Miriam turned to Teresa. “Jonathan only has Mike. Why not just tell him the truth? It won’t hurt the kid.”

Teresa was quiet for a few seconds. Just as she was about to say something, Edward, slumped drunk in the car, mumbled that he wanted some water. Teresa glanced at him before turning back and saying, “You should get him home. I’m heading back too.”

Miriam didn’t push further. “Thanks for today. No need to be so polite with me next time. When I have a kid, I’ll let you babysit too.”

“Deal,” Teresa smiled and watched Miriam leave.

Before Teresa could make it home, Evelyn called her, demanding her money back.

“Which money? The 1.5 million you gave me as an engagement gift?” Teresa asked.

“You didn’t spend it, did you?” Evelyn sighed, sounding a bit disappointed. “If you did, then forget it. I’ll just—”

“I didn’t touch it,” Teresa answered honestly. She’d thought it was Evelyn’s savings and couldn’t bring herself to use it. “Are you coming to pick up Isabel? She’s been asking if you still want her.”

“I can’t go get Isabel right now. Something’s come up. But if you haven’t used the money, can you send it back? I need it for something,” Evelyn said.

“What are you planning to do with it? Please don’t invest again, and don’t let some guy scam you,” Teresa reminded her.

Evelyn grumbled that Teresa was being nosy—she wasn’t a kid.

“Alright, it’s your money anyway, and I don’t have a say in it. I’ll transfer it to you,” Teresa said, not knowing whose money it really was.

Evelyn accepted the money and promised Teresa she’d pick up Isabel as soon as she could. She also said she’d give Teresa 2.6 million for her engagement gift next time, and that she had something to tell Teresa.

As for what it was, no matter how Teresa asked, Evelyn just wouldn’t say.

Sanford’s car was parked at the entrance of Rosary Estates. As soon as Teresa got out of her car, Sanford hurried over. “I’ve been waiting for you for half an hour. I was just about to call you.”

“Do you need something? Today’s not the deadline for the money yet, is it?” Teresa asked, her tone flat.

Sanford shook his head, looking a bit helpless. “I’m not here about money.”

“Didn’t I tell you last time I wanted you to have dinner with me? My friends from Nareigh set up a get-together, and I told them you’re my girlfriend.”

“I tried to reach you a few days ago. But you said you were in Chesburg with Jennifer for the memorial, so I didn’t dare to bother you.”

“You lied, so you figure out how to fix it. I’m not helping you put on a show,” Teresa said expressionlessly.

Sanford blocked her way. “You’re really cold, you know that? You were off in Strico for four or five days, and I was the one taking care of Isabel the whole time.”

Teresa sneered, “Well, that’s just how I am. I’m Jennifer’s sister, after all—guess being cold runs in the family.”

With that, she turned and walked into Rosary Estates. But Sanford kept tailing her. She stopped, not daring to walk toward her building. “Do you have anything else to say?” she asked, her voice alert and wary.

Chapter 416

“If you won’t go to dinner with me, at least let me see Isabel. I brought some treats for her.”

Teresa fell silent. If she let Sanford into her place now, he’d see Michael. She couldn’t risk that—she didn’t trust Sanford.

Sanford looked confused as Teresa hesitated. “Come on, just let me see Isabel. I was basically her dad for five days.”