Chapter 28
Jonathan had instructed Lance to report any unusual happenings at the family home without delay. His expression darkened as he took in Lance’s frantic message. The moment the call ended, he set about making necessary arrangements.
At the Lynn residence, Hayden had regained his calm and was about to call Jonathan when his phone vibrated with a call from Jonathan. He picked up, his face hardening as he attempted to speak, but Jonathan got the words out first.
In response, Hayden clipped out, “Got it. We need you back here, pronto.”
After ending the call, Hayden faced Simona, pointing a finger at her. “Jonathan says he’s not involved with you and is on his way back.” Turning to Teresa, he said, “You’re not leaving. You’re the only one I acknowledge as Jonathan’s wife.”
With Hayden’s grip keeping her in place, Teresa’s brow furrowed in confusion. She recalled that Jonathan had mentioned a business trip to Shaville, which would take at least two hours to reach by plane.
Jonathan arrived half an hour later, his face showing the strain of a hurried flight. Despite the fatigue, he carried himself with an air of authority that filled the room.
Simona’s breath hitched when she laid eyes on Jonathan up close. He was even more captivating in reality, his charm and good looks more impressive than she’d envisioned. His imposing stature and confident demeanor surprisingly instilled a sense of safety in her.
As soon as Jonathan entered, his gaze fixed on Teresa. He strode across the room and pulled Teresa up from the couch, his silence conveying more than words.
Teresa’s bewilderment was evident as she wondered why he hadn’t approached Simona first.
Hayden’s fury was tangible; he pounded the table, his face flushed with rage. “Jonathan, you better start explaining yourself. Are you two-timing…?”
Holding Teresa’s hand, Jonathan spoke firmly, his gaze sweeping the room. “I have no connection with Ms. Larkin. We’ve never met, never been engaged. There’s nothing between us, nothing at all.”
Hayden nodded decisively, his voice resolute as he asserted, “Jonathan swore he’s not involved with Ms. Larkin, and I believe him. She should go; she’s not in our circle.”
Facing Teresa with conviction, he said, “In my book, you’re the only one I see as Jonathan’s wife.”
Teresa was overwhelmed by a mix of feelings. She was treated like an outsider in her own family, yet she found herself backed by her ex-husband’s grandfather as if she truly belonged.
Simona’s face flushed with anger, and she addressed Irene, demanding, “Mrs. Lyn!”
Irene’s face was a mask of sternness as she said, “Hayden, they’re divorced. That’s reality, and we can’t ignore it.”
Hayden remained unyielding, insisting with a slight cough, “They might as well remarry, for all we know. I’m sticking to the original—no replacements.”
Cheryl interjected, her tone soothing. “Irene, let’s not ruin today. It’s Thanksgiving, a precious opportunity for us to unite. Can we simply savor this time together?”
Feeling left out, Irene kept her thoughts to herself as Jonathan and Teresa rushed to Hayden’s side. It seemed like the whole family was backing up Teresa, leaving Irene feeling isolated.
Jonathan tried to calm the situation, his hand gently patting Hayden’s chest.
But Hayden was furious, swatting Jonathan’s hand away. “What gives you the right to just divorce her? You make some money, and suddenly your wife doesn’t matter? We don’t do things like that in the Lynn family!” he fumed.
Jonathan sighed, nodding in response to Hayden’s rebuke. “I understand. I messed up. We’ll fix this,” he promised, trying to keep Hayden from getting more upset.
Teresa’s eyes flashed with surprise and disapproval at Jonathan. She hadn’t signed up for any remarriage plans.
At her limit, Simona spun on her high heels and stormed out of the room, casting a despondent look at Jonathan, who seemed not to notice her leaving.
Irene’s tone was urgent as she quickened her steps to keep up with Simona, calling out, “Simona, hold up! Let’s talk this through.”
Hayden was still fuming, his rage palpable as he confronted Jonathan, both with words and force. “You ungrateful boy!” he shouted. “You choose Thanksgiving to drop this bombshell? You’d better be nice to Teresa, or there will be consequences!”