Accidentally Pregnant After Divorcing The Billionaire - Chapter 173: Chapter 173

After leaving home, Teresa spent the night at her office. She had promised herself to keep Michael a secret from Jonathan forever, ensuring he would never find out.
But life had become more complicated. As Michael grew older, it became harder to ignore the longing for a father in his eyes.
Teresa knew she'd eventually have to tell Jonathan unless she found someone else to be Michael's father—but she couldn't imagine anyone else filling that role.
But revealing the truth wasn't just about Jonathan—it could bring Irene into it, and Michael might be taken away. Worse—Jennifer could lose her job.
Suddenly, Donald crossed her mind. She wondered, 'When the truth comes out, will Jonathan think Donald helped fake the DNA test? And what will Donald think of Jennifer?'
Not long ago, she had run into Donald on the street and joked about him being her "future brother-in-law." His face had turned bright red.
"Ms. Johnston... Ms. Johnston..." Teresa was jolted awake by her secretary's voice. It was only then that she realized she had drifted off, lost in thought, and fallen asleep at her desk.
"What time is it?" Teresa asked, groggy.
"It's 8:30 a.m.," the secretary replied.
"Oh... only 8:30 a.m." Teresa yawned and stretched. "Let's push the meeting back. I need a minute to wake up."
The secretary hesitated, balancing a stack of files in her arms. "But these documents—"
"Just put them on my head," Teresa muttered.
The secretary blinked in confusion but awkwardly placed the stack on Teresa's head before leaving. Teresa sighed, thinking, 'Please, let me wake up with a new brain—an Einstein-level one.'
Sadly, no miracle happened. She still had to go through the files and finish prepping for the product launch event.
After washing her face, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her skin looked dull, and without makeup, she appeared exhausted—proof of too many sleepless nights.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Jennifer. [Will you be home for dinner?]
Teresa replied: [No, I'm tied up with the launch preparation. Afterward, I need to set up the venue and inspect the products. I'll come home once it's all done.]
Jennifer responded: [I'll take care of Mike. Focus on work.]
Teresa texted back: [Hannah, don't say anything weird to Michael.]
Jennifer replied: [I won't.] After a moment, another message popped up. [Thanks, Teresa, for standing by me.]
It seemed that Jennifer had won the bet—Teresa still saw her as a sister, so she'd decided to keep the truth quiet. Otherwise, Michael wouldn't be safe at home right then. But Teresa didn't respond.
The day of Teresouth Group's spring product launch event finally arrived. The new collection—featuring jewelry and clothing—was aimed at women, the brand's primary target audience.
With International Women's Day just around the corner, they timed the unveiling perfectly to coincide with the occasion. The venue buzzed with excitement as clients and collaborators filled the space. But everything went quiet when Jonathan walked in.
His presence immediately grabbed attention—everyone knew the history between him and Teresa. Even though they were divorced, the license plate on his sleek Maybach, then sporting Teresa's initials and the number "143," sparked even more gossip.
Meanwhile, Teresa was in the restroom, unaware of the stir outside. She quickly touched up her lipstick and adjusted her one-shoulder black haute couture gown.
The dress, with its elegant cutouts, accentuated her long legs and confident stride—she looked stunning, rivaling any celebrity.
As she stepped out, she bumped into Jonathan, who had just left the men's restroom. His eyes locked on her, and his face darkened. "Why are you dressed like that with hundreds of people out there?" he asked, his tone disapproving.
Teresa rolled her eyes. "What's the problem? It's fashion. Ever heard of it?"
Jonathan's frown deepened as he took in her gown. "It's too revealing. Your legs, your neckline—it's distracting. A suit would've been more appropriate."
"I like it, and it's none of your business. You're my ex, remember?" Teresa shot back.
Before she could walk past him, Jonathan grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. His lips brushed her neck, leaving a faint kiss mark. "Then, let everyone see this. It's mine," he murmured.
Teresa's jaw tightened. "You think I won't?" Her resolve flared, and she was ready to take the stage, no matter what.
Jonathan grabbed her again. "Legally, I can't control you anymore. But morally? I still have a say. An ex-husband is still a husband in some ways."
Teresa was speechless. Jonathan draped his jacket over her shoulders, patting it gently. "Just wear this. You're already stunning as it is—if you dress like this, everyone will focus on you, not the products."
Her expression softened at his words, but she quickly shrugged off the jacket and handed it back. "I have a white blazer. I'll wear that later."
Jonathan nodded, satisfied, and headed back to the venue. Teresa, still adjusting her gown, prepared to take the stage.
Her nerves buzzed as she stepped up to the podium and gave her opening speech. That was her first product launch event, and there were companies that had worked with Teresouth Group, as well as new ones eager to partner in the future.
But when she saw Jonathan in the audience, dressed in a sharp suit, her nerves steadied. His calm presence and focused gaze gave her a sense of reassurance.
After her speech ended and she started to walk off stage, Jonathan unexpectedly stepped onto the stage and took the microphone. "As Ms. Johnston's special guest..." he said. "She insisted that I perform a song to liven things up. So, here goes."
'Since when did I invite him to sing?' Teresa thought. The crowd erupted into applause, far more enthusiastic than they'd been during Teresa's speech.
Jonathan started singing a few lines from a foreign song. As soon as he hit the first note, the room fell silent, captivated. Teresa couldn't help but admit, despite herself, that his voice was mesmerizing.
Back when they were married, every holiday karaoke night was the same—Jonathan would either sit quietly or, when coaxed, draw a crowd from neighboring rooms with his singing. People would offer him cigarettes, calling him "a singing legend" in admiration.
When the final note faded, the room erupted into applause—louder than anything Teresa had gotten after her speech. A slight unease blossomed in her chest.
After the event, Teresa wandered the venue with a wine glass in hand, mingling with clients. By the time Jonathan approached, she had already had three glasses. His hand gently closed around her arm, and he guided her to a quieter corner.
Then, she shook off his grip and said coolly, "Thank you for sharing the spotlight, Mr. Lynn."
She added, "Half the clients I spoke to mentioned you. Some even came just because of you. So, thanks to you." She exhaled softly and turned to leave.