Teresa opened another can of beer, “Forget it.”
Miriam said, “Mike’s dad has money and power, his future will be smooth sailing, and you can have an easier life too, Teresa.”
Teresa sighed. “If I don’t want Michael anymore, I think he’d be better off living with anyone else than staying with me.”
er Teresa nor Miriam noticed Michael hiding behind the door. He had somehow woken up and only heard the part where Teresa said that if she did not want him anymore. He sniffed hard, wiping the tears from his eyes.
Jonathan needed to travel to Shaville on business. Before leaving, Irene insisted he return home for a meal.
This time, he went to Irene’s parents‘ house for a New Year’s Eve dinner since tomorrow was the New Year.
“Irene.” Irene’s sister, Heidi Lawrence, held Irene’s hand. Heidi admired the emerald bracelet on Irene’s wrist. “That’s a gift from Jonathan, right? It’s beautiful.”
Irene laughed. “He’s just so filial.
Heidi was envious. “Jonathan is not only filial, but he’s also a good earner. Edward should learn from him. Since it’s winter break, maybe Jonathan can arrange an internship for Edward at Horizonlead Group.”
“Got it. I’ll have Jonathan arrange it later,” Irene responded.
Heidi was delighted and chatted away with Irene, almost wanting to give the latter a shoulder massage. Heidi’s husband, George Lawrence, quickly poured Jonathan a cup of coffee.
Jonathan got up. “George, let me do it.”
George waved his hand. “Sit down. You’re a big boss now. We can’t have you serving us. Try it; it’s some great coffee I got from Xandaschuttes.”
Irene watched the scene with a sense of pride. As Irene and Jonathan were leaving after the meal, Heidi even packed them a gift; Irene accepted it.
Once in the car, Irene said to Jonathan, “Having money really makes a difference. See? Who in the family dares to look down on us? They even hold their breath around us.”
Jonathan said nothing, focusing on the documents on his phone. Irene sighed, recalling how she had to raise Jonathan alone after losing her husband. No relatives showed her respect, not even Heidi.
Irene remembered how Heidi often boasted about her good marriage and promising son. Now, it was still Irene’s son who turned out better.
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109 Chapter 109
“People change with your fortunes. When you’re poor, even your family looks down on you. Once you’re successful, everyone, including spouses, suddenly becomes friendly and asks for favors. Who doesn’t prefer the rich over the poor-” said Irene.
“Enough,” Jonathan interrupted. He was unfazed by talks of relatives, but hist expression changed when Teresa was mentioned. “Just let it go.”
Irene pressed her lips together. “Are you still upset that I spoke to Teresa alone? I just wanted to tell her to stop pestering you.”
“Are you done yet?” Jonathan frowned with irritation. “She’s not pestering me, and I’ve told you to stay out of our affairs.”
Irene pursed her lips and thought, ‘Now, I’m spending Jonathan’s money. Although he’s my son, he’s 30 now, not 13. There are things he refuses to listen to and prohibits others from talking about.‘
“Simona’s quite nice. She even brought me a gift yesterday,” Irene mumbled softly, which Jonathan then ignored.
Meanwhile, Teresa was swamped with work. She pondered, Time flies. Despite multiple bank visits at the end of last month, the loan is still pending. With New Year here, it’s almost payday for the staff again.
‘If I can’t solve the company’s financing problems, we won’t be able to issue salaries. Are we starting a new year without paying salaries? That’s not a good sign.‘ Teresa was worried about what to do when her phone rang.
It was a call from an unknown number. She picked it up. “Hello?”
“It’s me.” A familiar voice came through.
Teresa glanced at her phone and said/“Why are you calling? And with a different number? Didn’t I say not to call me to avoid your mom saying I’m pestering you?” Jonathan ignored her annoyance. “Peter Hills is back from Archulea. I’m in Shaville. and can’t get back. In Nareigh, besides me, you’re the only one he knows.”
Teresa asked, “Which one? Could it be the Peter who only smokes Marlboro and only drinks Jack Daniel’s?”
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