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Chase hurried out after finishing speaking .
Teresa looked at Sanford , who was already sitting down with a faint smile on his lips , and frowned . “ Horizonlead Group ? Why didn’t you tell me Jonathan’d be here ? ”
Sanford took a sip of coffee and grabbed her wrist . “ I just found out myself . Come on , sit down . ”
Teresa pressed him , “ What are you up to ? You knew he was my ex – husband . Do you have any idea how awkward this is for me ? ”
Sanford spread his hands helplessly . “ Hey , my friend set this up . It’s not like I can just kick people out , right ? ”
But now , it was too late for Teresa to leave – Jonathan was approaching .
Teresa glanced down at her phone and realized Jonathan had actually messaged her half an hour ago : [ I’m heading back to Nareigh today ) , along with his flight info . But at that time , she was in Sanford’s car and never saw it .
She looked up and saw Jonathan , wearing a black jacket , standing just a few steps away .
Teresa could see a flicker of confusion in Jonathan’s eyes . She pressed her lips together , thinking her best bet was to get out of here as soon as possible .
But Sanford caught her arm again , refusing to let her go. “ We haven’t even eaten yet . You promised you’d stay and finish dinner with me . ”
Jonathan stared at Sanford’s hand , a storm brewing in his eyes .
“ Mr. Lynn , please , have a seat , ” Chase said quickly . “ Let me introduce you – this is my friend . His mother was once the heiress of the legendary Onlyora Group in Nareigh .”
About 30 years ago , Onlyora Group was a fashion powerhouse , with stores all over the country . But for some reason , it faded from the spotlight in recent
years .
People only heard that the lady boss of Onlyora had retired to Shaville to enjoy her later years .
Sanford straightened his clothes and stood up , formally introducing himself for the first time in front of Jonathan . “ I’m Sanford Thomas , my mom Liora’s
son . ”
Teresa couldn’t help but find his introduction a little funny – it was the first time she’d heard anyone introduce themselves like that .
“ Jonathan Lynn , ” Jonathan said , walking over and then looking toward Teresa . “ What are you doing here ? ”
Before Teresa could answer , Chase asked , puzzled . “ Mr. Lynn , do you know this lady ? ”
Jonathan fixed his gaze on Teresa , a faint smile tugging at his lips . “ She’s my ex – wife . ”
Chase was stunned , stammering , “ I – I’ve been overseas for years . I really didn’t know this was yours . ” He shot Sanford a look , demanding to know what
was going on .
Sanford pulled Teresa into his arms protectively . “ Teresa’s my girlfriend now . ”
As he spoke , he pulled up his phone and showed Jonathan the record of Teresa sending him money . “ Did she ever send you money like this ? Oh , yo loaded – no way you need a woman to send you cash , right ? ”
Teresa felt like she had to explain herself right then .
But Jonathan spoke first , his tone cool and calm . “ Ineed to take her to the hospital for a checkup . There’s a good chance she’s pregnant – with my child . ”
Chase and the others , who’d been too scared to speak , all sucked in a sharp breath .
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Just as Teresa was about to stand up , Sanford suddenly slammed his hand on the table and said , “ No way Teress would have a baby withhei She already gave me a daughter . ”
The bystanders gasped , looking quite stunned .
Jonathan’s gaze was sharp and probing , locked right on Teresa .
Teresa couldn’t hold back anymore . She impatiently shook off Sanford’s arm . “ Are you insane ? Since when did I have your kid ? ”
Sanford finally let out a breath and tried to comfort Teresa . “ I’m just pissed off . Scum like him – abandoning his wife and kid , never taking responsibility ”
Then he turned to Jonathan . “ From now on , your wife and your kid are mine . Feeling angry now , huh ? That’s what you Lynns deserve .”
Jonathan waited for Sanford to finish , then asked Teresa . “ How come I never knew I had a daughter ? You had a daughter with me ? ”
“ He’s just making stuff up , ” Teresa said before turning to Sanford . “ Are you out of your mind ? What nonsense are you spouting ? ”
Sanford looked at Teresa . “ I’m just standing up for you . You said you’d marry me , and I’ll treat your kid like my own . ”
“ Can you just shut up ? What kid ? When did I say I’d marry you ? ” Teresa snapped .
“ You said you’d think about it . You even sent me money , ” Sanford insisted .
“ I never said that . ” Teresa glared at him .
Jonathan’s face darkened as the two chatted “ intimately . ” He said to Chase , “ I’ve got things to do . I’m not sticking around for this meal , ” and turned to
leave .
Chase hurried after him . “ Mr. Lynn , please let me explain . My friend was out of line- ” But in the end , Chase could only come back looking defeated and said to Sanford , “ Jonathan looked really pissed . ”
Teresa glared at Sanford . “ So this was your plan ? You wanted to use me just to get under Jonathan’s skin ? Unbelievable . You can just go back to Shaville since you’re not from here , but I actually have to live in Nareigh . ” With that , she stormed off .
Sanford took a deep breath , sipped his coffee , and tried to steady himself .
Chase looked at him and asked , Chase looked at him and asked , “ What’s up ? Why did things get so heated between you and Jonathan ? What’s this whole pregnancy and kid story ? ”
Sanford waved it off . “ Just forget what I said . I was just talking nonsense . ”
“ Nonsense ? Sanford , I thought we were friends , but you must be out of your mind . That’s the chairman of Horizonlead Group ! Do you know how hard it was for me to get him here ? How are you going to make this up to me ? ” Chase snapped .
– “ Whatever you want for compensation , I’ll pay . I’ll just leave it at that . I’m heading out – I’m really not in the mood today . ” Sanford grabbed his coat and
left .
Jonathan was just about to leave the parking lot when Teresa came running after him . The hard lines of his face softened slightly – he clearly ha expected her to chase him down . He popped open the passenger door . “ Get in . ”
Teresa got in and quickly explained , “ I’m innocent . I barely know Sanford , and I had no idea he’d say all that tonight . Don’t think I’d ever get mixed up with someone like him . ”
“ Okay , I’ve got two questions , ” Jonathan said . “ First , why did you transfer money to Sanford ? ”
Teresa paused . “ That’s between me and him . I don’t have to tell you . ”
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A private matter , huh ? ‘ Jonathan’s face darkened . “ Now , my second question he claims labandoned my wife and daughter . Did you have my chilar daughter ? ”
Teresa replied flatly , “ How could I possibly have your child ? ”
“ Oh really ? Look me in the eye and say that , ” Jonathan challenged .
Teresa stared straight into his eyes and said honestly , “ How could I have your daughter ? ”
Jonathan still looked doubtful . “ Then what did he mean ? ”