarcastic, despicable man.

But Teresa couldn't stand it any longer. Stepping in, she said, "Mr. Lynn is impressive—a self-made success worth tens of billions of dollars. Maybe you and I, Mr. Larkin, should take notes. Who knows? We might hit a trillion someday."

Sheldon's face darkened, and he sneered. "Not everyone is as shameless as you, Ms. Johnston. First, it was your father's Roc Group, and now, Teresouth Group. You really know how to put righteousness above family loyalty."

Before Teresa could reply, Jonathan slipped an arm around her waist and said, "I'm the one who brought down Roc Group. Feel free to sue me."

Sheldon's jaw tightened. He'd heard from Steven that Jonathan was no ordinary man—with sharp tactics and a keen mind. He had planned to humiliate Jonathan that night but ended up humiliating himself. Without another word, he stormed off.

Jonathan turned to Teresa, his expression softening as he met her gaze, acknowledging her support.

As night fell, the guests began to leave. Teresa made her way to the rooftop of the Teresouth Group building—her favorite spot to enjoy the sunset. She poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Jonathan.

The product launch event had gone smoothly, and feeling grateful for Jonathan's support, she raised her glass to him. "You've had enough," he said, gently stopping her.

Teresa brushed his hand aside with a grin. "I'm celebrating tonight." She took a sip, her mood lighter. When it came to drinking, Teresa could hold her own. Benny couldn't keep up with her, and Jonathan, though better, could only just keep pace.

Jonathan asked, "Why did you stand up for me earlier?"

"Against Sheldon?" Teresa asked. Jonathan nodded.

She paused, adjusting her coat. "You're my special guest. Of course, I had to take your side."

Jonathan smiled, thinking, 'Special guest? I just made that up.' He raised his glass and gently clinked it with hers. "But you got one thing wrong. I haven't made 100 billion yet."

Teresa chuckled and looked at Jonathan with a playful smile. "Didn't you already have billions when you came back last year? How is it you haven't hit 100 billion yet?"

He grinned. "You think I don't spend?"

Teresa thought to herself, True. He buys counties of millions like it's nothing. She released a breath. "Okay," she said.

"Okay," Jonathan laughed and clinked his glass with hers again. At that moment, they were ex-husband and ex-wife, but it felt more like they were old friends—people who shared a quiet understanding. She had always been his drive, the reason he worked so hard to get ahead.

They drank more than they intended, leaving Teresa tipsy and Jonathan trying hard to stay sharp. When the driver arrived, Jonathan helped Teresa into the car, and they headed toward Luviston Estates. Teresa rested her head on his shoulder, her breathing slow and steady. Jonathan took her hand, their fingers naturally entwining in a quiet, unspoken connection.

When they arrived at her house, Jonathan carried her inside and gently set her on the bed. Her jacket slipped from her shoulders, exposing smooth, flawless skin. Jonathan tossed his tie aside, letting it fall to the floor, then buried his face against her chest. His lips moved slowly, leaving warm, lingering kisses along her skin until they finally found hers.

"Honey…" he murmured, his voice thick with alcohol and raw emotion. It wasn't just a word—it was a plea. "Come back to me."

Teresa slowly opened her eyes, meeting his dazed, glassy gaze. Her own blurred with tears as the alcohol and emotions overwhelmed her. "We're already divorced," she said, her voice trembling.

"Let's remarry," Jonathan whispered, his head falling to her shoulder. He'd asked her that three times now, and only in this state could he do it without the weight of his pride.

Teresa shook her head, clutching the bedsheet tightly. "Get a grip… We're not…" Her voice cracked, and she drew a shaky breath, shutting her eyes as if it would hold her together.

Jonathan's voice softened, raw and pleading. "Please, stop this. Stop punishing me. I think about you every single day—about us, about everything we shared. I've tried to move on, but I can't."

His rough hand moved down the curve of her back. Gently, he cupped her face, tilting her head for another kiss—tender but urgent. Then, he shifted her body, turning her from her back to face him.

Through the haze of his emotions and the alcohol, Jonathan reached for the drawer, fumbling for a condom. Teresa turned her face into the pillow, her cheeks flushed, her heart heavy with a mix of sorrow and bitterness. Her resolve faltered as she remembered the way he'd looked at her earlier—the pain in his eyes, silently begging her to stop pushing herself and come back to him.

Her jaw tightened as guilt hit her. She suddenly felt that she'd wronged him in so many ways—especially with Michael. The warmth behind her made her bury her face deeper into the pillow. Her voice shook as she whispered, "Jonathan… have a child…"