Chapter 329

Unlike the hazy, out-of-it feeling she usually experienced, Jonathan’s presence was sharp and intense, undeniably dominant. As he kissed Teresa, it was as if he already knew precisely which hand she would use to push him away. He caught her hand, enfolding it in his.

That single kiss weakened Teresa’s body. She leaned against the kitchen counter for support. “Wait… Turn off the stove,” she stammered, noticing the steaming pot of ribs.

Jonathan reached behind her, turning off the gas. His hands circled her waist. “This fire’s easy to put out,” he smirked, “but the one you started in me? That’s not going anywhere.”

Teresa froze, suddenly understanding. She was speechless; he clearly controlled the situation, yet she felt her heart racing and her legs turning to jelly.

And Jonathan never seemed to age. Even after their long divorce, sometimes when she looked at his face, it felt like their first meeting. He remained handsome and breathtaking.

“Can I stay over tonight?” Jonathan, taking advantage of her dazed state, nuzzled her neck, his voice low and husky.

“No,” Teresa managed to refuse.

“That night, I was drugged. We’ve both paid each other back, so let’s just keep things as they are.” She turned on the faucet, running cold water over her hands to cool down.

They were swept up in the moment, especially since Jonathan knew her body so well. She wasn't some saint who could simply switch off her feelings.

Jonathan didn't push further. Picking up his jacket, he said, “Come see me at Apex Group. I’ll be waiting.” Then he left.

Shortly after, he texted Teresa: [I left in a rush, and the ribs aren't done yet. I set out all the seasonings for you, but I think I forgot the star anise. You know what star anise is, right?]

Teresa searched but couldn't find any. [What’s star anise? Is it some animal?]

[You’re hilarious,] Jonathan replied. [Just look it up online. There should be pictures.]

Teresa searched and finally understood. She texted Jonathan, [Why is this flower-shaped thing called star anise?]

[See if it looks like a star,] he replied. Teresa observed and realized why. Not only did she earn less than him, she also lacked his basic life knowledge. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes at herself.

Meanwhile, in the Nareigh family group chat, George-Edward’s father sent photos. [Is this Jonathan’s car?]

The pictures showed Jonathan leaving a shopping mall in Everport, carrying shopping bags. His Maybach was parked nearby, and beside him stood a tall woman with a graceful figure. Even from behind, she looked stunning.

Heidi tagged Irene. [Irene, take a look. Is that Jonathan’s car? And who’s the woman with him? Did he get himself a new girlfriend?]

Irene, only seeing the messages after being tagged, thought, ‘No wonder he’s been in Everport for so long. Turns out he’s fallen for some new girl.’ This was her family’s group chat, but Jonathan wasn't in it, so she couldn't ask him directly.

She studied the photo. The woman's back looked elegant and classy, her hair casually pinned up, her neck long and fair. Irene sent a voice message, [George, where did you see Jonathan? I don’t know her. Did you get a shot of her face?]

George replied, [Irene, I couldn’t get her face. This was at a mall in Everport. I saw Jonathan shopping and wanted to say hi, but he drove off in a hurry, so I didn’t get the chance.]

Irene said, [He’s been busy in Everport and hasn’t come back to Nareigh for a while. Maybe he really does have a new girlfriend. I’ll ask him when he’s back.]

Irene zoomed in on the photo. The more she looked at the woman’s back, the more she thought it resembled Teresa, but she quickly dismissed the idea. She’d always assumed Teresa was still in Fernlandia. This couldn’t possibly be Teresa. She believed Jonathan had finally moved on and was no longer hung up on Teresa.

Meanwhile, Edward, quietly lurking in the group chat, sent the photo to his girlfriend, Miriam. [Miriam, take a look. Who does the woman next to Jonathan look like?]

Miriam called him, “That’s Teresa, isn’t it? I’m sure it’s her. Where did you get this photo?”

“My dad went to Everport to see a friend, just happened to run into Jonathan, and snapped a picture for the family group chat. Irene even thought he had a new girlfriend.”

Hearing that, Miriam shot back, “No way Jonathan would be with another woman. That back view is definitely Teresa. I’d never mistake her.” She was angry that Jonathan kept Teresa’s whereabouts from her.

Without hesitation, Miriam called Jonathan, “Hey, Jonathan, you traitor! You saw Teresa, didn’t you?”

Jonathan remained calm, playing dumb. “What do you mean? Where is she?”

“In Everport, obviously! Don’t even try to tell me you don’t know. Edward’s dad—my future father-in-law—saw you there and took a picture. I just sent it to you, take a look.”

Miriam sent Jonathan the photo, with the mall sign clearly visible.

She pressed, “Don’t even try to say that’s not Teresa. Even if it’s just her back, I know it’s her. If that’s not Teresa, I’ll eat crap!”

But Jonathan remained unfazed. “Go ask Benny, not me.” He hung up, claiming he was busy.

Miriam realized Benny also knew Teresa's location. She was the only one kept in the dark. Then she thought maybe Jennifer didn't know either, which slightly improved her mood.

Benny also started playing dumb. “I just happened to run into Teresa once. Only saw her that one time, and that was it.”

Miriam wasn’t convinced. “Was it in Everport?”

Benny blurted out, “How did you know?”

Miriam huffed, “So you all saw Teresa and didn’t bother to tell me? Are you guys trying to freeze me out or what?”

Benny sighed. “It’s not like we wanted to keep it from you. Teresa just asked us not to say anything. I think she was worried you’d get anxious. You two are super close, after all.”

“Do you have Teresa’s number? If you do, give it to me,” Miriam insisted.