When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 118

After leaving Joyacre Villa, Charles gave Jason a call. Once he got the address, he drove straight over.

When he parked outside the place and got out, he spotted the Sullivan family through the large window. Teresa was sitting at the table, with Troy beside her, helping her put on a birthday hat. Yvonne slid a cake in front of her, while Theodore was lighting the candles.

Monica was perched on Linda’s lap, clapping along and singing the birthday song.

Teresa clasped her hands, closed her eyes, and silently made a wish in front of the cake. Once she’d made her wish and blown out the candles, Yvonne handed her a knife so she could cut the cake.

wasn’t one of them, he seemed

The whole family was enjoying a warm, joyful moment together. Troy stood off to the side–although he why we

to fit right in, smiling gently and looking genuinely happy.

Charles stood there, frozen, taking in the scene. Only now did he realize–today was Teresa’s birthday. They’d been married for five years, and he’d never heard her mention her birthday, nor had he ever asked.

Just then, Jason walked up behind him and gave Charles’s shoulder a light pat, speaking quietly, “Teresa and Troy seem

Charles replied with a cool “Yeah.”

Jason frowned. “Doesn’t that bother you at all?”

Charles said coldly, “That doesn’t prove anything.”

Jason got a little worked up. “Charles, do you really need to get cheated on before you finally care?”

Charles was utterly confident. “She wouldn’t do that.” Without another word, Charles strode straight into the restaurant.

pretty close.”

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As he entered, many people stared, noticing that he didn’t quite fit in, but Charles ignored them and went straight to the Sullivans.

Teresa was busy cutting the cake, her back to Charles, totally unaware he’d shown up. Linda and Howard were the first to notice him, and their faces instantly clouded over.

Troy, who always had a knack for reading the room, caught the shift in their expressions and glanced over his shoulder to see what was up. When he spotted Charles, his brows knitted just a little.

Charles wasn’t really familiar with the Sullivans, but he could easily tell who was who. He walked over and greeted each of them in turn, “Linda, Howard, Theodore, Yvonne…”

When Teresa heard Charles’s voice, she turned her head to look at him, visibly stunned, but kept quiet.

Charles smiled gently, his eyes warm as he asked, “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?” His tone had a hint of reproach.

The Sullivans all knew Charles had hurt Teresa, and none of them bothered to hide their dislike.

Teresa couldn’t help but find his question amusing, but before she could say a word, Troy cut in, mocking him. “You can’t even remember your wife’s birthday, Mr. Logan. Even if she’d told you ahead of time, what difference would it have made?”

Charles shot Troy a look, his face blank. “This is my family’s business. No need for an outsider like you to worry about it.”

Troy chuckled, a sharp, mocking laugh. “Funny, I think you’re the real outsider here, Mr. Logan.”

Charles’s face darkened, and he shot Troy a cold glare. Troy met his gaze without flinching, Teresa stood between the two men, feeling the tension on both sides.

Just then, Charles’s phone rang, breaking the standoff He glanced at the screen, took a few steps away, and answered.

Naomi’s anxious voice came through. “Charles, My mom’s surgical wound has opened up, and she’s bleeding a lot ”

Charles’s brow furrowed. “Okay, I’ll be right back,” he said, his voice steady but urgent

After hanging up, he walked back to the table and gave Howard and Linda an apologetic look. “Howard, Linda, I’ve got something I need to handle Enjoy the meal–it’s on me today”

Not once did the Sullivans meet his gaze. Even though he was being polite, no one paid him any mind.

11:25 AM P P .

Chapter 118

Charles didn’t force the issue. He turned to Teresa and said softly, “I’ll make it up to you later. We’ll celebrate your birthday another time. I have to leave now.”

Charles paused, and Troy, grinning, said, “I just bought this place. No need to pay. Dinner’s on me.”

a

good candidate?”

Monica chewed on her fork for a moment, thinking it over. “You’re handsome, but sometimes, hands wit

Troy smiled. “But I’m different.”

Monica grinned. “Then go for it.”

Teresa listened to Monica and Troy chatting, and could practically feel Theodore sulking beside her.

After thinking it over, she turned to Monica and said, “Monica, Troy and I are just friends.”

Monica let out a disappointed little “Okay.”

Troy glanced at Teresa, lowering his voice as he leaned in. “But who knows what’ll happen down the road.”

Only Teresa heard him, but since her family was there, she just kept quiet and let it slide.

Once everyone had finished their cake, dinner was over.

guys can be trouble.”

Monica, exhausted, fell asleep in Theodore’s lap as the family left the restaurant, with Troy walking alongside them to say goodbye. Teresa and Yvonne were the only ones who hadn’t had any alcohol, so they took charge of driving.

Yvonne headed out first, and as Teresa was about to get in her car, Troy suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her right into his arms. Teresa tried to push him off, demanding, “Troy, what are you doing now?”

Troy pinned her against the car, boxing her in with his body. He leaned in close to her ear, his voice rough and sexy from the booze. “Happy birthday, sweetheart

Teresa shoved him away, snapping, “Troy, enough. Quit your act

Troy leaned in again, his breath hot against her skin. “Sweetheart, I’ve left a surprise for you in your room. I hope you’ll like it.”

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