Jonathan called Christian, who reported he was living with his girlfriend and that Sherry no longer resided at Rosary Estates. Jonathan asked, "What about Teresa?"

"I don't know where she went either. My girlfriend didn't tell me anything," Christian replied.

Jonathan felt something was amiss but couldn't pinpoint it. He waited for her in the residential area all night and even caught a cold. "She moved away and even blocked my number. What is she up to behind my back?"

Teresa had just arrived in Lonisburg with Michael, having already secured an apartment there as a contingency plan. They initially intended to leave Nareigh that night, but Michael's fever returned. During a detour to the hospital for medication, she ran into Benny. She silently prayed he wouldn't reveal her whereabouts to Jonathan.

After two days in Lonisburg, Michael's fever finally subsided. The doctor explained that nighttime overeating could lead to fevers from indigestion and advised Teresa to carefully monitor Michael's diet.

Teresa sighed. "Plain gruel at night is better for you. Jonathan's not doing you any favors letting you eat so much."

Michael huffed. "Mr. Daddy Lime would never hurt me! He's kind and treats me with so much respect."

Teresa clutched her chest dramatically, exclaiming, "You just can't stop talking about him, can you? You're driving me up the wall! Sneaking out, taking a cab alone, not coming home… Do you want to send me straight to the pearly gates?"

Michael glanced around, confused. "What gate?"

Teresa rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Never mind. Just keep pushing me to my grave; at least it'll save on retirement expenses."

Michael snorted. "I'm just looking out for you. We can use Mr. Lime's money, so you don't have to work so hard."

Teresa shot him a sharp look. "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not overwhelmed, I just…"

Teresa didn't even get to finish her sentence; her phone started ringing incessantly. The first call was from Christian, informing her that Jonathan, unaware she had moved, had waited outside her residential area all night. Now, he had a high fever and was absent from work.

Soon after, Benny called. "Why did Jonathan's mom say he has a son? What's going on?"

Teresa knew Benny was probing her but feigned ignorance, pretending she knew nothing about the situation. Miriam also called Teresa.

She said, "Teresa, Jonathan has been to the office several times looking for you. He asked where you were, and I told him you were on a business trip. He also inquired about your moving plans, but I didn't dare say anything. Plus, Sherry mentioned he's had a fever for several days, and no one's taking care of him. Maybe you should come back. Mike can stay with me. I'll help look after him."

Teresa frowned and said she'd think about it.

After hanging up, Teresa turned to find Michael standing behind her, his eyes brimming with tears. "Is Mr. Lime sick?"

Teresa remained silent, watching as tears slipped down Michael's cheeks. "Why isn't the person he likes taking care of him? He told me himself that he has someone he likes."

Taking a deep breath, Teresa still didn't respond. Instead, she walked into the house, booked a flight, and slipped a jacket onto Michael.

"We're going back to Nareigh," Teresa said. "You'll stay at Miriam's house."

"Mommy, are you going to take care of Mr. Lime?" Michael asked. "But Mr. Lime said he doesn't like you."

Teresa glanced at Michael. "Did you tell him my name?"

Michael shook his head. "No, I haven't told him yet. I was worried it might hurt your pride."

Teresa paused and said, "In any case, don't tell him. Promise me that when we go back, you won't sneak out alone or try to find Jonathan by yourself. If you can keep that promise, I'll go back."

Michael nodded eagerly, raising one hand as if taking an oath. "Mommy, I promise I'll behave."