When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

When Teresa Sullivan turned her phone back on, she saw countless missed calls.

Some from Theodore and Yvonne, some from the hospital director, and even a few from Hector.

She had been scheduled for an afternoon outpatient shift, yet she’d vanished without a word.

The hospital would surely punish her for this. She braced herself for the worst: termination.

Inside the taxi, she dialed the director’s number, “Matthew.”

“Teresa, is everything alright?” His voice carried no trace of anger, only calm.

Teresa was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.

Then, Director Spencer’s tone softened with concern. “How are you feeling? Any better?”

Teresa was even more confused. “What?”

The director apologized. “I haven’t been attentive enough as a supervisor. You were running a fever, and I still assigned you so much work. Let’s do this–take three days off. Rest properly at home.”

Teresa didn’t understand his meaning at first, assuming he was subtly hinting at something else.

“I understand,” she replied quietly.

‘So this is how it is. On the surface, it’s a leave of absence–but really, it’s dismissal, She thought.

‘But I had skipped work without explanation. I deserved this.

Just as Teresa was about to hang up, Matthew suddenly added, “Don’t forget to come back in three days.”

“Wait–what?” Teresa froze, wondering if she’d misheard.

The background noise on his end suggested he was at some gathering, likely drinking.

“Teresa, I’ve got to go. The drinks are waiting. But if you need anything, just say the word—I’ll help.”

With that, the call ended.

Teresa stared at her phone, the dial tone buzzing in her ear, her mind completely blank.

Then, her phone rang again–Hector’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered immediately, cutting straight to the chase. “Hector, did you say something to Matthew?”

Instead of answering, Hector’s voice was thick with concern. “What happened? You didn’t show up for your shift, didn’t answer your phone all afternoon–are you okay?”

He’d gone to the outpatient department earlier, only to find her missing

Knowing Teresa wasn’t one to abandon her duties without reason, he’d covered for her while frantically trying to reach her.

Hearing the worry in his voice, Teresa kept it brief. “I got into a fight at a restaurant. Police took me in. Just got out.”

You–fought someone?” Hector sounded stunned.

In all the years he’d known hier. Teresa had always been cabin, gentle the list person he’d expect to throw a punch.

Whatever had pushed her to that point must have been extreine

“Veal” She utered on further eaglanation

“Is everything wild I u. Isan-

1⁄2 handled she interrupted, Dont worry

1:05 PM P P .

Chapter 30

Only then did his tone ease slightly. “Are you heading home now?”

“Yea. In a cab.”

“Teresa… “A pause. “Don’t bottle everything up. Sometimes letting it out helps.”

“Thanks. I know.”

“Text me when you’re home.”

“Okay.”

The moment the call ended, the dam broke. She turned her face toward the window, tears streaking down silently.

Theodore’s gaze lingered on her–the faint dampness in her lashes didn’t escape him. But he didn’t speak more.

As they walked inside, he said abruptly, “Quit the hospital. Come work at the company. Pick something easy–just for show if you want. You’ll get paid either way.”

The Sullivans weren’t as powerful as the Logans, but their family fortune ensured a comfortable life.

Teresa never needed to work another day if she didn’t want to.

Yet she shook her head. “Theodore… I like being a doctor.”

Theodore didn’t suggest further when he saw her determination. He had always supported her decisions.

The next day, when Teresa arrived at the hospital, she overheard nurses gossiping at the station.

“Did you hear? Someone big is joining the hospital.” “I caught it, but is it true? Would someone like that even consider our hospital?”

“Dead serious,” the nurse gushed. “I saw him this morning–director himself gave him the grand tour. Tall, ridiculously handsome, gonna have every nurse swooning in no time.”

Teresa passed by without comment. But as she changed into her white coat in the locker room, a thought struck her- that has to be Hector

No idea why she was so certain, but she just knew.

The moment she stepped out, someone blocked her path. She nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Just me Hector’s smooths voice tickled her car

Herapy granted. How do I k

1:05 PM P P

Chapter 30

Teresa pressed her lips together, refusing to bite.

Across the hall, nurses and residents weren’t even pretending not to stare.

“Is that the new attending? Holy smokes, he’s like something off a medical drama.”

“Looks awfully cozy with Dr. Sullivan, doesn’t he?”

“Did you see that smile? I’d let him diagnose me with anything.”

Teresa’s ears burned. “What do you want?”

“Lunch?” Before she could respond, he played his trump card, “Consider it

Now she had no reason to say no. “Fine.”

Hector’s eyes

lit

1. up. “I’ll pick you up after rounds.”

“Okay.” She answered.

my

welcome celebration.”

His chuckle followed him into the elevator, leaving Teresa surrounded by prying colleagues.

“Spill. What’s the deal with you two?”

“That wasn’t just a friendly smile and you know it.”

Teresa met their stares dead–on. “Hector and I went to med school together. That’s all.”