Chapter 103

Simon had almost stepped forward just now to stand up for Teresa.

Even if this action would draw criticism and create friction with the Reed Family, he couldn't just stand by and watch her face all this alone.

This should have been his responsibility too.

However, just as Simon's foot moved slightly, his wrist was suddenly gently grasped.

Simon whipped his head around and met Anna's eyes, full of worry.

Somehow, she had also appeared in this corner and was standing right beside him.

"Simon,"

Anna lowered her voice, biting her lip, her fingers gripping his wrist tightly with considerable force.

"Don't go. So many eyes are watching right now. You and Teresa are competitors. The Horizon Group project isn't decided yet. If you go up there to speak for her now, what will people think?"

"They'll say the Smith Group and the Watson Group are secretly colluding, or even think those previous rumors were true. Simon, even if you won't think about yourself, think about the Smith Group, think about Grandpa. Please, don't go."

Her words were like a bucket of cold water, chilling Simon's heart.

He certainly knew what was at stake.

His relationship with Teresa was the most sensitive topic right now. Any public defense could be interpreted in countless ways.

This might not be good for the Smith Group or for Teresa - it could actually confirm some rumors and give opponents more ammunition to attack with.

He could only watch helplessly as Teresa stood there, being humiliated by Zoey with such vicious words.

Simon's body stiffened. He closed his eyes, and while he was thinking, Michael had already stepped forward.

Nearby, Anna sensed Simon's internal struggle. Seeing the churning emotions in his eyes and the impulse that was ultimately forcibly suppressed, the corners of her mouth curved into an almost imperceptible smile of triumph.

'Yes, that's right, Simon. Remember your position, remember that you and Teresa are now on opposite sides. Watch her seek protection from another man - this is the distance and ending you two should have,' she thought.

She released her grip at just the right moment, then gently linked her arm through Simon's, putting on an appearance of being both dependent and understanding.

Her gaze turned to the scene, enjoying Teresa's rare moment of distress and Michael's display of devotion.

She watched, feeling utterly satisfied.

In the center, Henry listened to Michael's inquiry, his face showing no extra expression. He just glanced at his watch again, his tone still flat: "Ms. Bennett is here to see me."

Michael froze, instantly understanding.

So the expert Teresa mentioned was Henry.

"Dr. Reed."

Teresa stepped out slightly from behind Michael, her gaze urgently fixed on Henry, pleading again.

"I know my approach was very abrupt and has disturbed your personal time, but I had to do this. I just need you to give me ten minutes - no, five minutes would be fine."

Teresa's eyes were full of sincerity, staring at Henry without blinking, and immediately continued: "As long as you can give me some guidance and tell me what I should do, please?"

Michael felt his heart twist hearing this. This was the first time he'd seen Teresa so desperate.

Even when online rumors were rampant before, she had never been this urgently determined to do something.

Michael pressed his thin lips together, also looking at Henry, couldn't help but speak up: "Henry, Teresa's situation really is special—"

Henry raised his hand, interrupting Michael's words.

He looked at Teresa, his eyes behind the lenses deep and inscrutable.

Teresa's resilience and her desperate attitude did surprise him somewhat, and reminded him of certain distant memories.

"Ms. Bennett."

He slowly spoke, his voice not loud: "I understand your urgent feelings right now, but I must leave for the airport in fifteen minutes."

The light in Teresa's eyes instantly dimmed with his words.

So she didn't even have a fifteen-minute chance now?

However, Henry's next words shocked everyone's expressions.

"But if you don't mind, you can ride in my car to the airport."

Henry paused, looking at Teresa's suddenly widened eyes, and said calmly: "On the way, there should be about fifteen minutes."

Fifteen minutes, sharing a car to the airport?

As soon as these words came out, the whole room erupted.

Henry was the future head of the Reed Family, highly skilled in medicine but with an eccentric temperament. He never had contact with patients outside of work, let alone invite a strange woman into his private vehicle.

Moreover, to propose this at such a sensitive banquet, in front of everyone.

Nearby, Zoey's pupils contracted sharply. She could hardly believe what she'd just heard from Henry's mouth. She turned to look at Henry and said in a lost voice: "Henry, are you crazy? Do you know what kind of person she is?"

Zoey's voice was shrill, staring hard at Henry.

She couldn't accept that not only had Henry not thrown Teresa out, but he was actually going to let her into his private car.

What did this mean?

This was like slapping her in the face! It was telling everyone that Zoey's behavior just now was wrong, that she was being unreasonable.

"Zoey."

Henry didn't even raise his voice, just turned his head and glanced at Zoey indifferently.

Their eyes met, and Zoey's movements froze. The even harsher words that hadn't left her mouth stuck hard in her throat.

She opened her mouth but in the end said nothing.

Since childhood, she had never seen Henry look at her with such eyes.

That look told her he wasn't discussing - he was announcing a decision, one that didn't allow her interference.

Zoey stood frozen in place, her face flushed red, her chest heaving violently, but she no longer dared make any sound.

She could only use those eyes that seemed about to shoot flames to glare hard at Teresa.

Michael also frowned slightly. He looked at Henry, then at Teresa, complex emotions surging in his heart.

Of course he hoped Teresa could get help, but he wasn't very comfortable with Teresa getting into Henry's car alone.

Henry's thoughts ran deep and his actions were unpredictable. Although he was a friend of many years, when it came to Teresa, he had to be cautious.

But seeing that light in Teresa's eyes - like finding hope in desperation, willing to risk everything - he knew he had no standing and no reason to stop her.

This was the path Teresa had chosen for her daughter.

He could only step forward and say quietly to Teresa: "Teresa, be careful on the way. If anything happens, call me anytime."

Teresa was already so overcome with joy that she couldn't speak for a long moment. She looked at Michael gratefully and nodded hard.

Then she turned toward the main seat, where Trevor was watching everything with deep, penetrating eyes.

Teresa bowed apologetically in Trevor's direction, without saying much.

But her gesture said it all - she was apologizing for disturbing the banquet, and for her having no other choice.