Chapter 66 Daddy and Mommy Stay Together
Liam emerged from behind a large tree, clutching his phone that was still in the middle of a call. He fixed his gaze on Yvonne, his handsome brows knit together tightly, calling out to her in a voice that was heavy and cold.
Yvonne was startled, with a flicker of guilt crossing her face, but it was only for a moment before she regained her composure. Smiling warmly, she said, "Liam... why did you follow? Were you worried I'd be hard on Teresa again?"
Teresa stood there, glancing at Liam who had suddenly appeared, then back at Yvonne, pulling up the corners of her lips in amusement.
"Mom, I've been naive." Liam sneered scornfully at Yvonne, before striding over to Teresa, taking her hand gently, the apology and tenderness in his eyes unmistakable. "Teresa, I'm sorry. I won't let my mother have the chance to humiliate you again. Let's leave now and get our marriage registration. After that, I'll announce my resignation from all positions at Evans Group and cut ties completely with the Evans family."
"Liam..."
"Liam, what are you doing? Didn't we agree that..."
"Enough!" Before Yvonne's increasingly frantic voice could finish, Liam roared in anger, cutting her off with a fierce glare. He then showed her the phone, still on the call.
Yvonne's eyes widened as she saw the screen displaying a nearly fifteen-minute-long call with Teresa. She was utterly flabbergasted.
Yvonne wasn't the only one in shock; Teresa was equally baffled, having no recollection of when Liam had managed to call her phone.
She quickly searched for her phone in her pockets, pulling it out to confirm the connection.
Indeed, her phone was in the middle of a call with Liam.
"How..." Yvonne's confusion swiftly turned to fury. She was incensed, pointing an accusing finger at Teresa and spitting venomously, "Teresa, you little home-wrecker, you seduced my son to set me up?"
"Shut up!" The moment Yvonne finished, Liam exploded in a roar, his eyes bloodshot in rage as he glared at Yvonne. There was a hint of intense hatred, but above that, overwhelming heartache, "Mom, Teresa knew nothing about this! I was worried you were never really going to accept her. So, while we were in the hospital room, I saw Teresa's phone on the couch. I took it without you or Dad noticing, muted it, dialed her number, then slipped it into her pocket after the call connected."
Yvonne looked at Liam and her world crumbled.
She never anticipated that Liam would pull such a move.
"Thank you for the years of care and guidance, but from now on, our ties as mother and son are severed." Liam uttered these words with a resolute tone, his eyes fixed on a dazed Yvonne, and then he turned to Teresa, "Let's go, Teresa."
Teresa, still in a shock from the whirlwind of events, let Liam take her hand and lead her away with long strides.
"Liam, Liam!" It wasn't until they reached the entrance of the inpatient building that Teresa fully woke from her trance and called out to him.
"I'm sorry, Teresa!" Liam stopped, turned around, and pulled her into a tight embrace. "I promise you, nothing like this will happen again."
Teresa shook her head, "Liam, don't be rash. Your mother may be against us, but your father isn't. You're abandoning your duties at Evans Group and cutting ties with the Evans family, but have you thought about your father's feelings?"
"Do you have someone else in your heart? Is that why you don't want to marry me anymore?" Suddenly, Liam stepped back, gripping her shoulders as he searched her eyes for the truth.
Again, Teresa shook her head, "No, how could I? I just don't want you to fall out with your family over me. It would hurt everyone."
"They're finally at peace, but what about us?" Liam's eyes were tinged with a reddish fury as he stared at Teresa, his demeanor unlike the gentle soul he usually was. His voice resonated with resolve, "Teresa, I've missed out on being with you too many times. This time, I won't let that happen. Let's go get married, okay?"
"Liam, son, don't be too hasty. Rushing into things can lead to trouble," an old but strong voice suddenly cut through the air, causing Teresa and Liam to turn their heads toward its source.
It was Mason.
And it wasn't just Mason. Behind him trailed Katherine and his secretary.
"Mr. Garcia, Katherine," Liam addressed them at once, concern lacing his voice, "Is there something wrong with your health, Mr. Garcia?"
Teresa had met Katherine three years ago, but this was her first encounter with Mason. Although she recognized him from television and news media — a legend in the business world, a titan who commanded respect from everyone.
Mason approached with the aid of his cane, not responding to Liam's inquiries but instead, he scrutinized Teresa from head to toe.
"Mr. Garcia, Madam." Teresa tried to maintain composure under Mason's intense gaze, though inside she felt anything but at ease.
