Chapter 371

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Cathy glanced at her husband , Werner , hoping he would say something . Werner spoke up . “ Dad , just bring Cheryl over . Forget about Teresa , Jonathan a already here . It would be too awkward if she came . ”
“ Jonathan can leave . Teresa needs to be here , ” Hayden insisted , his expression unwavering . “ Today , everyone has to be present . If even one is missing . I
won’t eat .
“ Even if you made a fool of yourselves in front of Evelyn , it has nothing to do with me . You figure it out .”
Werner and Cathy exchanged helpless looks . They had no choice but to call Teresa , who repeated her refusal .
“ Mrs. Lynn , Jonathan is there , and so is Irene . It’s just too awkward for me to go . My mom is already there , right ? Her presence is enough . She can speak for me , ” Teresa said .
“ It’s Mr. Hayden Lynn’s wish . He misses you and wants
Teresa was silent for a few seconds .
to
see
you. He insists that you come over ,” Cathy replied .
“ Mrs. Lynn , please tell Mr. Hayden Lynn I’m really sorry , but I can’t make it today , ” Teresa said before hanging up .
Shortly after Teresa’s call ended , Cheryl called ?
“ Teresa , what should I do ?
“ It’s the first time the two families are meeting for dinner , and I said I wouldn’t come back , but Grandpa insists I return and even wants to send someone to get me . Teresa , you have to help me . You have to talk to Grandpa for me . ”
“ How can I help when I’m not even there ? ” Teresa replied .
“ Oh ? ” Cheryl was on the verge of tears . “ I thought you were there . Grandpa dotes on you and listens to you . I definitely can’t go back now . What if my water breaks on the way ? What do I do ? ”
“ Sorry . Why don’t you talk to Jennifer ? She may help ,” Teresa suggested .
“ Jennifer is so harsh . I never chat with her . I don’t even know what Donald sees in her . All I can do is wish Donald well . What am I supposed to do ? ” Cheryl
wailed .
If the Lynn family took Cheryl back now , everything would be ruined .
Teresa said , “ Tough luck . ”
Cheryl huffed . “ Teresa , don’t be like that . We’re in this together . If I can’t keep my secret , I won’t be able to keep Mike’s secret either . ”
“ Are you threatening me , Cheryl ? ” Teresa said , taken aback .
“ We both are in the same boat . You know what I mean , right ? ” Cheryl replied .
Teresa was momentarily stunned .
At the restaurant , Cathy told Hayden the truth . Hayden took the phone and spoke to Teresa .
Teresa thought it was still Cathy calling , but she heard Hayden’s voice . “ Teresa , it’s me . Are you really not coming ? Jennifer and your mom are both here . I’ll get Jonathan to leave . You won’t have to feel awkward . ”
“ It’s not that , Mr. Lynn . I’m really busy . I can’t make it . I’ll come to see you another day , ” Teresa said .
“ Humph . ” Hayden didn’t believe her . “ Don’t lie to re . I know you’re just avoiding the awkwardness . ”
While calling Teresa , Hayden patted Jonathan’s shoulder . “ You better leave . Otherwise , Teresa will feel awkward when she comes . ”
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Jonathan was taken aback for a moment .
Teresa furrowed her brow . “ Mr. Lynn , really , it’s not necessary-
Hayden cut Teresa off . “ He’s already gone . He said he had something urgent at the company . You should come . It’s been so long since I fast save you !
Teresa sighed in frustration . “ Mr. Lynn ,
putting me in a tough spot . I really can’t come
After all , even if Jonathan left , Irene would still be there .
She said , “ I’ll come to see you another day when I’m free . Please don’t wait for me . Enjoy your meal .
“ And let Jonathan come back . I didn’t mean to
him away . This is the Lynn family’s celebration . He should be here . ”
Hayden said helplessly , “ No – no . It would be great if you came today . Just wait . ”
From the other end of the line came a burst of noisy chatter , and then the call was disconnected .
After hanging up , Teresa was somewhat dazed , unsure of what she was supposed to be waiting for .
“ Mommy , ” Michael asked her , “ What’s wrong ? Who called ? ”
“ Nobody important . Just someone inviting me to a party , ” she said .
“ Wow , a party . I saw videos of people at parties looking so happy . I want to go too . ” Michael tugged at Teresa’s hand . “ Let’s go together . Then you won’t have to cook dinner . ”
Teresa was taken aback for a moment .
Before long , her phone rang again . Teresa declined the call . ‘ I have already said I wouldn’t go . Why’s Irene still calling ? ‘ she wondered .
However , Irene called several more times . Seeing Michael waiting in the room for the meal to start , Teresa went to her room to answer the call .
Irene cleared her throat . “ It’s me . ”
“ What do you want ? ” said Teresa .
“ We are at Horizonlead Hotel . Get here quickly . Everyone from the Lynn family is waiting for you . Hayden said he won’t eat if you don’t come . He’s throwing a tantrum . ” Irene sounded gloomy .
“ I’m not coming . ” Teresa suddenly felt a sense of relief . “ I won’t attend any of the Lynn family’s events . ”
Irene took a deep breath . “ This time , you should come . It’s Jennifer’s engagement . You should be here . It’s so rude to be absent . You are her sister . ”
“ It doesn’t matter . Bye- ” Teresa didn’t care .
“ Wait . ” Irene gritted her teeth . “ You have to come . Hayden insisted that I call you personally , or he’ll blame me . ”
“ Whatever . I’m not part of the Lynn family anymore . Why should I care about you , Irene ? ” Teresa said .
Irene was stunned for a moment . Although she was extremely reluctant and unwilling , she couldn’t forget Hayden’s domineering and aggressive demeanor . Irene had no choice but to endure it . “ Please . We’re all waiting for you . ”
Teresa frowned . ‘ Has Cheryl gone already ? ‘ she wondered .
Irene continued , “ Teresa , I’m begging you . What more do you want ? This is about Jennifer and Donald . Come here , okay ? ”
“ Why should I risk saying something wrong and getting snapped at by you ? It’s not worth it, ” Teresa said .
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370
“ You- ” Irene could clearly hear the sarcasm in Teresa’s voice ..
“ I can’t control what I say today , but for the sake of the Lynn family and Hayden’s face , you should show up , right ? Just come , okay ? That’s it , ” the sighed .
Teresa was silent for a few seconds . “ Since you’re begging me like this , you have to come downstairs and greet me personally when I arrive at the restaurant . I’ll think about it and come over . ”
“ You- ” Irene’s nails were digging into her palm , cursing Teresa a hundred times in her mind . “ Fine , today you’re the guest . Whatever . Call me when you get here . ”
Teresa quickly tidied up and was about to leave when Michael asked , “ Mommy , you’re going to the party . Take me with you . ”
Teresa said , “ No , baby , you can’t go . ”
Michael clung tightly to Teresa’s leg . “ Bad mommy . You never bring me to a party .”