Chapter 90

Miriam asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you rushing to move? Did something happen?”

Teresa briefly explained that Michael had snuck out to Horizonlead Group. Miriam’s jaw dropped in shock. She didn’t expect Michael to be bold enough to sneak away to find his father. Impressed by his courage, she wondered if he even knew the way.

Christian hurried over as well. He was supposed to help Sherry with her move, but Jonathan had taken Michael away. Sherry quickly said, “Teresa, don’t be mad. I’ll give him a few kicks on your behalf.” Christian winced. Teresa exasperatedly said, “Enough. We still need Christian’s help. I’ll come up with an excuse, and you call Jonathan to get him to bring Michael back quickly.”

Meanwhile, at Fores Restaurant, Jonathan politely asked Michael about his food preferences. Surprisingly, they both disliked spicy food. Jonathan called over the waiter. “We’ll have the smoked duck breast, stewed beef brisket, caramelized pork, and three of your signature vegetarian dishes. Make sure they’re not spicy, and we’d like some bread as well.”

“Yes, sir. What kind of bread would you like?” the waiter asked.

“Bring us a basket of each one you have,” Jonathan replied.

“Certainly, sir. Your food will be served soon,” the waiter said.

As soon as the waiter left, Jonathan’s phone rang. It was Christian. Jonathan answered.

Christian babbled, “Mr. Lynn, it’s Christian. My girlfriend found out you took Michael out to eat, and she hit and yelled at me! She said I don’t know my place and shouldn’t have let you buy him a meal. The kid’s mom said Mike is quite a handful. She feels really bad about it and insisted I pick him up!”

Christian paused and added, “Where are you and Mike now? I’ll come over to pick him up. I’m really sorry for the trouble.”

“I don’t mind,” Jonathan said. “We’ve just ordered the food. I’ll take him home when we’re done.”

Teresa gave Christian a look, signaling him to continue. Christian switched to speakerphone and added, “Mr. Lynn, maybe he should go home for dinner instead? His mom has already cooked.”

Jonathan paused. “I’ll ask him about it.” He handed the phone to Michael and asked, “Your mom’s already made dinner. Do you want to go home to eat?”

“No, I don’t want to!” Michael shook his head vehemently. “Mom only makes gruel for me. I’ve had enough of that. I want to have dinner with Mr. Daddy Lime.”

Teresa was so angry she almost grabbed the phone to berate Michael. If Miriam hadn’t held her back, Teresa would have.

Jonathan explained, “Michael said he wanted some bread, so I brought him here to eat. I’ll take him back later. I’m familiar with the roads at Rosary Estates.”

Christian licked his lips. “Um… Sorry for troubling you, Mr. Lynn.” He hung up.

Teresa couldn’t hold back any longer. She grabbed her coat and car keys, ready to pick up Michael herself. Miriam grabbed her arm. “You shouldn’t go. From what Jonathan said, I think he still doesn’t know you’re Mike’s mom. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so calm.”

Teresa said worriedly, “I’m just worried that if he asks Michael about me, Michael will spill the beans.”

“That won’t happen. Don’t you know how your ex-husband is by now? He isn’t the type to put his nose where it doesn’t belong—much less try to dig information about you from a child,” Miriam reassured her.

Sherry agreed, “Teresa, you really shouldn’t go. Just pack your things for the move. When Mr. Lynn brings Mike back, I’ll head downstairs to welcome them.”

Chapter 91