Chapter 184
Teresa felt a pang of empathy looking at Hayden, remembering William's words at the club. She reached out to rest a hand on Hayden's shoulder, "Hayden, I can tell my brother has feelings for you. Is it possible you two had some misunderstanding that hasn't been cleared up? Tell me, and I'll talk to him."
Hayden didn't hesitate and shook her head, "Everything that needed to be said has been said. You know how stubborn your brother can be. I don't want to be entangled with him any further. It only brings more pain. I didn't dare to have a child in the past; it doesn't mean I'm not brave enough now."
Hayden grinned sardonically and said, "I'm going to have this baby, just like you did. Years ago, you brought a child into this world even if at the time you were unaware who the father was."
"I'll talk to my brother, Hayden. Even if he doesn't accept the child right now because of the misunderstanding between you two, he'll come around eventually. So will my Mom and Dad," Teresa reassured her with conviction.
But Hayden shook her head again, "Teresa, I appreciate your goodwill, but this is between your brother and me. I don't want anyone else getting involved."
Teresa thought about it and realized it made sense.
After all, whether it was her brother William or Hayden herself, they were both more mature and capable than she was. And knowing William's temperament, any attempt she made to advocate for Hayden might only deepen the misunderstandings between them.
"Hmm," Teresa pondered for a moment before nodding, "If you ever need me in any way, just let me know."
"Don't worry; you're my ride-or-die now; who else would I turn to?" Hayden's laugh broke through, her face the picture of carefree charm.
No man needed; she wasn't about to keel over. She was the mighty Hayden. What was there to fear?
Teresa grinned, "I'm flattered!"
"Come on, let's head inside. Otherwise, your husband is going to be worried sick, thinking I've kidnapped you or something like that," Hayden said, pulling Teresa to her feet.
Teresa gave her a sidelong glance.
With a smile, Hayden and Teresa headed towards the private room.
However, what they didn't expect as the server pushed open the door and they looked inside, was to be completely taken aback.
There, they saw Jocelyn nestled in Gabriel's embrace, with his arm wrapped around her waist in a way that was... suggestive.
"Jocelyn, what on earth is going on?" Hayden snapped back to reality and immediately lashed out in annoyance.
Startled by the door swinging open and spotting Teresa and Hayden at the entrance, Jocelyn also froze. Quickly getting her bearings, she scrambled out of Gabriel's arms. With a look of innocence and vulnerability, she said, "Teresa I apologize; it wasn't intentional. Gabriel tried to help me when I twisted my ankle a moment ago. And when I tried to walk it off, I then slumped into his arms."
Watching Jocelyn and hearing her explanation, Teresa let out a sigh of relief.
Even without an explanation, she would have trusted Gabriel; after all, when she had first seen him upon entering, his face clearly showed displeasure.
"It's okay; Jocelyn is still young, don't frighten her," Teresa said with a smile, gently pulling on Hayden's arm before stepping inside.
"Thank you, Teresa, you're so kind, much gentler than my sister. It was an accident!" Jocelyn pouted adorably as Teresa approached.
Teresa looked at her with concern, "Did you hurt your foot?"
Jocelyn shook her head, beaming, "No, Gabriel was quick and caught me in time, I'm fine."
"Then sit down and stop causing a scene," Hayden demanded, still stern, every bit the authoritative figure.
Jocelyn made a face at her, then obediently returned to her seat.
Teresa chuckled and settled down in her own chair.
The moment Teresa sat down, Gabriel's hand reached out, caressing her slender waist with a delicate touch.
Teresa glanced sideways at him, letting his hand stray across her waist before ignoring his gesture and turning her attention back to her food.
"Teresa, you smell really good. What perfume do you wear?" Jocelyn asked with a giggle after a few bites.
Teresa smiled, shaking her head. "None, I don't use perfume."
She had never used perfume before, and since she had Michael, she avoided it even more.
"Why do you smell so nice then? I like it," Jocelyn said with a face full of innocent admiration.
"It's probably a mix of the scents from my body wash, shampoo, and lotion," Teresa explained.
"What brands do you use? Can you tell me?" Jocelyn asked eagerly.
Without hesitation, Teresa nodded and shared the brands of her bath products with Jocelyn.
The unpleasant episode passed quickly, and aside from Jocelyn, no one else paid much mind. The dinner continued with everyone chatting and eating.
After dinner, Hayden took Jocelyn back to their home, while Teresa and Gabriel headed to the hotel.
The Garcias owned plenty of properties in the capital, including real estate, but staying at a hotel was more convenient and comfortable.
On the way back to the hotel, Teresa shared with Gabriel the news about Hayden's pregnancy and vented her frustration at William, condemning him for being so heartless and irresponsible.
Gabriel wrapped her up in his embrace, and simply listened quietly, smiling without offering any opinion.
"To think he doesn't acknowledge his own child and even wanted Hayden to get rid of it. Compared to you back then, my brother is even less human, completely detestable," Teresa concluded in her rant.
"Honey, you can't blame me. It was you who didn't have the best judgment back then, not giving me a chance," Gabriel playfully retorted as he gazed at her.
Teresa chided him, covering his mouth with her hand, and declared, "It's always your fault!"
"Okay, okay!" Gabriel quickly agreed, taking her hand and kissing it gently, "Whatever you say is right."
Pleased, Teresa nodded and then yawned behind her hand, warning, "I have an exam tomorrow morning, so you better not touch me after we get back to the hotel."
Watching her with a playful smile, Gabriel curled his lips, his long fingers gently lifted her chin as he huskily whispered, "If I can't touch you once we get back to the hotel, then touching you now makes sense..." His words barely had time to settle before he leaned in and kissed her...