Truth be told, she had her suspicions about why Mason and Katherine had turned up unannounced.
"Indeed, she does outshine her photographs. Seems like Gabriel has made a great choice!" Mason concluded his inspection of Teresa with a nod and a sly smile.
"Exactly," Katherine chimed in, smiling warmly. "The first time I saw this Bennett girl three years ago, I knew she was charming, elegant, and approachable."
Teresa watched the pair exchange glances, at a loss for words.
"Mr. Garcia, Katherine," Liam jumped into the conversation, eagerly cutting the silence, "Teresa has agreed to marry me. We're about to go register our marriage and become husband and wife."
If Liam hadn't caught on to the reason behind Mason and Katherine's singing praises, he would be completely clueless.
"Liam, you're still young and might not grasp the true meaning of 'When the home is at peace, everything else falls into place.,'" Mason said with a chuckle, looking at Liam. "I'd like to pay a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Would you two like to join us?"
“Mr. Garcia, if you want to meet my parents just for my child, then don’t bother. The child is mine, and I’m the only one who can make decisions about him,” Teresa declared with resolute firmness, now aware of Mason and Katherine's intentions.
Mason couldn’t help but chuckle, his lips curling into a smile. “Teresa, I must say, your feisty spirit is quite to my liking. But don’t you worry, if it’s something you’re against, I give you my word, I won’t force you into it.”
“Right, Teresa,” Katherine chimed in with a motherly warmth in her smile, “Mason just wants to meet your folks so we can clear the air. It’ll prevent any unpleasantness down the road. What do you say?”
Teresa furrowed her brows, mulling over the situation.
Indeed, she couldn’t hide the fact that Croissant was Gabriel’s son from Patrick and Sophia. It would be better to discuss everything now rather than dealing with the Garcias potentially fighting for custody after she and Liam got married.
Besides, Mason had already promised not to press her into anything she didn't want, and given his reputation in the business world, Teresa found it hard to believe he’d go back on his word.
“Alright then, Mr. Mason, Madam, please,” Teresa agreed after a brief pause, gesturing them forward with a nod.
Just then, Mason’s gaze shifted to the side and his expression turned stern. “Gabriel, you rascal, why did you arrive so late?”
Gabriel strode in, hands casually in his pockets, his deep, bright eyes fixated on Teresa as he approached with a teasing smirk on his thinly set, sensual lips. He looked every bit the part of relaxed nobility, but the bruise on his face was a dissonant element.
“I went to grab some stuff, and here I am, right on time,” he replied, his mouth curving in a half-smile, though his eyes never left Teresa.
However, after locking eyes with him for a split second, Teresa quickly averted her gaze, refusing to look at him any longer.
“Gabriel, cut out that leering look. Teresa's heart has belonged to me for over three years,” Liam said through narrowed eyes, tightening his embrace around Teresa and staking his claim with palpable resentment in his tone.
“Perhaps in the past, but the future is far from certain,” Gabriel responded coolly, with a faint smile.
“Mr. Garcia, didn't you want to see my parents? Let's not waste any more time,” Teresa urged, eager to break the awkward tension and move forward.
"Let's go now," Mason said with a nod and a smile. "Lead the way, Teresa!"
"Certainly, Mr. Garcia." Teresa nodded and, wrapped in Liam's arm, made her way into the building with Mason together, Gabriel and Katherine followed closely behind.
A short distance away, Yvonne watched the unfolding scene in front of the hospital with curiosity and quickly strode over to join the group.
Upstairs in the ward, Tyler was discussing business affairs with Patrick when he suddenly saw Teresa and Liam return, followed by several members of the Garcia family. Both men were visibly taken aback.
Sophia was stunned for a moment but quickly regained her composure and made her way over to warmly welcome the Garcias. Catching sight of Mason, Tyler quickly rose to exchange pleasantries with a smile.
William stood up too, with Croissant in hand.
Once Patrick realized what was happening, he immediately tried to greet Mason as well.
Mason was a man of great respect and stature; his surprise visit to the ward to see Patrick brought an indescribable joy and pleasant shock.
But just as Patrick was about to lift the covers and get up, Mason quickly stopped him with a warm smile. "Mr. Bennett, you've just had a serious surgery. You mustn't move!"
"Mr. Garcia, your presence is truly overwhelming. I can't express how excited I am. What have I done to deserve such an honor?" Patrick looked at Mason with genuine excitement.
