Donald was preoccupied, and the theme of winter weighed heavily on him. He messaged everyone, expressing his anxieties and struggles.

When Cheryl saw Donald's post, she was immediately concerned about his condition. She called him. Donald reassured her, saying it was just a difficult day, trying to prevent her from worrying.

Cheryl retorted, "You big dummy! I guess now you can afford a thousand things, but seriously, if you can't handle your stress, stop being such a donkey!"

Donald snapped back, "I'll deal with you later. You're always so bossy with me."

Cheryl teased, "Oh, please, now that you've got a grand, I bet you won't care about your little sister anymore!"

Donald quickly reassured her, "Don't be ridiculous! You're my sister, and she's my girl. I'll take care of both of you, no matter what."

Irene learned from Cathy that Donald and Cheryl were dating. She was skeptical and sneered sarcastically, "Let's wait and see. Donald's just having fun, I bet."

In Fernlandia, Teresa scrolled through her phone and saw Donald's post. She couldn't quite describe the conflicting emotions she felt. Her older sister, who had once urged her to leave Nareigh with promises of happiness, had chosen to stay.

Jennifer had already messaged Teresa, explaining that Donald had been in a car accident while saving her, coming dangerously close to losing his life. She decided to give him a chance. Jennifer seemed happy. Teresa's thoughts were muddled, so she decided to go for a walk.

Fernlandia, with its tranquil atmosphere and sparse population, was home to Evelyn's charming countryside villa. The modest single-story house overlooked a picturesque small forest. Expansive grasslands stretched endlessly. Teresa had spent the past two days enjoying such moments with Michael.

Michael struggled to adapt to the new environment, feeling out of place amongst so many foreigners. Teresa knelt, reassuring him with a gentle smile. She took him exploring, teaching him how to greet strangers. Every moment felt like a step toward making up for lost time.

Michael remained by Teresa's side, his quiet presence bringing her contentment and peace. Evelyn talked incessantly about starting a business—e-commerce, leveraging her past success in the field. She had made her first fortune online early on, capitalizing on her outgoing personality and striking looks to launch her own beauty brand. Now fifty, with silver streaking her glossy black hair, she was ready for a new challenge.

"E-commerce is cutthroat now. Why not focus on Isabel and relax? Teresa South Group will distribute dividends at year's end, and I'll make sure you have enough," Teresa said, her tone a mix of concern and practicality.

"No way!" Evelyn snapped. "I've worked my whole life, and you expect me to just sit around and do nothing? I'm not letting two scumbags ruin my life. I won't let anyone look down on me."

"Come on, Evelyn. You're living abroad now. Who's even paying attention to this stuff anymore?" Teresa reasoned.

"I'll go back to Nareigh sooner or later. What about you? You're not going back?" Evelyn asked sharply.

Teresa glanced at her still-flat stomach, hesitating. "I'm not going back anytime soon," she murmured, almost convincing herself.

"Are you planning to stay in Fernlandia for good?" Evelyn asked. Her words were cut short by a child's cry.

Teresa turned to see Isabel crying, while Michael stood nearby, fists clenched, tears in his eyes. Evelyn scooped up Isabel, soothing her. Then she turned to Michael. "Mike, why did you make Isabel cry?"

"I didn't make her cry! She messed with my stuff first!" Michael protested, his face flushed with frustration.

Seeing Teresa approach, Michael ran to her, throwing himself into her arms. "Mommy, I didn't bully Isabel. She grabbed my notebook, and it has Mr. Lime's autograph!" His words tumbled out between hiccups.

Teresa's heart ached. She pulled him into a hug. "Don't be scared, sweetheart. Mommy's here," she reassured him softly.

Michael showed her the torn notebook. He explained that he'd left it on the table for a moment, and Isabel had grabbed it. The sound of the tearing still echoed in his mind. Tears fell on Mr. Lime's autograph. "Mommy, I really loved this notebook. I wanted to keep Mr. Lime's autograph forever," he sobbed.

Teresa understood. It was his treasure. She gently wiped his tears. "I'll make sure Isabel apologizes. I'll try to fix it with glue. It might not be perfect, but we'll make it better."

Michael nodded, his small hand clutching Teresa's tightly.

Holding Michael's hand, Teresa approached Isabel and Evelyn. She calmly explained the situation, making it clear Isabel had damaged Michael's notebook.

"Isabel's just a kid, Mike. She didn't mean to do it. She just wanted to play with you. Can't you let it slide this once?" Evelyn pleaded.

Teresa's face darkened.