Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 725

Emmy just grinned. “Mom, who says I have to move into that big house?” She shrugged, her tone light. “I don’t need their approval. I just want to live my own life, take care of my kids, and that’s enough for me.”

Teresa could see Emmy had already made up her mind, so she let it go. She figured her job as a mom was just to stand behind her daughter, quietly supporting her, making sure she never became a burden.

With that thought, Teresa reached out and squeezed Emmy’s hand. “Emmy, the Nelson family looks down on us. If I’m honest, it’s because of me. I gave up my career when I married your dad, and now, divorced, I know a family like theirs will only look down on me more.”

She took a deep breath, steadying herself like she was about to do something big. “I’ve been thinking. I want to get back into research. Even if I never do anything groundbreaking again, I want to show Mrs. Nelson that I’m not like her. I’m not some woman who needs a man to lean on. I want her to see that I’m different. Maybe then she’ll think twice before looking down on us.”

Tears stung Emmy’s eyes. “Mom, you don’t have to do this for me. I can handle the Nelsons. I don’t want you wearing yourself out because of me.”

Teresa smiled softly, brushing Emmy’s cheek. “It’s not just for you, sweetheart. I want to find myself again. I want to chase after the dreams I left behind when I was young.”

She hesitated, then gave a small, shy smile. “Plus… Mr. Aldridge has been inviting me to join his research team. I was always overthinking, worrying about what people would say, scared it would somehow affect you. I guess I boxed myself in. But I’ve figured it out now. I want to live boldly, for both of us.”

Emmy looked at her mother’s glowing face and realized there was nothing more to say. She nodded, hard. “Alright. But promise me one thing. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

...

The night was quiet. Teresa lay on the hospital’s cot, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Finally, she picked up her phone, opened a chat she’d barely ever used, and stared at it for a long time. Then she typed a message.

I’ve thought about it. I’m ready to join your research team.

At the Aldridge family house, Andrew had just finished a long family dinner when his phone lit up. When he read the message, he had to blink twice to make sure it was real. For a second, he was so happy he almost jumped up from the couch.

Andrew’s expression relaxed, just a little. Then Carli’s voice changed.

“But with Mrs. Nelson’s attitude, Teresa’s life isn’t going to get any easier. If you’re serious about her, you should be ready. Don’t let her end up dragging the whole Aldridge family into trouble.”

The happiness on Andrew’s face faded. His voice was cooler now. “I get it.”

He paused for a moment, then added, “Thanks for the warning, Carli.”

Without another word, he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the house, not looking back.