Chapter 545

544
Benny snatched the glass from Jonathan’s hand and said , “ Come on , man , stop drinking . If you keep going , I won’t have the strength to had y once you pass out . ”
Jonathan ignored Benny , grabbed another glass , and kept drinking .
Benny immediately assumed that Teresa had once again broken Jonathan’s heart . He asked , “ Seriously , what’s going on between you and Teresa this time ? ”
Jonathan replied , “ It has nothing to do with her . ”
Benny didn’t buy it . He said , “ Come on , it can’t have nothing to do with her . Besides Teresa , who else could make you drink this much ? Don’t tell me you’re going bankrupt or something . ”
Jonathan shot him an indifferent look .
Benny quickly said , “ Relax , just messing with you . Then , if your business is fine , what’s with the drinking ? ”
Jonathan muttered , “ Funny how you can have all the money in the world and still not buy happiness . ”
He absently twirled his glass , his face reflected in the clear surface . His words lingered in the air , as if he were talking about himself , yet also addressing Benny .
When he didn’t receive a reply , he looked up and found that Benny was already gone .
Benny made a phone call before coming over . Seeing Jonathan still drinking , he gestured toward the door and said , “ I’m stepping out for a bit . ” Then be made a beeline for the airport .
Teresa had just stepped off the plane when she spotted Benny waving at her . She made her way toward him .
Benny said , “ I was just about to tell you to come to Shaville to check on Jonathan , and here you are already . ”
“ What’s wrong with him ? ” Teresa blurted out before she could stop herself .
Benny sighed and said , “ He’s been drinking like crazy . What did you do to hurt him this time ? ”
Teresa gave Benny an angry shove . She snapped , “ What do you mean I hurt him again ? That’s got nothing to do with me . ”
Benny scoffed , “ That’s what he said , too . Then why’s he drowning his sorrows ? ”
Teresa fell silent for a few seconds before saying , “ Maybe it’s something to do with his family . ”
Benny looked puzzled . He said , “ But wasn’t that rumor – monger already detained ? Wasn’t it proven to be slander ? ”
Teresa said , “ But he is Jonathan’s half – brother . That part is true . ”
“ What ? ” Benny exclaimed , stunned .
“ Which bar is he at ? ” Teresa asked Benny urgently
Benny said , “ It’s over along the Shaville Bund . I’ll text you the exact floor . It’s on the seventh floor . ”
“ Alright , ” Teresa replied and checked her phone .
Benny said , “ Then I won’t go over . Now that you’re here , I can rest easy . He’s got a villa in Quietia . Just take him there when you’re done with him . ”
Teresa said , “ I know that one . I’ve been there . ”
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Benny was left speechless . He thought , ‘ Some friend you are when I was in town for work and asked to stay at your villa since it was close , you turned me down . But for her ? No problem at all . ‘
Before leaving , Benny quipped to Teresa , “ Just how much are you two keeping from me ? If you’re practically living together all the time , why not just get remarried already ? ”
Teresa remained silent .
And with that , they went their separate ways .
Inside the bar , Jonathan was deep in his cups , teetering on the edge of unconsciousness . The flickering bar lights cast shifting shadows over his head , dividing his broad shoulders into alternating patches of light and dark .
Teresa watched him from a distance for a few moments before quietly taking the seat beside him , not uttering a word .
Perhaps sensing a presence beside him , Jonathan slowly lifted his gaze . His eyes , glazed with alcohol – induced redness , fixed on Teresa , a sudden spark of clarity flickering within them . He asked , “ What are you doing here ? ”
Teresa said gently , “ I’m in town for work and just thought I’d swing by to check on you .”
Jonathan gave a faint , tipsy smile and said , “ Can’t you just humor me for once? Say you came all this way just for me ? ”