Chapter 426

Teresa’s heart skipped a beat . She had no idea why Jonathan was suddenly so hung up on whether she was pregnant – maybe he was just getting older Keeping her cool , she said , “ I’m really not pregnant . ”
Jonathan didn’t even look up from his magazine , his words dripping with meaning . “ After all the work I’ve put into this company , I guess I’ll just have to pass it down to Donald’s son , or maybe Edward’s . ”
Teresa asked , “ So you’re not planning to get remarried ? ”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow . “ Didn’t I tell you last time ? You get married , my mom gets married , and maybe then I’ll think about it .”
“ Let your mom go first . I haven’t found anyone suitable yet , ” Teresa replied .
“ Keep looking , ” Jonathan snapped the magazine shut , his tone sour . “ Take your time , and make sure you find someone better than me in every way , someone you’ll fall for so hard you can’t get back up . ”
Teresa was speechless .
When they arrived in Shaville , a black Bentley pulled up to pick up Jonathan .
Teresa asked , “ Where are we staying ? ”
“ I’ve got a villa in Quietia . Had someone clean it up already , ” Jonathan replied .
“ How many villas do you even own ? ”
“ Just investments ,” Jonathan said , still focused on his paperwork .
Teresa asked again , “ What time are we going to the business event ? ”
“ Six thirty . ”
As he was busy , Teresa didn’t press further . Her phone buzzed twice it was a message from Jennifer : [ Sanford’s back in Shaville . Want me to have him help you with your
accommodation ? ]
Teresa replied : [ Hannah , if you keep meddling in my business , I’ll just block
you
again . ]
[ I’m just worried about you . You’re so heartless , ] Jennifer shot back .
‘ Heartless ? Whatever . ‘ Teresa couldn’t even be bothered to get mad . If she did , she’d only hurt herself – and the baby inside her .
Before Jonathan and Teresa went in for the evening party , he offered her his arm . “ You don’t have an invitation . You can’t get in without me . ”
Teresa figured he was right , so she took his arm . His assistant stepped up and showed the invitation .
The staff at the door made a gesture . “ Mr. and Mrs. Lynn , please come in . ”
Teresa looked back , confused . “ Why did he call me Mrs. Lynn ? Does he think I’m your wife or something ? ”
Jonathan didn’t bother to explain , and Teresa didn’t press the issue .
Doing business was an art . Jonathan told Teresa to stick with him and not wander off .
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After a quick trip to the restroom , Teresa spotted a female CEO she’d been wanting to work with . Without telling Jonathan , she went ove chatting . By the time Jonathan walked over , they were already talking contract details .
Jonathan’s face darkened slightly , but he didn’t call her out in front of others . Even after they left , he remained quiet and simply asked . “ Tired ) –
Teresa shook her head and leaned back in the car , sighing . “ Doing business is so hard . You told me to stick with you . But if I just stand there ne one talks to me . I have to take the initiative if I want to get anything done . ”
Jonathan looked at her more seriously . “ Do you know why you can’t land the big deals ? ”
“ Why ? ”
“ Because you’re too impatient . It’s written all over your face – ‘ Come talk business with me ! ‘ Everyone can tell you’re a rookie , including that female CEO . So , how much did you give up to close the deal ? ”
Teresa clenched her fist .
“ Five percent ? ”
“ Ten percent . ”
Jonathan couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief . “ What are you , running a charity ? With the little money you have , you’re giving away ten percent ? What’s left for you ? ”
“ I just wanted to make a good impression so we can work together again in the future . Plus , we’re both women . ”
“ In business , it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman . It’s all about profit . Looks like you save all your toughness just for me . ”
When they arrived at the villa , Jonathan got out of the car without waiting for Teresa .
Teresa followed behind him , frowning . “ So you’re saying I didn’t do well today ? ”
“ I told you to stick with me , but you just disappeared . You always think you can handle things on your own . You just don’t trust me , ” Jonathan said . That was what really got to him .
Teresa pressed her lips together and looked down . “ It’s not that I don’t trust you . ”
She added , a little pointedly , “ I just didn’t want to make things hard for you .”
Jonathan snorted . “ Hard for me ? You’re with me – who would dare mess with you ? ”
“ Alright , I was wrong today . I’m not familiar with this place , and I should’ve listened to you , ” Teresa admitted . “ Guess I need to learn from a big boss like you and make some real money . ”
“ So you just want to pay me back as soon as possible , and then never see me again , huh ? ”
Honestly , Teresa really did want to pay Jonathan back quickly . After that , she planned to take a few months off for her prenatal checkups – once she hit the last trimester , she knew she wouldn’t have the energy or mood to keep working .
Jonathan seemed to see right through her thoughts . His eyes narrowed slightly . “ I’ll book you a flight . Head back to Nareigh .”
Teresa stiffened , standing there watching Jonathan walk into the study . She’d planned to close a few more deals before heading back to Nareigh , and she still needed to ask him about Michael’s birthday . In the end , she didn’t get either thing done .
After a while , she wandered into the kitchen and fiddled with the coffee machine . She brewed a cup of coffee for Jonathan and brought it over as a peace offering .
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Seeing him focused on his computer , she walked around behind him and softened her tone . “ Are you mad ? Did t embarrass you ? *
Jonathan still ignored her .
Teresa placed both hands on his shoulders and started to massage them . “ Come on , you’re a grown man . Can’t you just let it go ? ”
Jonathan felt her hands on his shoulders , frowned , and glanced at her . “ What , trying to murder your husband ? ”
Teresa was at a loss for words . She’d just meant to give him a shoulder rub . “ Me ? How could I possibly take you out ? ”
Jonathan snorted . “ You never know . ”
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Teresa was about to snap back when a cautious voice came from the computer . “ Mr. Lynn , maybe you should finish up first . We can continue the meeting
tomorrow . ”
Only then did Teresa notice the group of executives on the video call . Embarrassed , she coughed and quickly backed out of the room .
Jonathan watched her leave and shook his head helplessly .
The next morning , Teresa was woken up by Jonathan . She’d stayed up late the night before , poring over books on economics and business , so seven
a.m. felt way too early .
“ If you were pregnant with my kid , maybe I’d feel bad for you , ” Jonathan teased . “ But you’re not , and to you , I’m just your loan shark . Guess I have to do whatever you say and help you make money to pay me back faster . ”
Teresa couldn’t come up with a comeback , so she just got up silently .
They went out for breakfast . As they were leaving the restaurant , a tired – looking woman brushed past them . The next second , she suddenly grabbed Jonathan’s wrist , staring at his face in shock , like she’d just seen a ghost .
Before Liora , the woman , could respond , a familiar voice called out from behind , “ Mom , let’s go . ”
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