Chapter 257
After Jennifer left, Miriam contacted Jonathan, trying to reassure him. Miriam suspected Teresa had left because she couldn't bear living with Jennifer anymore; it seemed her only option. Miriam had always found Jennifer too controlling. Even Michael acted nervous and hesitant around her, as if afraid to speak his mind.
Once, when Michael stayed at Miriam's house, he mentioned Jennifer, waving his hand and saying, "Jennifer is so serious. She never smiles." Then, leaning closer, he whispered, "Miriam, I'll tell you a secret. I don't like Jennifer. But don't tell Mom, okay? She'll be upset. Mom says Jennifer is family."
This time, Teresa seemed determined to sever ties with Jennifer for good. Miriam understood her choice, but her heart ached for her best friend. Teresa hadn't even said where she was going.
After Teresa reconnected with Jennifer, her calls to Miriam became less frequent. Miriam, preoccupied with her own family matters, also contacted Teresa less often. She had always assumed having a sister would make Teresa happier.
In reality, it hadn't. If reconnecting with Jennifer had truly brought her joy, she wouldn't have felt the need to stay so far away.
"Teresa, come back," Miriam thought, her heart heavy with worry. She wanted to talk with Teresa, heart to heart. If Teresa truly couldn't handle Jennifer, Miriam was more than willing to let her stay with her indefinitely. She would do whatever it took to make Teresa happy.
In the Horizonlead Group reception room, Simona thought Jonathan had finally agreed to meet her. But Jonathan produced a photograph and handed it to her. "Isn't this the photo you used to blackmail my mother? Go ahead. Let's see if it affects me."
Simona pressed her lips together and stared at the photo. She retorted, "Are you really not afraid? You know, public opinion can ruin someone. And you're a CEO."
Jonathan's gaze turned icy. "Your father having an illegitimate child is far juicier gossip than anything about me."
Simona froze, her voice rising sharply. "What are you trying to say?"
"Your dad has an illegitimate child, and everyone in the business world knows it. Yet you, his own daughter, are clueless? Honestly, you're so incompetent. Naturally, your dad would want a backup plan."
Simona's face flushed with anger. "Jonathan, I'm my father's only daughter! If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll sue you for defamation!"
"Go ahead," Jonathan said coolly. "Make it public that your dad has an illegitimate child. Saves me the trouble."
"You—" Simona took a deep breath, grabbed the photo from the table, tore it in half, and stormed out.
Donald called Jonathan, mentioning Jennifer had said Teresa might have a house in Lonisburg, though she didn't know the exact location. It was something Teresa had only mentioned casually.
"Thanks, Donald," Jonathan said, immediately instructing his assistant to book a flight to Lonisburg. Benny offered to accompany him, but Jonathan declined—this was something he needed to handle alone.
On the plane, Jonathan reread the numerous emails he had sent Teresa.
[Teresa, come back to Nareigh. You’re not in Fernlandia anymore—where are you staying all by yourself?] [I know my mom went to see you. That photo with the stranger doesn’t mean anything. Even if it gets out, it won’t hurt my reputation. None of this is your fault—you’ve done nothing wrong.] [You said I’m stuck in the past, that you don’t owe me anything, and you wished me happiness. Teresa, what kind of nonsense is that? None of it’s true. Come back, and I’ll tell you exactly where you’re wrong.]
He had sent over a dozen messages, but they seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving only silence.
Jonathan's plane landed in Lonisburg late at night. He immediately went to a dinner meeting with some of the city's top real estate developers. Horizonlead Group was a major player, and everyone wanted a piece of the action. But Jonathan had only one goal: to find Teresa. He was willing to negotiate anything to achieve it.
Tracking down registered property owners was a complicated process. It would take at least two days to sort through the records.
"I'll wait," Jonathan said decisively.
After dinner, Jonathan returned to his hotel alone. From his window, he gazed at the city lights. His deep-set eyes flickered with a mix of emotions.
That night, Jonathan barely slept, worrying about Teresa. The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him restless.
"Mr. Lynn," the largest real estate developer in Lonisburg called the next day, much sooner than expected. "Is this the Ms. Johnston you're looking for?"
Jonathan examined the documents. The age and personal details matched perfectly. He was ninety-nine percent certain this was Teresa.
"This Ms. Johnston is the owner of a unit in Golden Bay Complex, Building One," the developer confirmed.
Golden Bay Complex was a relatively new high-end complex, completed three years ago. Most units were spacious one-bedroom apartments, priced from 450 thousand to over 600 thousand.
"I've already coordinated with property management. Ms. Johnston's address is the east unit on the third floor. Since you're probably unfamiliar with the area, I'll have someone escort you," the developer offered.
"Thank you," Jonathan replied, shaking hands. This favor would undoubtedly benefit future collaborations.
Finally, he was on his way to see Teresa. Sitting in the car, Jonathan stared out the window, his long fingers tapping lightly on his knee, betraying his anticipation.