When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 167

Chapter 167

Troy’s smile was like poison seeping under the skin.

Teresa looked at him, feeling herself getting pulled in. She quickly turned away and stepped out of his embrace.

‘What is Troy after, talking like this?‘ Teresa wondered. She couldn’t make sense of it, and she didn’t dare trust a word he said.

Believing him would only cause her pain in a world where lies and truth were indistinguishable.

Even after slipping away, Teresa still felt his gaze locked on her.

The ball began. Leo, Charles, and Jason quickly found their dance partners, while Teresa stood among the crowd. People tried to strike up conversations, and though she smiled politely, she showed no intention of joining the dance.

Troy stayed close, quietly keeping her company.

The room buzzed with laughter and chatter, but the lively scene wasn’t her world. Teresa felt completely out of place.

On stage, Naomi played the piano, holding the spotlight. Every eye in the room followed her.

Suddenly, Teresa remembered Jason’s words: Naomi was a total star, destined to shine wherever she went.

And it was true. Naomi always commanded attention.

Teresa couldn’t stand being there any longer and decided to step outside for some fresh air.

But before she could leave, a sharp scream split through the music.

She turned just in time to see Charles shove his partner aside and charge toward the stage.

Something had fallen from above, striking Naomi. She was sprawled on the ground, completely still.

Charles leapt onto the stage and scooped Naomi up in his arms.

Jason rushed forward, calling out anxiously, “Naomi?”

Ethan hurried up too, calling out worriedly, “Naomi?”

Charles carried Naomi off the stage, instructing Jason and Ethan, “Jason, Ethan, go get the car ready.”

They both nodded and bolted for the door.

As they hurried past, a rush of air brushed against Teresa.

Troy stepped in front of her protectively, shielding her from the chaos.

Everyone was so worried about Naomi that they all rushed off in a hurry.

With such a big accident happening, Xavier quickly stepped in to calm the guests down, then headed to the hospital.

With the hosts gone, there was no reason for Teresa to stay.

She turned to leave, but Troy caught up, possessively taking her hand. “I’ll take you home,” he said.

Teresa didn’t fight it, letting him take charge.

On the whole ride back, Troy didn’t say a single word to her.

Teresa didn’t know why, and she didn’t bother to ask.

Only when they reached the Sullivan Mansion did his voice finally break the stillness, sounding a little hurt. “Why are you ignoring me?”

Teresa froze, hand on the door handle, staring at him in confusion.

Troy saw her reaction and turned his face away. “If you’re ignoring me because of what I said earlier, then I take it back. Pretend I never

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10:36

Chapter 167

said it.”

He was afraid that she would withdraw once more, denying him the opportunity to approach.

He wanted her badly, but if she pushed him away, he wouldn’t force her.

Maybe he should’ve kept those words to himself.

His words caught Teresa off guard. She wasn’t ignoring him; she just didn’t want to fall deeper.

She stared at Troy for a long moment before finally saying, “Troy, you’re a good guy. Maybe we’re better off as friends.”

Troy’s eyes widened in surprise, but he replied without hesitation, “Then I’m not taking it back.”

Teresa was stunned by his reaction. “You…”

“Just get out of the car,” he said flatly, staring straight ahead.

Teresa let out a helpless sigh and tried to coax him, “Troy, don’t be like this.”

Troy turned his face toward her, shadows hiding his expression. He flashed a roguish grin and murmured, “Babe, you’re still sitting here. Planning to come home with me or what?”

He reached for the ignition as if about to drive off.

Teresa quickly pushed the door open and stepped out.

Troy watched her standing by the roadside, then rolled down the passenger window and said, “Go on inside. I’ll wait until you’re in, then I’ll leave.”

His hot–and–cold act left Teresa baffled.

Troy watched her disappear inside, then slumped back against the seat, pressing his fingers to his brow, exhaustion written all over his face.

In the silence, he pulled out a cigarette but stopped, remembering how she hated the smell. With a sigh, he shoved it back into his pocket.

For her, even his boundaries didn’t matter.

At Joyacre Villa, Yolanda awoke from a nightmare and burst into tears.

Downstairs, Sharon was just finishing up when she heard Yolanda’s cries and rushed up.

She pushed open the bedroom door and found Yolanda sitting on the big bed, crying hysterically.

“Yolanda, what’s wrong?” Sharon asked, rushing to the bed and bending down to scoop Yolanda up, her voice full of concern.

Yolanda buried her face in Sharon’s chest, sobbing, “Sharon, I had a bad dream. I dreamed that Dad and Miss Naomi didn’t want me anymore.”

Sharon stroked her hair. “Oh, honey, that’s just a dream. Mr. Logan and Miss Yates are at a birthday party. They’ll be back soon.”

“Then why aren’t they home yet?” Yolanda sniffled, tears streaking her cheeks.

Sharon checked the wall clock. It was already past 2 AM.

Sharon didn’t really know what to say.

After thinking for a moment, she forced a reassuring smile and comforted her, “It’s okay, Yolanda. Something must have delayed them.”

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10:36 AM P P

“I want to call Dad,” Yolanda said, choking back more tears.

Yolanda’s face crumpled. “Sharon, Dad doesn’t want me anymore! Waaaah…” she sobbed.

Sharon walked around the room with Yolanda in her arms, rocking her gently, but nothing calmed her.

Finally, Sharon tentatively asked, “Yolanda, do you want to call your mom?”

At that, Yolanda’s crying stopped on a dime. She thought carefully, then gave a small nod. “Okay.”

Sharon saw the truth instantly. Yolanda just wanted her mom.

Who wouldn’t miss their mom at that age?

Yolanda was only five. Even if she loved spending time with Naomi, her mom was someone no one could ever replace.

Yolanda probably didn’t even realize what was really bothering her, so she just cried to let those feelings out.

Sharon ended up dialing Teresa’s number.

When the line connected, Sharon handed the phone to Yolanda. “Go on, talk to your mom.”

But Yolanda only glanced at it, then turned away, not saying a thing.

Sharon was about to comfort her when Teresa’s voice came on the line. “Hello?”

Yolanda’s ears pricked up, hoping her mom would mention her.

Sharon held the phone out to Yolanda again, encouraging her to take it.

But Yolanda just stared at it and refused to take the phone.

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So Sharon took the phone back and said to Teresa, “Mrs. Logan, Yolanda says she misses you.”

Sharon was trying to help Teresa and Yolanda get along better.

But Yolanda shot back right away, “Sharon! I didn’t say that! I miss Dad and Naomi!”

Teresa heard her daughter’s rejection loud and clear.

R

She had just gotten home, barely had time to take off her makeup, and hadn’t even showered yet.

She was already exhausted, and for no real reason, hearing Yolanda say that made her feel a bit annoyed.

So, not really caring how it sounded, she blurted out, “Sharon, Yolanda doesn’t miss me. She’s just lonely with no one to keep her

company.”