Chapter 330

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Unlike that hazy , out – of – it feeling , Jonathan’s presence was sharp and intense , carrying an undeniable dominance . As Jonathan kissed Teresa , it was like he already knew exactly which hand she’d use to push him away . He caught her hand and wrapped it up in his .
That one kiss was enough to make Teresa’s whole body go weak . She could only lean back against the kitchen counter for support . “ Wait … Turn off the stove , ” she stammered , catching sight of the pot of ribs steaming away.
Jonathan reached behind her and turned off the gas , both hands circling her waist . “ This fire’s easy to put out ,” he said with a smirk , “ but the one you started in me ? That’s not going anywhere . ”
Teresa froze , suddenly realizing what he meant . She didn’t even know how to curse him out . He was clearly the one making all the moves , but now she was the one with a racing heart and jelly legs .
And Jonathan never seemed to age . Even after being divorced for so long , sometimes when she looked at his face , it still felt like the first time they met . He was still handsome and heart – stopping .
“ Can I stay over tonight ? ” Jonathan took advantage of her dazed state , nuzzling her fragrant neck , his voice low and hoarse .
“ No , ” Teresa managed to refuse .
“ That night , I was drugged . We’ve both paid each other back , so let’s just keep things as they are . ” She could only turn on the faucet behind her and run cold water over her hands , trying to cool herself down .
They got swept up in the moment , especially when Jonathan knew her body so well . She wasn’t some saint who could just turn off her feelings .
Jonathan didn’t push it any further . He picked up his jacket from beside him and said , “ Come see me at Apex Group . I’ll be waiting . ” Then he left .
Not long after he left , Jonathan sent Teresa a message , [ I left in a rush , and the ribs aren’t done yet . I set out all the seasonings for you , but I think I forgot the star anise . You know what star anise is , right ? ]
Teresa rummaged around but couldn’t find any . [ What’s star anise ? Is it some animal ? ]
[ You’re hilarious , ] Jonathan replied . [ Just look it up online . There should be pictures . ]
Teresa searched for star anise and finally realized what it was . She messaged Jonathan , [ Why is this flower – shaped thing called star anise ? ]
[ See if it looks like a star , ] he replied . Teresa observed and realized why . Not only did she make less money than him , now she also lost out to him in basic life knowledge . Teresa couldn’t help but roll her eyes at herself .
At the same time , over in the Nareigh family group chat , George – Edward’s dad – sent a bunch of photos . [ Is this Jonathan’s car ? ]
The pictures showed Jonathan coming out of a shopping mall in Everport , carrying shopping bags . His Maybach was parked nearby , and right next to him was a tall woman with a graceful figure . Even from behind , she looked stunning .
Heidi tagged Irene . [ Irene , take a look . Is that Jonathan’s car ? And who’s the woman with him ? Did he get himself a new girlfriend ? ]
Irene only saw the messages after being tagged . This was her family’s group chat , but Jonathan wasn’t in it , so she couldn’t ask him directly . She thought , ‘ No wonder he’s been in Everport for so long . Turns out he’s fallen for some new girl .’
She studied the photo . The woman’s back looked elegant and classy , her hair casually pinned up , her neck long and fair . Irene sent a voice message , [ George , where did you see Jonathan ? I don’t know her . Did you get a shot of her face ? ]
George replied , [ Irene , I couldn’t get her face . This was at a mall in Everport . I saw Jonathan shopping and wanted to say hi , but he drove off in a hurry , so I didn’t get the chance . ]
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Irene said , [ He’s been busy in Everport and hasn’t come back to Nareigh for a while . Maybe he really does have a new girlfriend , I’ll ask him when hea back . )
Irene zoomed in on the photo and studied it for a while . The more she looked at the woman’s back , the more she thought it looked like Teresa , but sho quickly dismissed the idea . She’d always thought Teresa was still in Fernlandia .
So this couldn’t possibly be Teresa . She believed Jonathan had finally moved on and wouldn’t be hung up on Teresa anymore .
Meanwhile , Edward was quietly lurking in the group chat . After reading through the messages , he sent the photo to his girlfriend , Miriam . ( Miriam , take a look . Who does the woman next to Jonathan look like ? ]
Miriam called him , “ That’s Teresa , isn’t it ? I’m sure it’s her . Where did you get this photo ? ”
“ My dad went to Everport to see a friend , just happened to run into Jonathan , and snapped a picture for the family group chat , Irene even thought he had a new girlfriend .”
Hearing that , Miriam shot back , “ No way Jonathan would be with another woman . That back view is definitely Teresa . I’d never mistake her . ” She was angry that Jonathan kept Teresa’s whereabouts from her .
Without wasting a second , Miriam called Jonathan , “ Hey , Jonathan , you traitor ! You saw Teresa , didn’t you ? ”
Jonathan stayed cool , playing dumb . “ What do you mean ? Where is she ? ”
“ In Everport , obviously ! Don’t even try to tell me you don’t know . Edward’s dad – my future father – in – law – saw you there and took a picture . I just sent it to you , take a look . ”
Miriam sent Jonathan the photo , with the name of the mall sign front and center .
She kept pressing , “ Don’t even try to say that’s not Teresa . Even if it’s just her back , I know it’s her . If that’s not Teresa , I’ll eat crap ! ”
But Jonathan was as unfazed as ever . “ Go ask Benny , not me . ” Then he hung up , saying he was busy and didn’t have time to chat .
Miriam realized that Benny also knew where Teresa was .
So she was the only one who was kept in the dark . Then she thought maybe Jennifer didn’t know either . That thought made her feel a bit better .
Benny started playing dumb too . “ I just happened to run into Teresa once . Only saw her that one time , and that was it . ”
Miriam wasn’t buying it . “ Was it in Everport ? ”
Benny blurted out , “ How did you know ? ”
Miriam huffed , “ So you all saw Teresa and didn’t bother to tell me ? Are you guys trying to freeze me out or what ? ”
Benny let out a sigh . “ It’s not like we wanted to keep it from you . Teresa just asked us not to say anything . I think she was worried you’d get anxious . You two are super close , after all . ”
“ Do you have Teresa’s number ? If you do , give it to me , ” Miriam insisted .
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