Chapter 73

“Leave Nareigh and never return?” Philip thought, turning to Jonathan. Teresa also looked at Jonathan.

Jonathan remained indifferent, yet an unmistakable air of confidence surrounded him. This wasn't merely about venting his anger; it was a calculated move, designed to benefit Teresa.

Roc Group owned a coveted plot of land in a prime location—an asset many desired. Philip shook his head solemnly. “Roc Group is my life’s work. I’ve poured everything into it.”

Jonathan sneered. “You’ve destroyed your company, and you know bankruptcy is inevitable. Instead of letting another company snatch it up or watching it go to auction, why not hand it over to your daughter?”

He added, “Consider it a small compensation. Whether Teresa will accept it is another matter entirely.”

“I have no reason to reject it,” Teresa said. “You tried to sell me off, and I won’t let that slide. If you transfer Roc Group to me, at least I can preserve the Johnston family’s reputation.”

The name “Johnston” wasn’t just Teresa’s or Philip’s; it was her grandparents’ legacy, built on their hard work and sacrifices. Philip fell silent, covering his face in regret, wondering, “How did it come to this?”

“Sign this.” Jonathan slammed a contract in front of Philip. By signing, Philip would sever all ties with Teresa. Ownership and decision-making authority of Roc Group would transfer entirely to her.

Regardless of whether Roc Group changed its name or ventured into different industries, it would have no further connection to Philip.

Philip gritted his teeth, thinking, ‘How could Jonathan be so calculating? Or is this his true nature?’

In just two years, Jonathan had risen to become the richest man in Nareigh. Philip realized how deeply he had misjudged him. But at this point, words were futile. Backed into a corner, Philip had no other choice.

He sighed. “Fine, I understand. I made my mistakes, and now I’m paying the price. But at least give me enough money to leave the country. I promise I’ll never set foot in Nareigh again.”

“Sure,” Teresa agreed.

As soon as Philip signed, he slumped back in defeat. It was over; he had lost everything.

“Can I have a moment?” Teresa turned to Jonathan, who nodded. Within minutes, Teresa and Philip were the only ones left in the club.

Teresa stared at Philip, wondering how he had fallen so far. Perhaps it all began the day he had an affair, abandoning his first wife and daughter in his relentless pursuit of wealth.

“Do you feel any guilt?” she asked. “You sold your own daughter to a man in his forties for money. Doesn’t your conscience ache even a little?”

Philip smiled wryly. “If you were in my shoes, you’d probably do the same.”

Teresa’s gaze hardened. “No, I wouldn’t. Even if I had nothing, even if it meant going to prison, I would never sell my child. At least then, I’d still have my humanity.”

Only an animal would use their child as a bargaining chip, trading them for money. This wasn’t ancient times, yet it had happened to Teresa.

Teresa picked up the contract, a final tear slipping down her cheek for the father she had once known. After today, they would no longer be family. “If my sister knew the kind of man you truly are, she’d be heartbroken.”

This was a long-held secret; Teresa had an older sister, two years her senior. When Teresa was three, her sister disappeared and was never found. The police concluded she must have fallen off a cliff and perished.

At the time, Teresa was too young to remember much about her sister. What she did recall was Evelyn crying uncontrollably, while Philip remained strangely indifferent, not shedding a single tear. It became clear to Teresa that some men’s hearts were truly made of stone.

Philip’s gaze shifted uncomfortably. “It’s been years since what happened to your sister. Let’s not revisit it.”

“From now on, you’re on your own.” With that, Teresa turned and left.

Once Teresa got into the car, the warmth of the heater and a cup of hot coffee eased her mind. “Thank you for your help today. I feel much better.”

“You’re welcome,” Jonathan replied.

Teresa glanced at him, falling silent. Roc Group would now be renamed Teresouth Group, and she had a long road ahead of her.