When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107

In the restaurant’s main dining area, Hector, knowing Cedric had gone to meet Charles and the others, called over a waiter and asked for the menu. Although Cedric had other plans, Hector and Teresa still needed to have their meal.

Just as the waiter finished setting the dishes on the table, Cedric walked out of the private room, carrying his briefcase.

As he approached and saw that Teresa and Hector were almost ready to eat, Cedric couldn’t resist teasing, “What? The lead hasn’t even arrived, and the supporting cast is already digging in?”

Hearing Cedric’s voice, Teresa and Hector both instinctively stood up. In unison, they called out, “Professor Judd.”

Cedric, not bothering with formalities, put his briefcase on an empty chair and sat down next to Hector. Once seated, Cedric took off his coat and his watch, setting them aside. It was clear he was planning to settle in for a good meal.

Hector noticed that Cedric hadn’t joined Charles and the others for dinner in the private room, so he pushed the menu toward Cedric and said, “Professor Judd, would you like to order a couple more dishes?”

Just as Cedric was about to take the menu and place his order, Teresa softly interrupted, “Professor Judd, Hector, how about we move to a private room?”

The restaurant was definitely upscale, but there were still all sorts of people around. For someone as distinguished as Cedric, Teresa didn’t want to be rude, and Hector felt the same way.

Hector quickly chimed in, “Professor Judd, would you mind moving to a private room?”

Cedric slammed the menu down on the table, his voice firm. “No, we’re eating right here in the main hall. You youngsters should know when to save and when to splurge.

“Besides, we’ve got nothing to hide–everything we’re doing is out in the open, so there’s no reason to avoid anyone.

Teresa and Hector knew exactly what Cedric meant. Since Cedric had made up his mind, Teresa and Hector didn’t press the issue any further.

Soon, the two veggie dishes Cedric had ordered were brought out. Teresa shot Hector a look, afraid Cedric might feel neglected. Cedric could tell what they were thinking and said, “I’m not as young as I used to be. Cutting back on greasy meat and eating more greens is the secret to staying healthy.”

Hector smiled and said, “Professor Judd, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Cedric glanced up at Hector and rolled his eyes. “Still such a smart mouth

H

Hector gave a gentle smile and glanced over at Teresa. Noticing she hadn’t eaten yet, he served her some food and said, “Teresa, try this. It’s really good here.”

Teresa nodded with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Hector.” After taking a bite, she found it delicious and couldn’t help eating a bit more. During the meal, Hector kept serving Teresa food and soup, always looking out for her.

Cedric saw this and smiled.

Once they were almost done eating, Cedric put down his fork, pointed at Hector, and asked Teresa, “Do you know why Hector asked me to join you for dinner?”

Teresa quickly put down her fork and wiped her mouth when Cedric spoke directly to her.

Hearing his question, she looked at Hector and then back at Cedric, shaking her head. “I don’t know, Professor Judd. Could you tell me?” Cedric didn’t beat around the bush. The graduate school applications are coming up soon. He wants me to give you some words of encouragement

Teresa smiled and said softly. I’m confident, Professor Judd ”

Cedric nodded, impressed by her confidence, then continued, “Well, Hector’s a great guy. Over the years, he’s kept his head down—no women around, barely any friends.

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11:24 AM P P.

Chapter 107

“He’s been buried in data sets, spending endless hours in the lab without tiring. Out of all my students, he’s the only one I have to remind to take a break.”

Cedric sat up straighter, his pride evident as he continued, “Fortunately, all his hard work has paid off. He’s discovered new conditions in neurosurgery, developed targeted treatments, and even has patents.

“Among all the students I’ve mentored, he’s the only one with great character, good looks, a stable personal life, and a bright future ahead.”

Cedric turned to Hector, his face still sharp but his eyes gentle. “That’s only for people whose hearts aren’t really in medicine. But you two are serious about it, so you don’t need to worry about these old rules.”

With Hector and Teresa, Cedric was no longer the stern mentor but a friend, chatting casually with them. They chatted about their studies, swapped stories about tricky cases and surgeries, and shared tips from the medical trenches.

Teresa was sitting with her back to the cashier, so she had no idea Charles and the others had already come out.

anyone

“Professor Judd, I’ve been working on a promising research topic lately. Once Teresa finishes her master’s and gets accepted into your Ph.D. program, I’m planning to work on it with her,” Hector said.

Cedric’s interest was piqued. “Tell me more. What’s the project about? Don’t keep any good ideas to to go, so you can come up with another project by then.”

yourself. Teresa still has three years

Hector knew Cedric was all about research, so he smiled and agreed. “Sure thing.”

Meanwhile, Naomi overheard the conversation between Hector and Cedric, and her mood, which had been improving, sank once again.

Naomi thought, ‘Why does Cedric always act so strict and annoyed around me? And Teresa hasn’t even started her master’s yet, but he’s all friendly and supportive with her? Seriously, what does she have that I don’t?

And Hector is my senior schoolmate too–so why is he treating Teresa so well? He’s even got their Ph.D. project all planned out. I’ve been poring over tons of research papers and still can’t come up with a decent project. So why does Teresa get her project handed to

her?

Naomi felt frustration building up inside her as she glared at Hector and Cedric.

Jason didn’t pick up on Naomi’s mood at all. He just suddenly got it. “So that’s who Cedric was meeting for dinner.”

Naomi’s voice was thick with bitterness. “Hector’s Professor Judd’s golden boy. Of course he gets all the perks.”

Jason just snorted, but since Naomi wasn’t wrong, he didn’t say anything.

At that moment, Naomi had an idea. Although Cedric wouldn’t help her, if she could get Hector’s assistance, her research topic would finally have a direction.

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