Chapter 76

Teresa returned after eight o'clock that evening and, with great interest, asked Sherry if she was dating, noting the youthful glow on her face.

Sherry blushed. "No, no, I just added him on WhatsApp."

"Oh, who is it? Where did you meet a guy right under my nose?" Teresa probed.

"It's Mike…" Sherry paused, leaving Teresa puzzled.

Teresa wondered, "Who is it? Michael?"

Sherry shook her head, her face still rosy. "It's nothing. Teresa, I'm truly grateful for the new job and place to stay. I'm thankful to Mike, too."

If it hadn't been for Michael, she wouldn't have met Christian. Teresa and her son were truly her lucky stars!

Sherry silently vowed to continue being kind to Teresa and Michael and to strive for self-improvement.

Teresa chuckled, noticing Sherry seemed unusually subdued. Because Sherry had promised Michael not to tell Teresa about his work at Horizonlead Group, she quickly changed the subject and talked about work with Teresa.

The founding of Teresa's new company marked a fresh start for her. Truman also congratulated her on the achievement. Teresa had promised to treat Truman to dinner, and she did. Truman brought her violets, and Teresa thanked him.

"Weren't you leaving Nareigh? Changed your mind?" Truman asked.

"Yeah," Teresa replied. She wasn't planning on leaving for now.

Truman's eyes flickered. "What about Mike? Aren't you worried his dad might see him?" he asked.

Teresa reassured him, "I'll keep Mike safe."

Seeing Teresa's determination, Truman said nothing more.

The two left the restaurant together when a voice called, "Teresa!" A Maserati pulled up, and the window rolled down, revealing Benny.

Benny glanced at Truman, appraising him, before Truman decided to leave.

Teresa got into Benny's car and saw a snowboard in the backseat. "I've been snowboarding," Benny explained.

This reminded Teresa of something Michael had said, and she laughed at the memory.

Chapter 76 (continued)

"Why are you laughing?" Benny chuckled along with her. "Can't I go skiing?"

"It's nothing," she said, composing herself.

Benny clicked his tongue. "Was that your new lover? I have to say, he's not as good-looking as me, and not as handsome as Jonathan!"

He added, "That guy seems a bit fake, too. I wonder if he really likes you, but I know Jonathan has genuine feelings for you. Remember your dad's company transfer agreement? Jonathan got me to help with that."

Teresa sighed. "You really have a lot to say! When did I ever say he's my new lover? You're always making things up. What do you want me to say?"

Benny chuckled. "Why not reconcile with Jonathan? He's wealthy now. You'd live comfortably with him. I still can't understand why you just won't remarry him."

Teresa leaned her head against the back of the chair, arms crossed. "I'm done with marriage. Being single is so much nicer. There's no more hassle with in-law issues."

Benny thought, 'In-law issues? Yeah, Jonathan's mom isn't exactly easygoing. She's a tough one to handle.'

Teresa needed to prepare for her company's opening ceremony the day after tomorrow. So, she invited Benny to participate. He said, "I'll pass on this one. You should invite Jonathan instead."

After dropping Teresa off at the entrance to her residential area, Benny drove away. Once Teresa had dinner, she texted Jonathan to see if he was available.

Jonathan replied: [It depends.]

Teresa pondered before typing: [Please come. You helped me establish Teresouth Group. You're my benefactor, and your presence would give my company more exposure. I really hope you can come.]

Jonathan texted: [Say something nicer.]

He wasn't impressed.

Teresa was always able to adapt in moments like this. Besides, Jonathan had indeed helped her greatly. She owed him a lot, but he refused to accept money from her.

She wrote: [Oh, dearest Jonathan, please show up at my opening ceremony.]

She found no problem with her phrasing.

Yet, when Jonathan saw the message, he chuckled, though bitterness clouded his expression. He recalled intimate moments with her before their divorce, feeling playful as he'd bite her neck and make her call him her beloved Jonathan. "Honey, okay, okay. Fine. I'll do as you say. You're my beloved Jonathan," Teresa would say.

Now, that sweet, lively Teresa was able to handle things on her own.

Jonathan sent: [Okay.] Then, he flipped his phone over and continued working.

Chapter 77 (Introduction)

Teresa rose early on the day of the opening ceremony. She put on a white suit, did her makeup at home, and styled her hair in an updo.

"Mommy, Mommy!" Michael was up bright and early, running over to ask Teresa whether he looked better in a black suit or a blue one.

Teresa was curious. "Why are you going to the opening ceremony?"

"Sherry told me Mr. Lime will be there, so I'm going with you!" Michael grinned.