Chapter 329
Unlike that hazy, out–of–it feeling, Jonathan’s presence was sharp and intense, carrying an undeniable dominance. As Jonathan kissed Teresa, it was like he already knew exactly which hand she’d use to push him away. He caught her hand and wrapped it up in his.
That one kiss was enough to make Teresa’s whole body go weak. She could only lean back against the kitchen counter for support. “Wait… Turn off the stove,” she stammered, catching sight of the pot of ribs steaming away.
Jonathan reached behind her and turned off the gas, both hands circling her waist. “This fire’s easy to put out,” he said with a smirk, “but the one you started in me? That’s not going anywhere.”
Teresa froze, suddenly realizing what he meant. She didn’t even know how to curse him out. He was clearly the one making all the moves, but now she was the one with a racing heart and jelly legs.
And Jonathan never seemed to age. Even after being divorced for so long, sometimes when she looked at his face, it still felt like the first time they met. He was still handsome and heart–stopping.
“Can I stay over tonight?” Jonathan took advantage of her dazed state, nuzzling her fragrant neck, his voice low and hoarse.
“No,” Teresa managed to refuse.
“That night, I was drugged. We’ve both paid each other back, so let’s just keep things as they are.” She could only turn on the faucet behind her and run cold water over her hands, trying to cool herself down.
They got swept up in the moment, especially when Jonathan knew her body so well. She wasn’t some saint who could just turn off her feelings.
Jonathan didn’t push it any further. He picked up his jacket from beside him and said, “Come see me at Apex Group. I’ll be waiting.” Then he left.
Not long after he left, Jonathan sent Teresa a message, [I left in a rush, and the ribs aren’t done yet. I set out all the seasonings for you, but I think I forgot the star anise. You know what star anise is, right?]
Teresa rummaged around but couldn’t find any. [What’s star anise? Is it some animal?]
[You’re hilarious,] Jonathan replied. [Just look it up online. There should be pictures.]
Teresa searched for star anise and finally realized what it was. She messaged Jonathan, [Why is this flower–shaped thing called star anise?]
[See if it looks like a star,] he replied. Teresa observed and realized why. Not only did she make less money than him, now she also lost out to him in basic life knowledge. Teresa couldn’t help but roll her eyes at herself.
At the same time, over in the Nareigh family group chat, George–Edward’s dad–sent a bunch of photos. [Is this Jonathan’s car?]
The pictures showed Jonathan coming out of a shopping mall in Everport, carrying shopping bags. His Maybach was parked nearby, and right next to him was a tall woman with a graceful figure. Even from behind, she looked stunning.
Heidi tagged Irene. [Irene, take a look. Is that Jonathan’s car? And who’s the woman with him? Did he get himself a new girlfriend?]
Irene only saw the messages after being tagged. This was her family’s group chat, but Jonathan wasn’t in it, so she couldn’t ask him directly. She thought, ‘No wonder he’s been in Everport for so long. Turns out he’s fallen for some new girl.’
She studied the photo. The woman’s back looked elegant and classy, her hair casually pinned up, her neck long and fair. Irene sent a voice message, [George, where did you see Jonathan? I don’t know her. Did you get a shot of her face?]
George replied, [Irene, I couldn’t get her face. This was at a mall in Everport. I saw Jonathan shopping and wanted to say hi, but he drove off in a hurry, so I didn’t get the chance.]
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Chapter 329
Irene said, [He’s been busy in Everport and hasn’t come back to Nareigh for a while. Maybe he really does have a new girlfriend, I’ll ask him when hea back.)
Irene zoomed in on the photo and studied it for a while. The more she looked at the woman’s back, the more she thought it looked like Teresa, but sho quickly dismissed the idea. She’d always thought Teresa was still in Fernlandia.
So this couldn’t possibly be Teresa. She believed Jonathan had finally moved on and wouldn’t be hung up on Teresa anymore.
Meanwhile, Edward was quietly lurking in the group chat. After reading through the messages, he sent the photo to his girlfriend, Miriam. (Miriam, take a look. Who does the woman next to Jonathan look like?]
Miriam called him, “That’s Teresa, isn’t it? I’m sure it’s her. Where did you get this photo?”
“My dad went to Everport to see a friend, just happened to run into Jonathan, and snapped a picture for the family group chat, Irene even thought he had a new girlfriend.”
Hearing that, Miriam shot back, “No way Jonathan would be with another woman. That back view is definitely Teresa. I’d never mistake her.” She was angry that Jonathan kept Teresa’s whereabouts from her.
Without wasting a second, Miriam called Jonathan, “Hey, Jonathan, you traitor! You saw Teresa, didn’t you?”
Jonathan stayed cool, playing dumb. “What do you mean? Where is she?”
“In Everport, obviously! Don’t even try to tell me you don’t know. Edward’s dad–my future father–in–law–saw you there and took a picture. I just sent it to you, take a look.”
Miriam sent Jonathan the photo, with the name of the mall sign front and center.
She kept pressing, “Don’t even try to say that’s not Teresa. Even if it’s just her back, I know it’s her. If that’s not Teresa, I’ll eat crap!”
But Jonathan was as unfazed as ever. “Go ask Benny, not me.” Then he hung up, saying he was busy and didn’t have time to chat.
Miriam realized that Benny also knew where Teresa was.
So she was the only one who was kept in the dark. Then she thought maybe Jennifer didn’t know either. That thought made her feel a bit better.
Benny started playing dumb too. “I just happened to run into Teresa once. Only saw her that one time, and that was it.”
Miriam wasn’t buying it. “Was it in Everport?”
Benny blurted out, “How did you know?”
Miriam huffed, “So you all saw Teresa and didn’t bother to tell me? Are you guys trying to freeze me out or what?”
Benny let out a sigh. “It’s not like we wanted to keep it from you. Teresa just asked us not to say anything. I think she was worried you’d get anxious. You two are super close, after all.”
“Do you have Teresa’s number? If you do, give it to me,” Miriam insisted.
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