"You're too kind. It's not just a visit," Mason said, taking Patrick's arm in both hands, infusing warmth into his tone while maintaining his dignity. "I've brought Gabriel, the rascal, to extend his apologies to you, Mrs. Bennett, and Teresa."
"Daddy!" The little one called out to Gabriel with a wide grin as Mason finished speaking.
"Baby, stop it!" Teresa warned sternly before anyone else had a chance to react.
The little one pouted at Teresa and whined, "Mommy's mean to me. Mommy's not nice."
"Michael, so this is little Michael!" Katherine beamed as she caught sight of her grandson and moved toward him. "Oh, how pretty he is, and so adorable! Come here, let Grandma give you a hug."
"No, Mommy hug!" The child pouted and reached out for Teresa.
Teresa scooped up the child and planted a kiss on his forehead. "Dad, Mom, you guys have your chat. I'm taking Croissant outside."
Before anyone could respond, Teresa, with Croissant cradled in her arms, made her way to the door.
"Teresa, wait up! Let me come with you two," Gabriel interjected, stepping swiftly in front of her before she could reach the door.
Suddenly, Teresa's turned to him and glared fiercely at the man blocking her path.
"Teresa, let's just go," Liam softly intervened, wrapping an arm around her.
"What in the world is going on here?" Patrick and Sophia looked on in utter bewilderment, while Tyler and Yvonne who had followed suit, were equally dumbfounded.
"No need for anyone to leave; Liam, Teresa, Gabriel, everyone stay, Michael included," William commanded, surveying the room with a smirk. "It seems I've got the clearest understanding of this whole mess, aside from Teresa and Gabriel themselves. Allow me to lay it all out for everyone."
"Sophia impatiently urged, "For heaven's sake, William, what's going on? Spit it out!"
"Is it okay with you, Teresa, if I clarify things?" William sought her approval with a look.
Holding her child close, Teresa nodded. "Go ahead, William, but remember, Croissant is mine. No one's taking him from me."
"Alright," William agreed, gesturing for Mason and Katherine to sit while also inviting Yvonne, still lingering at the door, to join them. Once everyone settled, he began unraveling the story for the group.
Thankfully, they were in the hospital's finest private ward — a spacious room with plenty of couches. The crowd filled the room without making it feel cramped.
"Is that man... really Gabriel? And Michael is... his son?!" Patrick exclaimed in shock, leaning against the bedside after William finished his clear, concise narrative.
Tyler and Yvonne were completely stunned, especially Yvonne, who could never have imagined Teresa would be so fortunate as to bear the heir to the Garcia family.
"Mr. And Mrs. Bennett, the paternity test has been done, and there's no doubt about it — Michael is my son." Gabriel stood solemnly to the side, giving a serious nod and then added, "I wonder if you recall encountering me at the hospital in Jena when Teresa was discharged after giving birth to Michael."
Sophia sat at the edge of the bed, looking up at Gabriel as he nodded, "I remember. Back then, you mentioned you were visiting a business partner who fell ill."
Gabriel's lips curved into a faint smile, glancing at Liam, "Actually, I wasn't visiting any sick business associate. I was in Jena to see Teresa after settling everything and finalizing my divorce with Unity. However, Liam concocted a perfect story that made me believe Michael wasn't my son."
"Yes," Liam, with his arms wrapped around Teresa, looked at Gabriel, "I did fabricate a tale to deceive you, but it was to protect Teresa."
"Teresa, you believe me, right?" Liam asked softly, turning toward her.
Teresa nodded at him, "I trust you. Whatever you told me back then doesn't matter anymore."
"Mr. And Mrs. Bennett, my visit today isn't to apologize, but to propose to Teresa." Gabriel turned toward Teresa and, to everyone's surprise, dropped to one knee. He pulled a black velvet box from his pocket and opened it in front of her, looking up earnestly and with more devotion than ever, "Teresa, I’ve loved you since the moment I truly saw you that night three years ago as I left the hotel and caught your gaze in the stairwell. From now on, I, Gabriel, vow in front of everyone here to love you with all that I am, to protect, respect, and never hurt you, to never let you suffer even the slightest injustice. Will you marry me?"
"Thump!"
Just as Gabriel finished speaking, Liam swung a furious punch that landed squarely on Gabriel's face, staining it with blood once more.
"Gabriel!" Katherine screamed, her heart aching for her son as she rushed to shield him from Liam, "Liam, you've already done enough damage to Gabriel. You can't hit him anymore."
