When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Troy’s car pulled up to the curb, and as he stepped out, he casually unbuttoned his suit jacket.

He strolled forward, his black suit hanging open, hands in his pockets, emerging from the shadows with effortless swagger and energy.

He might have a notorious reputation in the business world, but Troy was ridiculously handsome. With a roguish charm in his eyes and every move radiating charisma, he was unexpectedly captivating.

At the entrance, Teresa and the others turned at the sound of his footsteps, watching as Troy strode confidently toward them.

As he approached, Troy stopped in front of the group, smiling warmly at Xavier. “Mr. Harris, it’s your birthday today. Would you mind being a witness for me?”

Troy came empty–handed, but Xavier knew the Hamilton family’s gift had already arrived earlier that afternoon.

Both families were prominent in Riverdale, but the Hamilton family always ranked above the Harris family.

Xavier wanted to agree to Troy’s request right away, but as a shrewd businessman, he could tell from Troy’s attitude that this was aimed at Charles. He also knew the Hamilton and Logan families were rivals.

With a chuckle, Xavier waved off Troy’s suggestion. “Troy, I’m getting old. I think I’ll stay out of you young folks‘ battles.”

Sensing Xavier’s discomfort, Charles stepped in. “What do you want, Mr. Hamilton? Let’s hear it.”

Teresa stood off to the side, feeling that Troy’s intentions were anything but friendly. Still, she knew she didn’t have the right to speak up there.

Besides, Troy might not even be targeting her.

Therefore, she stayed quiet, watching the situation unfold.

Troy didn’t press Xavier any further. Seeing how straightforward Charles was, he turned to him with a smirk. “Mr. Logan, you know I’ve got a bit of a playboy reputation. If I go a day without seeing a beautiful woman, I swear it feels like I’m dying. So, how about you do me a solid and let your gorgeous secretary hang out with me for a while?”

Charles couldn’t help but laugh at Troy’s bluntness. “You just said you wanted something from me, Troy, and now you’re asking for my secretary’s company? Are you saying my secretary’s just an item to be handed over?”

Troy raised an eyebrow at that, his gaze lingering on Teresa. Surprise and appreciation flickered in his eyes as he took in her look, and he flashed her a charming smile.

Finally, Troy looked back at Charles. “Mr. Logan, all I’m asking for is just a chance to admire your secretary’s beauty. You know, experts say checking out pretty girls is good for your health. Sure, we might butt heads in business, but you wouldn’t wish me an early grave, right?”

Troy was laying traps with every word.

Charles just smiled quietly, saying nothing.

Seeing Charles stay quiet, Troy pushed further. “Mr. Logan, does that mean you agree?”

Charles clearly didn’t want to agree, and he was about to say no when several more cars pulled up by the curb.

At the same time, Naomi’s voice rang out. “Charles.”

Charles turned and saw Naomi, Jason, Ethan, and Finn.

Seeing the new arrivals, Xavier hurried over to greet them, offering cigars.

He knew Jason and Finn well, but the two standing with them–Ethan and Naomi–were strangers to him.

Still, since they’d come with Jason and the others, Xavier figured they had to be someone significant.

Therefore, he made sure to greet each of them.

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10:35 AM

Chapter 160

After Xavier finished greeting everyone, Charles walked over and stood beside Naomi. He glanced at Ethan and greeted him with a nod. “Ethan.”

Ethan gave a gentle smile. “Charles, no need for the formal stuff–it just makes us feel like strangers. We’re all going to be family soon anyway.”

Once Xavier had welcomed them, he left the group to chat and went off to greet other guests.

Hearing Ethan’s words, Charles smiled and said, “Alright, Ethan.”

Behind them, Teresa found it kind of funny how close Charles was to Ethan.

Charles was so open about his feelings for Naomi, it was almost shameless.

He treated Ethan, Naomi’s brother, like family.

Meanwhile, when it came to Theodore, Teresa’s brother, Charles had never set foot in the Sullivan family’s house, not even during the holidays.

Teresa turned around, meeting Ethan’s gaze head–on. She demanded, “What’s so funny, Mr. Yates? Is running into you supposed to be some kind of lucky sign?”

Ethan made Teresa’s skin crawl.

Not only did he have some twisted ideas about Yvonne, but even after learning Teresa was Charles’s wife, he still had the nerve to openly hit on her.

Teresa had no idea what he was really after.

All she knew was, she just wanted to stay far away from him.

Ethan hadn’t expected Teresa to be so disrespectful. His smile stiffened, and he asked, “Ms. Sullivan, you seem hostile toward me.”

Teresa answered without hesitation, her voice clear and direct. “Not exactly, but I look down on people like you.”

When she said people like him, she was lumping Naomi in with Ethan, making it clear her contempt included them both

Ethan’s expression soured. “You-”

Before he could snap back, Naomi reached out and grabbed his arm, saying softly, “Ethan, it’s Mr. Harris’s birthday party. Let’s not make a fuss.”

Charles was talking with Jason and Finn and likely hadn’t noticed the commotion with Ethan and Naomi.

Seeing this, Troy couldn’t hold back anymore. He pulled Teresa behind him, shielding her, and called out loudly, “Mr. Logan?”

Charles turned at the sound of Troy’s voice, lightly furrowing his brow. “What’s the matter?”

Troy flashed a meaningful smile, his gaze lingering intently on Naomi, the look in his eyes loaded with something only he understood.

He quickly looked away, then, with a tone that was half envious and half playful, said to Charles, “Mr. Logan, you really hit the jackpot. The lady by your side is not only stunning and graceful, but also gentle and knows exactly how to carry herself. You’d better hold on tight, or I might just have to snatch her away for myself.”

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10:35 AM P P

Chapter 160

Troy’s words danced on the edge of provocation and sincerity–half–joking, half–serious. Everyone present, except Naomi, could tell he was just stirring the pot.

Naomi knew Charles and Troy were rivals, but getting praised by Troy still made her giddy inside.

She couldn’t help but think, ‘Did Troy just get a little dazzled by my looks too?‘

Everyone had heard the stories about Troy.

Just knowing he looked her way more than once sent Naomi’s heart racing.

She had to admit–Troy was every bit as impressive as Charles, in looks and in presence.

But if she could actually make Troy fall for her, Naomi would feel like she’d scored a major win.

After all, Charles only ever had Teresa around, but Troy was always surrounded by beautiful women.

Naomi couldn’t help but think, ‘If I could make a player like Troy go exclusive, wouldn’t that mean I’m more irresistible than almost anyone?‘

Troy had only given Naomi a single glance, but in her head, she’d already played out a whole TV drama.

As Naomi let her imagination run wild with all these made–up scenarios, she couldn’t help but blush.

Charles didn’t give Troy’s words a second thought. He gently took Naomi by the wrist and said, “Come on, let’s head inside. I’ll introduce you to some leading figures of the medical world.”

Naomi snapped back to reality and answered, “Oh, sure.”

Once they were inside, Jason strolled over to Troy, chuckling. “Sure, you’ve got plenty of women chasing after you, Mr. Hamilton, but not every girl is that easy. Naomi? Forget it–she’s one you’ll never get, no matter what.”