Chapter 193

Evelyn had already gone inside. On the way back, Jennifer had told Evelyn about Teresa having a child. Shock didn't even begin to cover it. If the soundproofing hadn't been top-notch, Evelyn's yelling might have shattered the windows.

Evelyn had exclaimed, "How could that clumsy girl, Teresa, possibly know how to change diapers or make formula? And she's good at it? I never imagined she'd actually had a child!"

If Jennifer hadn't handed her a heart pill during the ride, Evelyn was pretty sure she'd have fainted and ended up in the hospital again.

Now, Evelyn's eyes were as round as saucers, fixed unblinkingly on Michael.

"Grandma," Michael said earnestly, his eyes big and clear. His voice was soft and cautious. He didn't look much like Teresa.

The two stared at each other, wide-eyed, until Evelyn let out a laugh—half exasperation, half amusement. She shook her head, clearly more amused than angry.

Evelyn turned to Teresa. "What's going on in that head of yours? Are you crazy? Jennifer told me on the way back, and I thought she was joking. But look at this!"

"The kid's already so big—he's even older than Isabel. Isn't he three by now?"

"Grandma, I'm not even three yet. I'm two years and seven months," Michael corrected her, holding Teresa's hand and blinking up at her. "Right, Mommy?"

Teresa gently patted his head. "Good boy," she said softly.

Then Teresa turned to Evelyn. "He's tall for his age, but he's not three yet. He'll turn three this summer."

"Well, he's still older than Isabel," Evelyn muttered, clicking her tongue. "Isabel's his aunt? Isn't that just ridiculous?" The thought made her chuckle.

But Teresa couldn't bring herself to laugh. Why does Mom always have to say something sharp, even in front of Michael? Can't she just be kind for once? My son is my treasure. Why is she always so partial to Isabel? she wondered.

"Mommy?" Michael tugged on Teresa's hand again, grinning. "So she is really my aunt? That's so funny! Should I call her Aunt Isabel now so Grandma doesn't get mad?"

"It's okay, sweetheart," Teresa said softly. "You don't have to be so formal. Be good and go to your room to watch something on your tablet. I need to talk with Grandma and Jennifer."

"I want to stay here with you," Michael insisted stubbornly.

The determination in his eyes at that moment was so much like his father's. Teresa ruffled his hair gently but still sent him off to his room.

As soon as Michael left, Evelyn couldn't hold back her frustration and started laying into Teresa again. She was fuming, unable to stop herself from pointing fingers.

"I just don't get it, Teresa. What were you thinking? Divorcing Jonathan and then having his child? It's not that I don't like Michael—he's a sweet boy—but how could you be so thoughtless?" Evelyn's tone was sharp, her irritation clear.

She added, "Who does that? Divorces their ex and then has his kid? If you found out you were pregnant back then, you should have just ended it. That would have been the clean break you needed—no mess, no complications."

"But now? Look at the situation you've created. It's ruining your chances of moving on and finding someone better."

"You're gorgeous, Teresa. Without a child after the divorce, it would have been so easy for you to meet someone new. But now, dragging Michael along? No wonder you're still single."

"Do I have to get remarried? Is that some kind of rule?" Teresa shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've got my career and I've got my son. What more do I need? Not everyone's as obsessed with men as you are."

Her words were biting. But deep down, she knew they didn't fully reflect her true feelings. She only said them because Evelyn wouldn't stop pushing her.

Teresa knew she shouldn't have had Jonathan's child after the divorce. But what was done was done. There was no good blaming her now. This was exactly why she had no support, no understanding, only endless complaints, criticism, and rejection.

Teresa's chest tightened with a mix of disappointment and bitterness.

"Who's so desperate for a man? You're driving me nuts," Evelyn said, taking a moment to calm herself, rubbing her aching temples. "Hannah, did you hear that? I can't even begin to understand what you two are up to."

Chapter 194