When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 88

Teresa could guess what Richard was trying to do.

He had always known her relationship with Charles was strained and had always wanted to help them reconcile.

After the incident with Jason’s mother, Charles’s opinion of Teresa had soured even further.

By sending her to visit, Richard was creating an opportunity to smooth things over.

He could later tell Charles that Teresa had gone on her own accord, praising her for being thoughtful.

Teresa knew her grandfather–in–law’s intentions all too well.

But she saw no point in trying to fix her relationship with Charles.

It was only a matter of time before she made way for Naomi anyway.

The only reason Charles hadn’t signed the divorce papers yet was probably because the timing wasn’t right for him.

Teresa thought for a moment before declining. “Richard, maybe Charles should go. The Goulds won’t be happy to see me. What if I show up and upset a recovering patient? I can’t be responsible for that.”

Richard was having none of it. “You’re going,” he insisted.

Knowing she couldn’t win, Teresa sighed and agreed.

Richard had a housekeeper load the prepared gifts into her car, reminding her to drive safely.

Teresa buckled her seatbelt, gave a nod, and drove away.

When she arrived at the Goulds‘ estate, she wasn’t surprised to see Charles’s car already there.

He and Jason were close friends, after all.

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Juggling a few gift bags, Teresa walked in to find Jason’s mother, Ava Gould, settled in a plush armchair. She wore a soft beanie, a blanket draped over her lap. Flanking her were Charles and Naomi.

They were in the middle of a conversation and didn’t notice her enter.

Ava was holding Naomi’s hand, her eyes crinkling as she smiled. “Oh, Naomi,” she said warmly, “Jason told me how much you did for me, running around trying to find a surgeon. You even humbled yourself for my sake. I’m so touched. Don’t you worry, from now on, I’m on your side. If Charles ever gives you any trouble, you just tell me. Jašou and I, we’re your family now.”

Naomi blushed and lowered her gaze. “Mrs. Gould, nothing’s set in stone between Charles and me yet.”

Ava patted her hand. “That boy is dependable. You can trust him. He’ll make things right for you:”

Naomi’s face grew even redder as she looked down at her lap.

Charles, meanwhile, was hunched over his phone, typing a message, oblivious to their conversation.

When he finally looked up, he saw Teresa, slightly flushed from the effort of carrying the gifts. She set them down on the coffee table one by one

After she finished, she straightened up and looked their way.

She ignored Charles’s questioning glance and addressed Ava, her tone cool and formal. “Mrs. Gould.”

Teresa remained composed, not letting her anger show or making a scene in front of a patient.

Ava heard her but didn’t bother to respond, instead turning back to Naomi. “Jason said you play the piano beautifully. Will you come play for me often?”

Naomi glanced nervously from Teresa to Charles before answering. “Of course, Mrs. Gould. Anytime you’d like.”

Ava’s smile widened. “Such a good girl. Not like some people who wear a white coat and think they’re hot stuff, but have no clue how to

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Chapter 88

act. They don’t realize that one word from the right person could crush them.”

Teresa stood silently in the middle of the living room. She knew Ava’s words were meant to mock her, and she knew Ava felt bold enough to say them only because of Charles’s attitude.

If he didn’t respect her, why would any of his friends?

A small, humorless smile touched her lips. “Mrs. Gould, Richard wasn’t able to come himself, so he asked me to stop by and see how you were doing. Since you seem to be in good health, I’ll be on my way. And you don’t need to ask me to stay for dinner. There are people waiting for me at home.”

Just then, Jason Gould was coming in as Teresa was walking out, and they nearly collided.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Teresa didn’t even spare him a glance, simply walking past him and out the door.

‘No wonder Charles can’t stand her,‘ he thought with a sneer. ‘How could a woman with a personality like that ever compare to someone like Naomi?‘

Even when that failed, she had gone to see Teresa herself.

In his mind, Naomi was largely responsible for his mother still being alive,

Jason, we’re friends,” Naomi said with a soft smile. “It was the right thing to do.”

At that moment, Jason was more convinced than ever that Naomi and Charles were perfect for each other.

Charles was already wealthy, he didn’t need a wife from a powerful family. What he needed was a sensible, graceful woman by his side.

And Naomi was the ideal candidate.

Jason didn’t say anything more, but a silent resolve formed in his mind: he would do whatever it took to make Naomi Yates Mrs. Charles Logan.

Ava clearly agreed. She kept urging Charles, “Naomi is a wonderful girl, a perfect partner for you. If you like her, you need to lock that

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Chapter 88

down.”

Charles just looked at Ava and offered a faint, noncommittal smile.

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Ava had just had surgery and shouldn’t be sitting in the living room for too long, so Jason helped her back to her room to rest.

When he returned, he said to Charles and Naomi, “Stay for dinner.”

“No, not tonight,” Charles replied. “Some other time.”

Jason glanced at the clock. It was getting late. “Alright, another time then. My treat.”

As Charles walked past the coffee table, he paused, his eyes landing on the gifts. He turned back to Jason. “These are from my wife,” he said, his voice even. “A gift from my grandfather, and from both of us.”