Chapter 74
Miriam comforted Teresa, reminding her that while she had lost a despicable father, she had gained the company. Though struggling, the opportunity to revamp it felt almost like a fresh start. Teresa agreed. She had acquired the land, the prime location, and the storefront. There was no reason to fear starting anew.
Sherry decided to join Teresa at Teresouth Group and asked, “What about Michael?”
Michael quickly responded, “Mommy, you go ahead. I’ll stay home and be good.” Teresa, preoccupied with the company's renovation, reminded him to behave before leaving.
Meanwhile, Sherry prepared to resign. The newly appointed director tried to persuade her to stay, praising her skills and dedication. Sherry, however, was firm. “Please don’t waste your time trying to convince me. The salary is too low, and we often work late. Honestly, even the cattle in the field don’t work this hard. I’m going to work with Teresa. She’s offering me a managerial position.”
Everyone in the office was surprised. They knew Teresa had started her own company, Teresouth Group. The name alone sounded impressive, focusing on fashion, cosmetics, and women’s jewelry. It was a truly women-centered business.
“Sherry, we’d like to work for Teresa too. Do you think she’d hire us?” someone asked. No one wanted to stay at NewEdge Média, where salaries were low and the work grueling.
Sherry replied, “For those of you who slandered or insulted Teresa, forget about it. A person’s character determines the position they deserve. Maybe those who haven’t spoken against her still stand a chance.”
Those who had criticized Teresa now regretted their words. They had joined in thoughtlessly, swept up in the frenzy of rumors.
Meanwhile, Michael was home alone, flipping through a newly purchased business magazine from Nareigh. He carefully cut out a picture of Jonathan and pasted it into his notebook. “If only Mr. Lime were my daddy,” Michael thought. His curiosity led him to Google, where he typed: [Google, how can I make someone my daddy?]
Google responded with: [Do a DNA test to find out.]
“A DNA test?” Michael thought. He scrolled down, puzzled by unfamiliar words, prompting him to switch to voice mode. Google recited, “To conduct a DNA test, you need to collect a sample from the person, such as their hair or personal belongings, and take it to a hospital for testing. This will help determine if they’re your biological father.”
Michael didn’t really understand. Grasping money from his piggy bank, he rushed out to catch a taxi to Horizonlead Group, twenty minutes away. This was his second visit, and he was familiar with the route.
He approached the front desk. “Hello, I’m here to meet Mr. Lime,” he said, his adorable voice drawing the employees’ attention. The receptionists began whispering.
“Isn’t this the kid Mr. Lynn’s grandpa brought in last time?” one asked.
Another receptionist answered, “Could he be Mr. Lynn’s son? He looks a lot like him.”
A third voice chimed in, “I don’t think so. If he were Mr. Lynn’s son, why wouldn’t Mr. Lynn bring him to the office himself? Why would he let such a young kid come all the way here alone?”
The first receptionist nodded. “Good point.”
One of them crouched down, asking, “Kid, is there something you need from our CEO?”
“I…” Michael hesitated.
“What’s going on here?” Christian Dunn, Jonathan’s personal secretary and assistant, approached. The receptionist quickly explained, “This young boy is here to see Mr. Lime… No, Mr. Lynn.”
“Oh, you’re the kid who doesn’t drink milk, just like Mr. Lynn.” Christian chuckled.
Michael nodded. “Mr. Dunn, can you take me to see Mr. Lime? I need something from him.”
Christian asked Michael what he wanted, and Michael replied, “A strand of his hair.”
“Huh?” Christian was surprised. He had expected something more typical, like a toy car or model. A strand of hair was utterly unexpected. He was amused. “Kid, what do you need Mr. Lynn’s hair for?”
“Google says if I do an ADN test, Mr. Lime could become my daddy,” Michael replied.
“An ADN test?” Christian thought, confused. “Kid, do you mean a DNA test?”
“Yes, that’s the one,” Michael said.
Christian asked, “Who’s your mom?”
If Michael’s mother wasn’t Teresa, there would be no need for a DNA test. From what he knew of Jonathan, the man would never have allowed another woman the chance to bear his child; unless, of course, it was Teresa. Otherwise, a test might have been required. Michael opened his mouth to speak.