Chapter 418
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After a couple of seconds , Teresa said , “ Jennifer’s watching Isabel today , so she’s not home . I can go to dinner with you , but you have to make it clear to your friends that I’m not your girlfriend . ”
“ Deal ,” Sanford agreed , a glint flashing in his eyes as he glanced at his watch . “ So , are we going over now , or do you want to go get changed first ? ”
Teresa said , “ I’ll go freshen up . Wait for me in the car – no need to come upstairs .”
“ Alright .” Sanford finally stopped following her .
After Teresa got home , she realized she couldn’t call Miriam tonight – Edward was drunk , and Miriam was busy taking care of him .
Teresa turned to Michael and said , “ Honey , I need to step out for a bit , but I’ll be back soon . If you’re scared to be home alone , I’ll ask Aunt Jennifer to come watch you and Isabel . ”
“ No ! ” Michael and Isabel shook their heads almost in unison .
Michael patted his chest . “ Mom , I can take care of Aunt Isabel . Just come back soon , and watch out for bad guys .”
Isabel bounced on the couch . “ No , I don’t want her ! She’s so mean , and she’s always yelling at you . Don’t ask her to come . ”
But honestly , besides Jennifer and Miriam , Teresa didn’t have anyone else she could count on to watch the kids .
Sherry hadn’t come back . The last time Teresa had spoken to her , Sherry had mentioned that Christian’s mom was battling late – stage cancer and didn’t have much time left . Teresa couldn’t possibly bother her during such a tough time .
As Sanford was getting impatient waiting at the door , Teresa finally headed downstairs and got into the car . Sanford glanced over at her in the passenger seat – her hair loosely tied back , a light beige V – neck top showing off her fair collarbones .
“ Why aren’t you wearing the dress you wore at Jennifer’s engagement ? It looked amazing on you , ” Sanford said .
“ It’s not a celebration tonight . Why would I wear it ? ” Teresa replied .
Sanford mustered his courage , reached out , and grabbed her hand . “ Are you really not going to give us a shot ? ”
With a sharp smack , Teresa slapped his hand away . “ Touch me again and I’ll call the cops – and I’ll tell Jennifer you’re harassing me . ”
Sanford fell silent .
They pulled up to Harmony Garden in Nareigh , a swanky restaurant famous for its fancy , old – school cuisine . The place was a splurge – minimum spend was fifteen grand – and it was the perfect spot for birthday or engagement parties .
It was one of the oldest restaurants in the city . Teresa had only been here once or twice – definitely not a regular .
There were already a few guys waiting in the restaurant . A man with glasses greeted Sanford with a handshake and a friendly pat on the shoulder . “ You
finally made it here , bro . ”
Sanford introduced Teresa , “ This is my college buddy’s little sister , Teresa . ”
“ Oh , so this is your girlfriend ? You mentioned her on the phone – she’s even prettier in person , ” the man said .
Sanford didn’t deny it .
Teresa rolled her eyes – she knew better than to trust anything he said . She quickly explained , “ I’m not his girlfriend , just a friend . He said he had a business friend and insisted on introducing me to a potential business partner .”
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SU May
Sanford was caught off guard . He’d never said that , but by pure luck , the guy in glasses really was in business ,
The man adjusted his glasses . “ Now that I look closer , you do seem familiar . Aren’t you the boss of Teresouth Group ? ”
That was when Teresa realized this was Chase Shelton , son of the chairman of Chase Group , one of Nareigh’s oldest companies .
Just then , Chase’s phone rang . He quickly said , “ Sanford , you two go ahead and sit . I need to head downstairs to pick someone up . ”
Sanford narrowed his eyes . “ Who’s important enough that you , a general manager , have to greet them in person ? ”
Chase clicked his tongue . “ Come on , you know who it is . Didn’t I tell you ? It’s the boss of Horizonlead Group . ”