When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Chapter 75

Teresa barely had time to react before Jason dragged over a chair and sat right next to Hector. “Bet you didn’t know, but just an hour ago, Teresa was out having dinner with another guy,” Jason said, his tone pointed.

He was clearly trying to make Hector think Teresa wasn’t exactly behaving herself.

Most men would start doubting Teresa after hearing something like that, but Hector just smiled at Jason and said, “Teresa is free to do as she pleases.

“She can have dinner with anyone she wants, and it’s not my place to interfere. As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters. Not me, not anyone else, has the right to tell her what to do.”

Hector didn’t think he had any say over Teresa’s personal life yet. Plus, he believed Teresa wouldn’t be swayed by Jason’s provocations.

Jason’s face turned cold. “With so many women out there, why are you so hung up on just one?”

Hector stayed cool. “That’s really none of your business, Mr. Gould.”

Jason kept pushing. “Just tell me what kind of woman you like, and I’ll set you up. I’ve got plenty of options-any type you want, I’ve got it.”

Hector said, “Thanks for the offer, but I’m good. Why don’t you keep them for yourself?”

Jason, clearly frustrated that Hector was defending Teresa, leaned in and said in a low voice, “You were once a big name in the medical field, but now you’re out of work, trying to make a comeback by hitting the books.

“Too bad, all it takes is a word from me to shut you down. How does that feel, Dr. Reed?”

Hector smiled at Jason, but there was no warmth in it. “Honestly? Not bad at all. Early retirement’s treating me just fine— keeps life interesting.”

Jason, growing more annoyed, snapped, “Is it really worth defending a woman who’s being looked down on by her own husband? Don’t lower yourself to that level, Dr. Reed.”

Hector’s grin didn’t fade. “Again, none of your business, Mr. Gould. It’s your own nasty nature that makes you see everyone the way you see yourself.”

Jason, realizing Hector was being mocked, became even more enraged and snapped, “Hector, how dare you…”

Teresa couldn’t stand it anymore. She shot Jason a frosty glare and demanded, “What’s your problem, Mr. Gould? My personal life isn’t even my husband’s concern, so what makes you think you get a say?”

Her words left Jason momentarily speechless, but he just snorted, “I just can’t stand it, that’s all.

“That’s your opinion, but no one cares about it,” Teresa retorted, clearly fed up.

Not giving Jason a chance to reply, she stood up and said to Hector, “Hector, let’s find somewhere else to eat.”

Hector stood up as well, his tone cool. “Sure.”

As they passed by Charles, Teresa deliberately stopped. Charles looked up at her but didn’t say anything.

Teresa shot him a sharp, almost vicious glare. “I don’t care about your personal life, but you should be able to keep your own people in check, right? You don’t care about what I do, but your people can’t seem to leave me alone.”

1/3

Without waiting for Charles to respond, Teresa turned and walked away with Hector.

Charles stayed silent, but his mood soured.

Jason heard Teresa snap at Charles and was about to go after her, but Naomi called out, “Jason, come on, just sit down.”

Jason let out a sigh and sat down. “Alright.”

Naomi handed him the menu. “Jason, you pick something.”

Jason just nodded and took the menu.

Naomi glanced over at Charles, who was sitting there with his head down, silent. She could tell he was still brooding over what Teresa had just said.

“Charles, are you alright?” Naomi asked softly, leaning in.

Charles looked at her and smiled warmly. “I’m fine.”

Naomi tried to comfort him. “What Ms. Sullivan said was pretty harsh. Don’t take it to heart.”

Charles paused for a moment, then said, “Maybe she’s not entirely wrong.” They kept their voices low, and with Jason busy picking out dishes, he didn’t catch what Charles said.

Naomi blinked in surprise. “What?”

Charles, not wanting to continue the topic, simply changed the subject. “What do you want to eat?”

Naomi shook her head. “Anything’s fine.”

Charles nodded and asked Jason to get some oysters-Naomi’s favorite.

Naomi had lost her appetite. She slid her chair closer to Charles, leaning against him as she asked, “Charles, are you upset?”

Charles looked down at her and flashed a charming smile. “Not at all.” Although Teresa’s words had put him off, it wasn’t enough to make him mad. Her words were just a bit harsh.

Naomi smiled and leaned her head against his arm. “That’s good.”

Jason finished ordering and handed the menu to the waiter. He glanced at Charles and Naomi, who were practically glued together, and felt a pang of jealousy. “Still not thinking about divorcing Teresa?” Jason asked, a bit confused.

Naomi glanced up at Charles too.

Charles paused for a moment before replying coolly, “Not sure yet.”

Jason blurted out, “She’s got ties with all these guys. You really think she cares about you?”

Charles instinctively glanced at Jason and said, “You noticed it too?”

Jason blinked, confused. “What?”

Realizing he’d gotten a bit worked up, Charles just shrugged it off. “Nothing.”

Naomi, still leaning against Charles, caught the change in his mood, but seeing how calm he looked, she let it go.

2/3

Chapter 75

Jason decided to drop the subject. “Whatever, let’s not talk about her anymore. Let’s eat-no need to let Naomi go hungry.”

Charles and Jason had already eaten before they came, but Naomi hadn’t.

Everyone knew Teresa was Charles’s wife, but she never won over people in their circle. They all preferred Naomi.

Back then, Teresa would chase after Charles at every opportunity, never letting a chance slip by.

Naomi, however, was different-gentle, talented, and never overstepping. She made her feelings clear but never demanded anything more. It was obvious who everyone preferred.

After grabbing some barbecue at another spot, Hector dropped Teresa off at the gate of the Sullivan Mansion.

After saying their goodbyes, Teresa waited until Hector’s car disappeared down the road before heading into the mansion. She barely stepped through the front gate when someone suddenly grabbed her around the waist and hoisted her off the ground. Before she could react, she was pushed into a car. The entire thing took less than a few seconds.

As soon as she was stuffed into the car, the faint scent of tobacco overwhelmed her senses. Up until now, Teresa hadn’t even seen who had grabbed her.

As the person pushed her into the corner of the car, his face finally emerged from the shadows. It was Troy. He flashed a cocky, reckless grin, his eyes flirtatious, enough to make Teresa feel a bit uneasy.

Pinned with nowhere to run, Teresa found Troy looming over her, his lips almost grazing her cheek.

He murmured in a low, teasing voice, “Honey, why are you ignoring me? Haven’t heard a single message from you.”