"Teresa, marry me, will you?" Despite the blow, Gabriel didn't retaliate. He remained on one knee, merely wiping the blood from his lip with his thumb, his warm smile unwavering as he spoke again.
Tyler and Yvonne stood frozen, witnessing the unfolding drama that left them completely dumbfounded.
Yvonne had never imagined that Teresa, the very person she despised and detested, would suddenly become the apple of the Garcia family's eye.
If Teresa accepted Gabriel now, it would feel like having her words come back to bite her hard.
Patrick and Sophia sat there, just as stunned. Everything was changing too rapidly; it simply overwhelmed them.
Mason and William, however, remained extremely calm. And so did Croissant. Perched quietly on the couch, he watched with shiny, curious eyes, finding the chaotic scene utterly intriguing. Every so often, the little guy would lift his head to lock eyes with Mason, and the two, old and young, would break into a knowing grin.
"Gabriel!" With Katherine standing in the way, Liam unable to lay a hand on her. He could only growl through gritted teeth, "You're really going to fight me over my wife at a time like this? Isn't that a bit much?"
"Teresa, if you marry Gabriel, I'll cherish you as if you were my own granddaughter," Mason said at last, breaking his silence. His voice was commanding yet tender. "And if that boy gives you any trouble, I'll be the first to set him straight."
"Yeah, and if Gabriel ever bullies you, he'll have to deal with me as well," Katherine quickly added with a reassuring smile.
There stood Teresa, head lowered, gaze fixed on the man kneeling before her, and the velvet box in his hand cradling a sapphire ring. Whether it was frustration or something else, her eyes unexpectedly brimmed with tears.
At that moment, Mason nodded at the secretary by the door. The secretary immediately understood, pulling a stack of papers from his briefcase and respectfully handing them to Patrick.
"Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, please accept this offer from the Garcia family." Mason said with a smile, glancing at Teresa and the adorable little Croissant beside her, and continued, "I know Teresa is the apple of your eye, priceless and precious. Consider these a small token from the Garcias. Naturally, once the Bennetts and Garcias are united by marriage, the Bennetts will prosper even more. And rest assured, whatever benefits the Garcias, the Bennetts will share in them. Should anyone dare trouble the Bennetts, they'll have me and the entire Garcia family to answer to — and it won't be pretty."
Patrick watched as Mason finished his declaration and cast a brief look at the documents the secretary held before taking and flipping through them with Sophia. Inside were deeds to skyscrapers, land, luxury homes, expensive jewelry, high-end cars, and estates. The offer amounted to several billion — a truly staggering display of generosity that left both Patrick and Sophia speechless.
Tyler and Yvonne were equally curious about what the Garcia family's offer for the Bennetts included, though they did not see the contents themselves. Yet judging by Patrick and Sophia's astonishment, they had a pretty good guess.
When the Garcias made a move, they did it with grandeur!
"Mommy!" At that moment, the little Croissant slid off the sofa and ran to Teresa's side, clutching her hand and tilting his round head upward. His shiny, large eyes blinked and sparkled, "I want Mommy and Daddy together. I want us to be a family."
Gabriel watched his son with great delight and shot a knowing smile, then lifted his head to Teresa and said, "Teresa, look at our son, immediately recognizing me as his dad, just as instantly as I recognized you. Isn't all this the perfect plan from above?"
"Gabriel, shut up!" With her eyes closed, Teresa struggled to contain herself, her body trembling slightly and tears swiftly clouding her vision, "I told you, I don't love you. Liam is the one I love, the man I intend to marry. So please, stop your presumptuous meddling and leave me alone. Now, I'm asking you to leave."
"Teresa, you're lying. If you truly felt nothing for me, then why are you crying?" Gabriel said, smiling despite the bitter taste of the truth.
"No, I'm not lying. And if you think I am, I could go with Liam to marriage bureau and get married right now." Teresa's eyes were tightly shut; she could barely bring herself to look at Gabriel.
"Teresa, can't you just stop and think for a second? Why do you have to be so stubborn?" he pleaded.
"Enough, Gabriel!" Just as Gabriel's voice trailed off, Liam growled at him, then wrapped his arms protectively around Teresa and whispered, "Let's go, Teresa. Okay?"
"Sure." She nodded, and as she opened her eyes, tears surged uncontrollably.
Liam gazed at her for a moment and then decisively took her by the hand, quickly leading her outside...
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