When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117

The next day was Teresa’s twenty–seventh birthday.

In the morning, Linda made her favorite breakfast. After they ate, Yvonne gave her a gift she had prepared in advance–a designer scarf.

Hector’s gift was still on the table, unopened, and the flowers he had sent had wilted overnight. Teresa carefully placed the sunflowers in a vase and set it on her bedside table.

Monica had the day off, so she came to Teresa’s room as soon as she got up, bringing her a handmade gift. She playfully insisted on styling Teresa’s hair. It was a rare moment of sisterly affection, and Teresa didn’t turn it down.

She spent the whole day with Monica. In the evening, Theodore had arranged dinner at a restaurant for the family. While he didn’t explicitly say it, everyone knew it was to celebrate Teresa’s birthday.

When they arrived, the whole family showed up–nobody was missing.

The restaurant Theodore had chosen was a popular spot, always bustling and lively. He handed the menu to Teresa with a relaxed expression and said, “Order whatever you like.”

As she took the menu, Teresa felt a pang of bittersweetness. It had been years since she last spent her birthday with her family. After marrying Charles, she had almost lost herself, spending all her time taking care of Yolanda and forgetting about her own needs.

Thinking about it now, she realized just how silly she’d been.

After they finished ordering, the whole family just enjoyed some rare downtime together, chatting about family stuff.

Just as they were eating, Teresa suddenly heard a voice behind her that sent a chill down her spine. “Teresa?”

It was Troy, but he didn’t call her in his usual flirty way.

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She turned around, confused. “Troy?”

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Troy shot Teresa a quick glance, then nodded politely to Howard and Linda. “Hello, Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Sullivan.

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He then turned to Theodore and Yvonne, greeting them both with a friendly smile. Troy was very considerate, even remembering to greet Monica with a cheerful, “Hey, Monica.”

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Teresa didn’t understand what Troy meant, and her frown deepened.

Troy finally looked at her, a playful smile in his eyes. “You know, sometimes a chance meeting is better than a formal invitation. Mind if I join you and your family for dinner?”

Teresa didn’t understand his intentions, but before she could say anything, Theodore turned to Troy, his face cold. “Mr. Hamilton, you’re used to a life of luxury. I doubt you’d enjoy simple food like this.”

Theodore didn’t spell it out, but his meaning couldn’t have been clearer.

Troy feigned misunderstanding and sat down next to Teresa with a smile. “Come on, Theodore, don’t make it sound so serious. I’m not picky.”

Teresa saw Troy sit down and immediately shot a nervous look at Theodore–her brother had told her more than once to keep her distance from Troy.

But Troy was clingy as ever, like gum stuck to her shoe–no matter what she did, she just couldn’t shake him off.

Theodore didn’t get angry, but his attitude was far from friendly. “We’re a bit rough around the edges, Mr. Hamilton–probably not the kind of crowd you’re used to.”

His meaning was clear enough that even Linda, who wasn’t in on the details, got the message. But Troy just shrugged, unfazed. “Come on, don’t say that. I should be the one feeling honored to join you for dinner.”

Saying that, Troy helped himself to a drink, raised his glass, and clinked it against Theodore’s without waiting for a response. “Cheers, Theodore. This one’s for you.” Then he knocked it back in one go.

Troy made the toast, and even though Theodore wasn’t fond of him, he had no choice but to endure it for now.

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11:25 AM

Chapter 117

Charles stared at the photo for a while, feeling like it resembled one of those dinners where the boyfriend met the family time.

He didn’t reply to Jason. Instead, he just quietly put his phone away.

When Charles walked into Joyacre Villa, Yolanda spotted him right away and jumped up, cheering, “Daddy, you’re finally home.”

Charles picked her up and looked around, realizing Naomi Ava weren’t there. “Where’s Naomi and Ava?” he asked.

Yolanda wrapped her arms around his neck and replied, “Miss Naomi took Ava to freshen up. She told me to play with my toys downstairs for a while and said she’d come back to give me a bath.”

Charles gently pressed his forehead to hers before setting her down on the couch, Thinking about the photo Jason had sent him, he suddenly spoke, “Yolanda, can you give your mom a call?”

Yolanda pouted. “Daddy, I don’t want to.”

Charles thought for a moment and coaxed, “Daddy needs to ask Mommy something. Can you help Daddy out, please?”

“Okay, I guess,” Yolanda sighed and agreed. She pulled out her smartwatch and called Teresa, but the call didn’t go through. Yolanda tried again, but still, no answer.

Charles frowned, took out his phone, and texted Teresa: [I’m back from my business trip.] He waited a few minutes, but she still didn’t reply.

Charles knew Teresa was out having dinner with Troy and her family. He knew he shouldn’t care so much, but for some reason, he felt

unsettled.

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He shot up from the couch, turning to Yolanda, who was staring at him in confusion. “Yolanda, Daddy needs to step out for a bit. You stay here and be good, okay?”

Just then, Naomi appeared on the stairs. Seeing Charles about to leave again, she called out, “Charles, you’re heading out again?”

Charles turned to her and said, “Jason needs me for something, so I’m heading out.”