When She Turns Her Back (Teresa and Charles) novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Teresa could guess what Richard was trying to do.

He had always known her relationship with Charles was strained and had always wanted to help them reconcile.

After the incident with Jason’s mother, Charles’s opinion of Teresa had soured even further.

By sending her to visit, Richard was creating an opportunity to smooth things over.

He could later tell Charles that Teresa had gone on her own accord, praising her for being thoughtful.

Teresa knew her grandfather–in–law’s intentions all too well.

But she saw no point in trying to fix her relationship with Charles.

It was only a matter of time before she made way for Naomi anyway.

The only reason Charles hadn’t signed the divorce papers yet was probably because the timing wasn’t right for him.

Teresa thought for a moment before declining. “Richard, maybe Charles should go. The Goulds won’t be happy to see me. What if I show up and upset a recovering patient? I can’t be responsible for that.”

Richard was having none of it. “You’re going,” he insisted.

Knowing she couldn’t win, Teresa sighed and agreed.

Richard had a housekeeper load the prepared gifts into her car, reminding her to drive safely.

Teresa buckled her seatbelt, gave a nod, and drove away.

When she arrived at the Goulds‘ estate, she wasn’t surprised to see Charles’s car already there.

He and Jason were close friends, after all.

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Juggling a few gift bags, Teresa walked in to find Jason’s mother, Ava Gould, settled in a plush armchair. She wore a soft beanie, a blanket draped over her lap. Flanking her were Charles and Naomi.

They were in the middle of a conversation and didn’t notice her enter.

Ava was holding Naomi’s hand, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. “Oh, Naomi,” she said warmly, “Jason told me how much you did for me, running around trying to find a surgeon. You even humbled yourself for my sake. I’m so touched. Don’t you worry, from now on, I’m on your side. If Charles ever gives you any trouble, you just tell me. Jašou and I, we’re your family now.”

Naomi blushed and lowered her gaze. “Mrs. Gould, nothing’s set in stone between Charles and me yet.”

Ava patted her hand. “That boy is dependable. You can trust him. He’ll make things right for you:”

Naomi’s face grew even redder as she looked down at her lap.

Charles, meanwhile, was hunched over his phone, typing a message, oblivious to their conversation.

When he finally looked up, he saw Teresa, slightly flushed from the effort of carrying the gifts. She set them down on the coffee table one by one

After she finished, she straightened up and looked their way.

She ignored Charles’s questioning glance and addressed Ava, her tone cool and formal. “Mrs. Gould.”

Teresa remained composed, not letting her anger show or making a scene in front of a patient.

Ava heard her but didn’t bother to respond, instead turning back to Naomi. “Jason said you play the piano beautifully. Will you come play for me often?”

Naomi glanced nervously from Teresa to Charles before answering. “Of course, Mrs. Gould. Anytime you’d like.”

Ava’s smile widened. “Such a good girl. Not like some people who wear a white coat and think they’re hot stuff, but have no clue how to

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Chapter 88

act. They don’t realize that one word from the right person could crush them.”

Teresa stood silently in the middle of the living room. She knew Ava’s words were meant to mock her, and she knew Ava felt bold enough to say them only because of Charles’s attitude.

If he didn’t respect her, why would any of his friends?

Charles said nothing in her defense, but Teresa had expected that.

A small, humorless smile touched her lips. “Mrs. Gould, Richard wasn’t able to come himself, so he asked me to stop by and see how you were doing. Since you seem to be in good health, I’ll be on my way. And you don’t need to ask me to stay for dinner. There are people waiting for me at home.”

With that, Teresa turned to leave.

But it wasn’t enough. She spun back around, a bright, saccharine smile on her face. “You know, Mrs. Gould, you’re not a young woman anymore. You should really take care of yourself. It would be best if you stayed healthy enough to never need a hospital again.”

The mockery was thinly veiled–a sharp reminder that she was only alive because a doctor had saved her.

Satisfied, Teresa turned and walked out.

Satisfied,

Ava’s face went pale with rage.

Charles immediately poured her a glass of water and rubbed her back soothingly.

Naomi rushed to her other side. “Mrs. Gould, don’t let someone like that get to you. Your health is what’s most important.”

Just then, Jason Gould was coming in as Teresa was walking out, and they nearly collided.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Teresa didn’t even spare him a glance, simply walking past him and out the door.

Jason froze for a second, a deep frown creasing his brow.

The Teresa he’d been seeing lately felt like a complete stranger.

She used to fawn all over him, desperate for approval. Now, all he got was ice.

‘No wonder Charles can’t stand her,‘ he thought with a sneer. ‘How could a woman with a personality like that ever compare to someone like Naomi?‘

Shaking his head, he went inside.

The sight of Naomi gently adjusting the beanie on his mother’s head filled him with a wave of warmth.

He hurried over, taking the task from her. “Naomi, you’ve done more than enough these past few days. Let me handle this.”

Jason had heard all about Naomi’s efforts–calling old classmates and professors, pulling every string she could to get someone to persuade Hector Reed.

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