When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Jason looked so sure of himself that Troy couldn’t help but laugh.

“Mr. Gould, so confident, huh? What is it–are you Naomi’s loyal mutt now?” Tra

sneered.

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Jason’s face went pale with rage. “Troy Hamilton, don’t you dare get cocky with me.”

Troy lifted his chin, looking down at Jason with pure arrogance, suppressing and mocking him. “You really think you’re even worthy to talk back to me?”

Jason was so furious that he wanted to throw a punch, but Finn grabbed his arm. “Jason, chill out. This is Mr. Harris’s birthday party.”

He knew messing with Troy was just asking for trouble.

Knowing that, Jason swallowed his anger, shot Troy a glare, and stormed off, snapping, “Let’s go.”

Ethan pulled his gaze away from Teresa, who stood behind Troy, then followed Jason and Finn into the Harris family’s mansion.

As he stepped inside, Ethan glanced back at Teresa, a cold smirk playing on his lips. “Interesting,” he remarked under his breath.

This was only the second time Ethan had seen Teresa, but she was not just beautiful–she was exactly his type.

He thought, ‘Once Charles dumps her, I could show up just in time to play the hero and comfort her broken heart. And when I get bored, I’ll just toss her aside like yesterday’s trash.‘

The thought made Ethan’s heart race with excitement.

Once that annoying crowd had gone inside, Troy turned back to Teresa, his voice gentle. “You okay?”

Teresa’s expression was utterly calm, not a hint of joy or sorrow. She nodded. “I’m fine.”

Seeing her so composed, Troy finally felt relieved.

Noticing she was struggling a bit in her high heels, he grabbed her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm, his voice bossy. “Hold

onto me.”

Teresa didn’t protest. She just quietly took his arm and said, “Okay.”

As they stepped into the mansion, the first thing that caught their eye was a sprawling lawn, dotted with tables and chairs. Each table was piled high with a mouthwatering spread of fresh fruit and desserts.

There was champagne, wine, and plenty of other drinks to go around.

The place was packed with guests from every age group.

Teresa didn’t know anyone there, so she kept to herself and didn’t mingle,

Not spotting Charles or his crew anywhere put her a little more at ease.

Troy led her to a quiet corner and sat down with her. He kept bringing her different kinds of fruit and desserts, piling them up in front of her until she was practically drowning in food.

Teresa stared at the mountain of treats in front of her, then turned to Troy with a frown. “Do you think I’m a pig or something?” she

asked.

Troy chuckled. “Just try a little bit of everything.”

Teresa knew he meant well, so she said, “Thanks.”

Just as Troy was about to say something, a man’s voice cut in from behind. “Mr. Hamilton?”

It was said to be a birthday party, but everyone knew it was really just an excuse for people to rub shoulders with the elite.

With Troy’s status, it was no surprise that plenty of people were eager to get on his good side.

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Chapter 161

Troy turned to face the man, offering a polite smile. “Hello.”

The man quickly raised his glass and clinked it against Troy’s. “Mr. Hamilton, I’ve heard so much about you. I’d like to propose a toast in your honor.”

With that, he downed his drink in one gulp.

Troy watched him, but only took a small sip of his own.

The man didn’t seem bothered at all. Instead, he turned to Teresa and asked, “Mr. Hamilton, who’s this gorgeous lady with you?”

Troy glanced at Teresa, who was quietly peeling a chestnut. A loose strand of hair hid part of her face as she sat there, calm and silent, like a painting come to life.

Watching her, Troy found himself lost in the moment.

When he snapped out of it, he turned to the man and said, “She’s not like the others. She’s the girl of my dreams–the one I’ve always wanted, the one I’d do anything to have.”

She felt even more dazed–she just couldn’t figure out why Troy was treating her like this.

Teresa heard him and turned to Troy. “I do drink.”

With that, she picked up a glass of red wine, clinked it with the man’s, and finished it in one go.

The man, seeing Teresa play along so graciously, showered her with a couple of compliments, slipped her his business card, and then took his leave.

Once he left, Troy slid his chair right next to Teresa’s, turned to her, his gaze serious. “Are you feeling down?”

Without looking up, Teresa kept peeling her chestnuts and said quietly, “Not really. It’s just… nothing feels worth being happy about.”

Troy saw the gloom in her eyes and blurted out, “So, tell me what do you actually enjoy?”

The chestnut in her hand was tough to peel, probably not cooked enough.

She just gave up and set it down on the table.

Then, she looked up at Troy, her gaze serious. “I like a quiet, ordinary life.”

Troy was surprised by how simple her wish was. He quickly replied, “I can give you that.”

Teresa just gave a faint smile. “Troy, how many people born into rich families ever get to live a simple life? Not even you.”

Troy glanced down at his hands, then held them out in front of her, speaking earnestly. “If that’s what you want, these hands can bring you wealth and luxury, or they can grow flowers and vegetables for you.”

Teresa glanced down at his hands, which were elegant, long, and strong.

She was dazed for a moment, but then smiled. “Troy, we’re just from different worlds. We’re not meant to be.”

Troy got flustered when he heard that. He wanted to say he could give up all that status and privilege for her, but before he could get the words out, someone called his name from behind. “Troy.”

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Chapter 161

It was a woman’s voice.

Troy lowered his gaze, took a long breath, and only then turned around.

Teresa also looked over at the girl walking toward them.

She recognized her–this was the same girl who had accompanied Troy to the last event.

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And not just that–Teresa remembered seeing Troy run his hand over this girl’s leg in the car.

Thinking of that, Teresa dropped her eyes and pressed her lips together.

She thought someone like Troy was never meant for an ordinary life.

When Troy saw it was Melanie, he quickly reined in his temper.

Melanie did a playful little twirl in front of him, her voice sweet. “Well? Do I look good today?”

Troy gave her a quick once–over and nodded. “Yeah, you look great.”

Melanie was straightforward as ever. “I got all dressed up just for you, you know.”

Listening to their exchange, Teresa sat up straighter and quietly moved her chair a bit farther away.

Troy smiled. “You really went all out.”

Melanie Harris plopped down next to Troy, clinging to his arm and chirping, “When dinner starts, will you sit with me?”

Troy glanced at her hand on his arm, frowned, brushed her off, then flashed a smile. “Nope. I’m sitting with my girl.”

With that, he turned to Teresa.

He saw she’d scooted two seats away, and his frown deepened. He bent over, grabbed her chair, and dragged it right back next to his.

Teresa had stiffened up, ready to put up a fight, but Troy just yanked her back like it was nothing.

Melanie’s curious eyes darted over, and when she got a good look at Teresa’s face, her smile disappeared in an instant.