Chapter 11 0 At eleven that night , Roselyn Lockwood saw off the last guests and curled up on the sofa . She pulled out her phone to scroll through her Facebook feed , and happened to see a nine - photo post from Teresa Sullivan . The warm , harmonious scene of the Sullivan Family together left Roselyn distinctly displeased . Today was Zack Logan's birthday , yet Teresa , his daughter - in - law , not only failed to come home - she hadn't even sent any words . Every year , for two days straight , Teresa had been in the kitchen , cooking for the family . This year ? She went home to her parents . Roselyn's irritation only deepened . Too vexed to sit still , she strode upstairs . She skipped the knock and stormed straight into Charles's study . She tossed her phone down beside him and snapped , " Tell me - what is this supposed to mean ? " Charles picked it up , gave it a cursory glance , and frowned in puzzlement . " What's the problem ? " Bracing both hands on the desk , Roselyn leaned over him . " Today's your father's birthday . Not a word from her - she just ran off to her parents . Married into this family , and every bite she eats , every stitch she wears , comes from the Logans . Instead of honoring her in- laws , she goes home to slave for them . Has she lost her mind ? " M Charles had no patience for petty family gossip . Pushing the phone back toward her , he said coolly , " You're always going back to your parents ' too , aren't you ? " In his mind , there was nothing wrong with Teresa visiting her family . Roselyn's temper only flared higher . " How is that the same ? When you and Teresa married , not a single person from the Sullivan family came . Wasn't that a clear sign they'd cut ties with her ? Now they see the Logan family riding high , so they let her back to kiss up to you- that's the only reason ." Charles's brows drew together , but he ignored her rapid - fire rant . They must want something from you . I'm telling you - don't you dare lift a finger to help . They're a pack of thankless ingrates . " If they want your help , fine - but only if they get on their knees and beg for it - not once , but twice . Otherwise , forget it ." Charles had heard enough . Leaning back , he said , " The Sullivans ' business isn't that big . They've got nothing to ask me for . Roselyn . You can go ." " Not necessarily . What if it's - oh , I don't know - money they're after ? " Seeing his expression darken , Roselyn wisely mimed sealing her lips . She left the study in a huff , leaving Charles with no mood to work . Leaning back in his chair , he pressed his fingers to his brow . He'd just noticed the caption on Teresa's post - and realized , to his surprise , that today was also her father's birthday . Five years married , and he'd never known . On reflection , he knew little about her at all - not even what she'd studied in college . One accident , and they'd ended up in bed . She got pregnant . His grandfather had pushed for him to " do the right thing ." And so - he married her . This marriage could go either way . He didn't care . With her or without her , his life went on the same , ' Past , present , future - nothing she did , or didn't do , would ever matter to me . He thought . On Monday , Teresa was back at the small - town school . She'd barely stepped into the infirmary when Principal Jimmy Leach rushed in . " Dr. Sullivan - finally ! I've been waiting for you . " 1/3 P. Chapter 11 He was visibly anxious , sweat beading his forehead . Teresa frowned . " What is it ? Did something happen to one of the kids ? " She was already reaching for the first - aid kit , but Jimmy caught her arm . " No - it's just , there's a charity fundraiser this afternoon . I hear a well - known businessman from Riverdale will be here . One of the second - grade teachers just went on maternity leave , and we're short- staffed . I was hoping you could help watch her class - just walk the kids to the playground , stay with them until the event's over , then bring them back . " Relieved , Teresa said , " Ah , that's all ? Sure , I'll take them this afternoon ." At two o'clock , the school called assembly . Teresa , as promised , led Grade 2 to the playground . Once they were lined up , she stood at the back , waiting for things to start . It was autumn , the small - town air pleasantly mild . Gusts rattled through the orange leaves , sending them skittering across the ground. Jimmy announced the opening of the event , and to As Teresa's view cleared , she recognized him plause , a tall figure stepped out from behind the academic building . - Logan . he remembered Jimmy mentioning a well - known busines . And it hit her - Charles couldn't fit the description better . Her heart stayed steady , but her eyes stayed on him . Setting aside their marriage , he was -objectively- good man . He treated everyone well . Everyone but her . Today , he wasn't in his usual suit . In casual clothes , understated , his sharp features softened- -still exactly as she remembered . Charles was generous - four million for new school buildings , stipends for the poorest kids , and even cash envelopes , featur porest www. When the event ended , Charles and his assistant headed toward the academic building . After getting her class back to their room , Teresa started for the infirmary . In the staff office , Charles was still waiting for Jimmy to finish up . Standing by the window , he glanced out and spotted her passing - and stiffened in surprise . Teresa didn't so much as glance his way , walking on as if he weren't there . Liam Collins , catching his boss's pause , asked in concern , " Mr. Logan , something wrong ? " Charles's gaze tracked her until she disappeared into another building . " Liam , weren't my movements supposed to be kept under wraps these two days ?" " Yes , sir . " Charles's brows knit . " Then how did Teresa end up here ? " In the early years , she'd done things like this - fishing for his schedule , engineering chance encounters . Eventually , he'd had Liam keep his itinerary strictly private . He hadn't expected her to pull the same trick again after all this time , Liam thought it over , then ventured , " Could Ms. Sullivan have … followed your car ? " તેને વાઘથી વધુનું સનો કોલ કે ગણે Charles's face hardened , but before he could reply , Jimmy came bustling in . " Mr. Logan , so sorry to keep you waiting . We're shorthanded here - I had to see the students off . " " It's fine . Now that you're here , I- " Before he could finish , Jimmy clasped his hand . " Mr. Logan , we've got a lot of kids in this town , but folks keep moving away and it's been hard to keep the place going . Without you , these kids wouldn't have much to look forward to . So - just to say thank you - I've set up a little country - style dinner for you here in town . Hope you don't mind the simple fare . Let us treat you to a proper meal tonight . " 2/3 P Chapter 11 0 0 Charles meant to refuse , but Jimmy's warmth was relentless . The " no " died on his lips as Jimmy declared , " Then it's settled . " By five - thirty , Teresa too had been roped in . She tried to beg off , but Jimmy insisted someone " worldly " like her should help hold the table . Against such enthusiasm , she could only agree . 3/3