Chapter 73

73. 73
‘ Leave Nareigh and never return ?” Philip thought , turning to Jonathan . Teresa also looked at Jonathan ..
Jonathan remained indifferent , yet an unmistakable air of confidence surrounded him . This wasn’t merely about venting his anger by confronting Philip ; it was a calculated move , carefully designed to pave the way for Teresa .
Roc Group owned a coveted plot of land in a prime location – an asset many desired . Philip shook his head solemnly . “ Roc Group is my life’s work . I’ve poured everything
into it . ”
Jonathan sneered . “ You’ve destroyed your company , and you know as well as anyone that bankruptcy is inevitable . Instead of letting another company snatch it up or watching it go to auction , why not hand it over to your daughter ? ”
He added , “ Consider it a small compensation for her . Whether Teresa will even accept it , however , is another matter entirely .”
“ I have no reason to reject it , ” Teresa said . “ You tried to sell me off , and I won’t let that slide . If you transfer Roc Group to me , at least I can preserve the Johnston family’s reputation . ”
The name “ Johnston ” wasn’t just Teresa’s or Philip’s ; it was her grandparents ‘ legacy , at
name built on their hard work and sacrifices , Philip fell silent , covering his face in regret , wondering , “ How did it come to this ? ‘
“ Sign this . ” Jonathan slammed a contract in front of Philip . By signing it , Philip would agree to sever all ties with Teresa . The ownership and decision – making authority of Roc Group would transfer entirely to her .
Regardless of whether Roc Group changed its name or ventured into different industries in the future , it would have no further connection to Philip .
Philip gritted his teeth , thinking , ‘ How could Jonathan be so calculating ? Or is this hist true nature ? ”
In just two years , Jonathan had risen to become the richest man in Nareigh . Philip realized now how deeply he had misjudged him . But at this point , words were futile . Backed into a corner , Philip had no other choice .
He sighed . “ Fine , I understand . I made my mistakes , and now I’m paying the price . But at least give me enough money to leave the country . I promise I’ll never set foot in Nareigh again . ”
“ Sure ,” Teresa agreed .
As soon as Philip signed , he slumped back in defeat . It was over ; he had lost everything .
“ Can I have a moment ? ” Teresa turned to Jonathan , who nodded , and within minutes ,
1/2
73 73
Teresa and Philip were the only ones left in the club .
Teresa stared at Philip , wondering how he had fallen so far . Perhaps it all began the day he had an affair , abandoning his first wife and daughter in his relentless pursuit of wealth .
“ Do
you feel any guilt ? ” she asked . “ You sold your own daughter to a man in his forties for money . Doesn’t your conscience ache even a little ? ”
Philip smiled wryly . “ If you were in my shoes , you’d probably do the same .”
Teresa’s gaze hardened . “ No , I wouldn’t . Even if I had nothing , even if it meant going to prison , I would never sell my child . At least then , I’d still have my humanity . ”
Only an animal would use their child as a bargaining chip , trading them for money . This wasn’t ancient times , yet it had happened to Teresa .
Teresa picked up the contract , her final tear slipping down her cheek for the father she had once known . After today , they would no longer be family . “ If my sister knew the kind of man you truly are , she’d be heartbroken . ”
This was a long – held secret ; Teresa had an older sister , two years her senior . When Teresa was just three , her sister disappeared and was never found . The police eventually concluded that she must have fallen off a cliff and perished .
At the time , Teresa was too young to remember much about her sister . What she did recall was Evelyn crying uncontrollably , while Philip remained strangely indifferent , not shedding even a single tear . It became clear to Teresa that some men’s hearts were truly made of stone .
Philip’s gaze shifted uncomfortably . “ It’s been years since what happened to your sister . Let’s not revisit it . ”
“ From now on , you’re on your own . ” With that , Teresa turned and left .
Once Teresa got into the car , the warmth of the heater and a cup of hot coffee eased her mind . “ Thank you for your help today . I feel much better . ”
“ You’re welcome , ” Jonathan replied .
Teresa glanced at him , falling silent . Roc Group would now be renamed Teresouth Group , and she had a long road ahead of her .
2/2
Subscribed
1 Likes