Chapter 446

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“ Why should I be worried ? Everything’s been going exactly the way I hoped , ” Jennifer said .
‘ I married Donald . Teresa’s ex already moved on . At least we sisters can watch out for each other in Mareigh . The only wildcard is this baby , the thought
As Teresa walked past Jennifer , she said , “ You better hold on tight to that department head title . It’s a long , hard fall from the top .
Jennifer stared at Teresa’s back and shot back , “ Why are you being so sarcastic ? Is it because your ex already moved on and you’re not okay with it ?
“ If you’re upset , go find a guy yourself . I tried to set you up with Sanford , but you didn’t want him . So how is that my fault ? Why is it only men who get to move on ? You should too – just let it go already . ”
Teresa hadn’t planned to keep arguing , but Jennifer was really pushing her buttons . Teresa spun around and said , “ Oh , I’d love to . Go ahead , find me someone richer and more powerful than my
Jennifer let out a cold laugh . “ Your ex just looks successful on the outside . For all you know , he’s drowning in debt . Most of those so – called big shots are just paper tigers – tough on the outside , hollow inside . ”
“ Then what are you ? ” Teresa fired back . “ Jonathan got you your job , paid for your wedding , and owns mansions in three cities . Why trash him ? Jealous he’s doing better than your husband ? ”
Jennifer’s face darkened . “ I’m not as shallow or materialistic as you . ”
“ And how exactly am I shallow and materialistic ?
“ I have noticed that bracelet on your wrist . That thing’s worth at least several thousand dollars . You should give it back before he uses it against you someday . ”
Teresa suddenly laughed , then flashed a smile at Jennifer . “ I’m not giving it back . ”
“ You- ” Jennifer was so furious , that her face turned green .
After wrapping up things at his firm , Benny still made time to come over and look for Teresa .
Last time , after Cheryl gave him a quick kiss and handed him that cactus toy, Benny went home and fiddled with it , but the more he thought about it , the more something felt off .
If Teresa really had a kid , the timeline wouldn’t add up . She couldn’t have been pregnant when he thought she was . But he was sure he’d heard a baby crying that day . ‘ Was I just imagining things ? ‘ he thought .
Benny decided to pull a surprise visit , showing up even earlier this time – before seven in the morning .
From what he knew about Teresa , there was no way she’d be up at this hour . If she was hiding a kid at home , she’d definitely be there , and there’d be no
time to cover it up .
He knocked on her door for ages , but finally had to accept the fact that no one was home . Frowning , he was just about to call Teresa to ask where she was when he heard footsteps coming up behind him .
Miriam spotted Benny and looked surprised . “ Benny , what are you doing here ? Looking for Teresa ? ”
“ Yeah , where is she ? I need to talk to her about something . ”
“ Teresa’s out of town for work . I just came by to grab her car keys from under the doormat . She’s letting me borrow her Porsche for a few days since mine’s in the shop . ” Miriam grabbed the keys , and Benny followed her downstairs .
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Benny didn’t say anything . He honestly didn’t care about whatever was going
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“ She really went on a business trip ? Isn’t her sister getting married soon ? She’s not going to the wedding ? ”
“ The wedding’s not for another two weeks . She can’t just sit at home waiting idea what Donald sees in her . ”
Tor
it , right ? Besides , you know how Jennifer is . She’s a handful Thuave na
on between Donald and Jennifer ; it wasn’t his business an
“ Miriam , let me ask you something . Be straight with me , okay ? I swear on my honor , I won’t tell Jonathan . ”
“ What now ? If you’ve got something to say, just spit it out . ”
“ It’s about the kid , ” Benny said bluntly . “ Just tell me – did Teresa secretly have a baby ? ”
“ Huh ? ” Miriam blinked . “ What are you even thinking ? No way . ”
“ Then , the kid Mike , is he Teresa’s or not ? ”
“ Nope , ” Miriam replied without even a second’s hesitation .
Benny nodded . “ Alright , so that means it’s my second guess . Teresa just had a baby , and the kid’s still a newborn . Is she out somewhere nursing right now ? ”
Miriam was so annoyed that she swung her bag at Benny . “ Say one more word and I’ll clobber you for my bestie ! ”
She wasn’t afraid to hit him , because she was absolutely sure Teresa hadn’t just had a baby . Teresa was out of town with Michael , and Miriam knew that for a fact .
Benny rubbed his head . “ I don’t know , I just have this gut feeling that something’s off . ”
Miriam jabbed a finger at Benny . “ I’ll tell you what’s wrong . You’re so bored that you’re inventing drama . Focus on your own damn life , you lonely bachelor . Go get a wife like Jonathan did instead of meddling in other people’s business ! ”
Benny was stunned for a second . “ Jonathan’s getting remarried ? ”
Miriam snorted , “ He’s got a new girlfriend , or so I’ve heard . Probably won’t be long before he ties the knot again . ”
Benny couldn’t believe it . “ Who told you that ? No way . He’s never gotten over Teresa . ”
Miriam shrugged . “ Eddie told me that . His mom is Jonathan’s mom’s sister , so I doubt he’d make it up . ”
Benny’s attention was completely diverted . He hurried off to his car and drove away in a rush .
Once Benny was gone , Miriam let out a sigh of relief , then got in her own car and left . As she drove off , she texted Teresa to let her know Benny had tried to pull a surprise visit first thing in the morning .
Teresa and Michael had just gotten off the plane in Jade River City when a cool breeze swept by . Teresa pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders . “ Got it , Miriam . Thanks , ” she said .
“ It’s nothing . Just enjoy your time away . I’ll try not to bother you unless it’s important , ” Miriam replied .
“ Alright , Michael and I are heading to the hotel we booked . I’ll hang up now , ” Teresa said .
Teresa put away her phone and took Michael’s small hand . He shivered and sneezed from the chill , but luckily Teresa had brought a jacket for him and quickly helped him put it on .
Michael had been complaining that it was way too hot back in Nareigh . He said he’d melt at home if they didn’t turn on the AC , and he really wanted to find somewhere cool , preferably with mountains and water .
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Teresa thought about how Michael would be starting kindergarten in September . She hadn’t really taken him out to have fun this summer , and his birthday had been so simple just the two of them , no guests .
Teresa always felt guilty about it . She’d even promised to take him to the theme park , but it was just too hot . If they went now , they’d probably g
heatstroke .
Since the little one wanted to escape the heat , Teresa decided to indulge him , ‘ Besides , we could both use a vacation , she thought , recalling how long . it’d been since their last trip .
Teresa was about to turn off her phone , pressing and holding the power button – just in time to miss a call from Jonathan .