When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Melanie still remembered the last time she was at the intersection with Troy, both of them hurrying to a dinner party.

At the traffic lights, a man climbed into a car, and it looked like an argument broke out inside. The car just sat there, not moving for ages.

When the light turned green, Troy was about to drive off, but he stopped. He got out and chased the guy away.

After that, he seemed to say something to the driver in the car.

Melanie was sitting in the front passenger’s seat. She couldn’t catch what they said, but when Troy got back in, his eyes were red.

Melanie couldn’t help but sneak a look at the driver in the car next to them.

She saw it was a woman–attractive, sure, but not the kind that’d turn heads everywhere she went.

Back then, Melanie just assumed Troy’s red eyes were because that guy had roughed him up.

But later that night, with a box of tissues sitting by her leg, she saw Troy pull one out and dab at his eyes.

It wasn’t until Melanie saw Teresa’s face that it hit her–maybe Troy hadn’t been beaten up that night. Maybe he’d really been crying.

Melanie had known Troy for years, and she’d never seen his eyes go red for anyone.

But if her guess was right, Teresa was the first to ever make him like that.

It was obvious just how much she meant to Troy.

Thinking about all this, Melanie couldn’t help but feel a little suffocated.

Troy had a reputation for being a playboy, but Melanie had been his friend since childhood. She knew he wasn’t really like that.

And for all these years, she’d been the only girl in his life–just friends, nothing more.

Because of that special bond, Melanie had always hoped that one day, she’d really be by Troy’s side as his wife.

But now, there was another woman in his life.

After Troy pulled Teresa back, he stretched his legs out, blocking her path so she couldn’t run off again.

At the same time, he shot her an annoyed look and said, “What, am I that scary? Why are you running away from me like that?”

Teresa didn’t answer him. Instead, she turned her head to look at Melanie.

Ever since she’d been pulled back, Teresa had felt Melanie’s eyes on her.

She greeted Melanie and said, “Hi.”

Melanie paused for a moment before replying, “Hi, I’m Melanie Harris.”

She wore a smile, but it didn’t seem genuine–it was more like she was putting on an act.

Teresa put on a polite smile and said, “I’m Teresa Sullivan.”

Melanie kept her eyes fixed on her, the look cold and unfriendly, scrutinizing Teresa like she was trying to figure her out.

Troy’s hand was draped over the back of Teresa’s chair, his legs stretched out in front of her, making sure she couldn’t slip away.

He turned to look at Melanie, but before he could say a word, she beat him to it. “Troy, shall we go toast my dad together now?”

Melanie’s father was Xavier.

Troy didn’t even hesitate before turning her down. “Nah. I’ll go with my girl later and toast Mr. Harris myself”

Melanie was clearly disappointed, but she kept up her smile and just said, “Alright.”

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Chapter 162

Troy had always known how Melanie felt about him, and he’d made it clear he wasn’t interested.

But seeing her like this, he couldn’t help but remind her again. “Melanie, at work, you’re my secretary. But once we’re out of the office, you’re the Harris family’s princess. If you don’t need to be around me, keep your distance–otherwise, my girl could easily get the wrong impression about us.”

Melanie was the Sullivan heiress. She could’ve lived a life of luxury if she wanted, but for Troy, she lowered herself just to be his secretary.

And she’d stuck with it for years.

The last time Troy brought Melanie to an event, someone asked about her, and he purposely said she was the woman who was closest to him every single day.

That kind of answer could easily make people think there was something more between them, but it was just the plain truth.

Melanie was his secretary, so it was only natural they were always around each other.

Troy’s cold words stung even Teresa, but for Melanie, who’d always been the center of attention since she was a kid, it was a real blow.

At that, Melanie’s eyes went red with hurt. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she muttered under her breath, “Troy, you’re such an asshole.”

He looked straight at her, his tone sharp and no–nonsense. “Why were you dodging me just now?”

Troy said, “If I’m into someone else, I have to be honest with her.”

Teresa hesitated, then lowered her gaze. “Troy, I’m a married woman. I don’t know what you want from me…”

Troy cut her off, stuffing a grape between her lips. “Enough. Don’t say another word.”

Teresa chewed on the grape, her thoughts all tangled up inside.

After a while, someone came over to let everyone know it was time to eat, and the guests started heading to the main hall.

Xavier had reserved seats for the important guests, making sure all the big shots had their own spot.

Charles, Troy, and the rest ended up at the same table.

Each table sat ten, and at Teresa’s table, there were Charles, Troy, Jason, Naomi, Finn, Yvonne, Leo, plus Ethan and Peyton.

There was still one seat left, but Xavier just left it empty.

The table was set with a lavish spread, every kind of dish one could imagine.

None of the nine people at the table, split into two rival camps, said a word.

They just ate in silence.

Naomi was seated right between Charles and Ethan, and both guys kept helping her handle her food. She was stuck in the middle, barely even touching her fork.

When the steaks were served, Jason cut hers into small pieces nicely.

Meanwhile, Teresa was sandwiched between Troy and Leo, and both guys were busy fussing over her.

Troy peeled a shrimp for her. “Sweetheart, give this a try–1 peeled it just for you.”

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Chapter 162

Leo, meeting Teresa for the first time, just couldn’t stand how the guys across the table were showing off. So he kept asking her if she was enjoying the dishes. “How do you like the soup? If it’s getting cold, let me ask the waiter to get you another one.”

The whole time, Finn and Peyton kept out of the quiet rivalry, just watching from the sidelines.

They might not have joined in, but they were definitely keeping a close eye on everything.

Across the table, Naomi ate slowly, all elegance and poise. Every so often, she’d sneak a look at Troy, catching how he was really doting on Teresa.

But even then, Naomi couldn’t help thinking, Troy was totally hyping me up this morning. He’s gotta be into me, right? Maybe he’s only treating Teresa so well to make me jealous or something?‘

As the meal was winding down, Ethan raised his glass and looked over at Charles and Jason, his tone all business. “Charles, Jason, this toast is for you. Thanks for trusting Yates Group and letting us handle your company’s accounts.”

The moment he said that, Teresa’s head snapped up, her eyes locking onto Charles.

Across the table, Charles was looking right back at Ethan, listening intently.

Teresa thought to herself, ‘He’s got all the patience in the world for Ethan, but when it comes to me, after all these years, he’s never once bothered.‘

Thinking back to that night when Charles promised to let Theodore handle the company’s finances, Teresa only now realized, ‘Was he even being real with me back then?

‘He clearly said before that Yates Group’s financial platform wasn’t ready, and he wasn’t going to give it to them.

‘But now, turns out, he did anyway.

‘Doesn’t matter how it went down–the end result’s still the same.

Naomi watched as Ethan raised his glass, and she followed suit, turning to him with a gentle smile. “Ethan, as long as you give it your best, Charles will always have your back.”

Ethan grinned at her. “I really gotta thank you, Naomi, for introducing me to such a great brother–in–law.”

Naomi blushed, her cheeks tinged with pink as she shyly lowered her head.

Charles caught her rosy face and gave her a doting smile, then turned to Ethan. “I gotta thank you too, Ethan, for having such an amazing sister.”