Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Cedric almost never used the word “please“, but after Teresa answered his question, he used that very word.
He didn’t even mind that Teresa wasn’t technically his student.
To Cedric, talent mattered more than anything else.
But while Teresa was getting her moment in the spotlight, Naomi’s emotions flared up.
It wasn’t just envy–it was straight–up jealousy.
Naomi had worked her tail off to get into Cedric’s PhD program, but Cedric never once praised her. Mostly, she just got criticism.
Yet Teresa got a compliment in her very first time sitting in the classroom.
The thought made Naomi’s mood go sour all over again.
The last thing Naomi wanted was to be outshone by Teresa.
Naomi told herself, ‘Teresa never even went to grad school. No way she’s in my league.
The little compliment is no big deal.
‘Hector was discussing with her, so it’s probably all Hector’s ideas.
‘Come on, a woman who’s been a full–time housewife for four years suddenly has that kind of theory?
‘I ain’t buying it.
With that thought in mind, Naomi felt better.
When the lecture ended and Cedric left the room, Teresa and Hector headed out together.
They’d just reached the first floor when someone called out, “Teresa, Hector, wait.”
They turned aroundand saw Cedric himself.
Time had carved lines into his face, but the spark for medicine in his eyes hadn’t dimmed one bit.
He sacrificed most of his life to the field.
In his sixties, when he could’ve been retired, he was still teaching.
He never married or had kids–medicine was his only belief.
“Professor Judd,” Teresa and Hector called out in unison.
Both of them stood there respectfully, waiting for Cedric to speak.
Cedric stepped up to Teresa with a warm smile. “Teresa, where do you work?”
She looked a little flustered. She replied, “Professor, Fin not working anywhere fancy.
Cedric chuckled, then asked, “May I know who your advisor is?”
Feeling embarrassed. Teresa dropped her eyes. Tm not in a PhD program. I’m already working.”
Cedric sounded a bit disappointed. “Well Which department are you in?”
“Pediatric surgery.”
“see. That’s not easy, huh?
Teresa Bashed a fait que “Not so bad once getting used to it
Actually, she didn’t get much to rule yet
13
1:06 PM P
Chapter 33
She couldn’t help thinking–if she hadn’t taken that detour into marriage back then, maybe she’d be where Hector was now, doing all kinds of surgeries.
But then again, she shook off that thought. Hector was on another level, tackling only the toughest brain surgeries.
Even if she worked her whole life, she probably wouldn’t catch up to him.
Withe his cup in his hand, Cedric still put on a smile. “Ever think about going for a doctorate?”
Teresa’s heart jumped with excitement. “I—”
But before she could finish, Naomi suddenly popped up out of nowhere and said, “Professor Judd. Perfect, you’re still here. I’ve got a few questions for you. Would now be a good time?”
Cedric turned at the sound, spotting Naomi and Charles. His brows pinched together. He clearly wasn’t thrilled, but he still said, “Sure.”
The word came out stiff, without much warmth.
Naomi added, “Could we talk in private?”
Cedric gave a curt nod. “Mm.”
And with that, he headed toward Naomi.
Getting a bit anxious, Hector looked ready to speak up, but Teresa caught his arm. “Hector, forget it. I didn’t even do grad school. How could I possibly get into Professor Judd’s PhD program?”
Hector said in a firm tone, “Teresa, you’re as good as anyone here. You just took a wrong path back then. The best time to plant a flower was five years ago; the second best is right now. Professor Judd clearly sees something in you. You really wanna let the chance slip?”
Teresa kept her head down, not sure how to answer Hector.
Hector grabbed her arm, still trying to talk her around.
A short distance away, Charles stood there alone, waiting for Naomi talk with Cedric.
Charles was texting back work messages, while keeping an eye on Teresa and Hector.
He couldn’t hear their words, but he noticed that Hector looked worked up, and Teresa was
crying.
Charles just silently watched the scene unfolding. At the same time, Jason’s words started replaying in his head.
He thought, ‘If they’re really just friends, why is Hector holding her arm like that? And they stand so close to each other. Looks like he’s about to hug her or kiss her.
Teresa had no idea Charles was right behind them. She looked at Hector and said sincerely, “I know you brought me to the lecture on purpose, and I’m really grateful for that. But I’m not sure I’m ready to start over. I don’t even know if I’ve still got what it takes.”
Teresa had always regretted not furthering her studies, but the idea of starting it over again scared her.
Hector didn’t push her further. He just reached up and brushed away her tears. “It’s okay even if you don’t continue to study. It’s won’t change anything.
Teresa nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go.”
“Alright. Hector replied.
They started to walk off together, yet just then, Charles, called out without even thinking. “Teresa.”
Charles had been watching them for a while, and he still couldn’t pin down what he was feeling.
Teresa was his wife, yet she was close with another man
it’d be lying if he said it didn’s later tires
But it wasn’t the kind of anger that cha
KRUAJTJA AAYEE Hud kirow a punch at Hestar either
Still, he called her or Maybe because heard to say
ng, though he was en sure about that
1:06 PM P P .
Chapter 33
Teresa froze at the sound of Charles’s voice. She glanced at Hector, thought for a second, then said, “Why don’t you go ahead? I need to talk to Charles.”
Hector didn’t know what she meant to say, but since they’d been married once, it wasn’t his place to get in the way. He just nodded and
left.
Once Hector was gone, Teresa walked over to Charles and said, “Let’s talk about Yolanda’s behavior at school.”
Charles narrowed his eyes, looking confused. “Huh?”
Just from his expression, Teresa knew that he hadn’t heard a thing about it.
The teacher had called Naomi only, not him.
Teresa said, “Yolanda’s getting spoiled and bossy. You can’t just let it slide anymore. As her father, you’ve got every reason to teach her better.”
Charles hadn’t known about the bullying thing, and all he heard was accusations. He retorted, “Aren’t you her mom? Don’t you have a responsibility?”
Teresa didn’t want a fight. Her tone stayed flat as she replied, “If she saw me as her mom, I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you.”
Charles’s mind jumped straight to the parent–child event Teresa had missed.
“Maybe you should ask yourself why Yolanda treats you that way,” he shot back.
Teresa met his eyes, replying, “I did what I’m supposed to do as a mother.”
Charles snorted, “If you think Yolanda doesn’t behave, you should teach her. In my eyes, Yolanda has always been a sweet kid.”
Teresa’s temper flared up. “You’re being ridiculous, Charles. What, are you planning to let strangers teach her lessons once she’s out in the world?”
Charles bristled. “She’s my daughter. I’ll protect her.”
Teressa snapped, “That’s not protecting her. That’s spoiling her rotten. Can’t you understand it?”
“Is that so?” he sneered.
Teresa was boiling with anger. She shot back, “Maybe you should ask Naomi what your sweet daughter did at school.”
After that, Teresa just turned on her heel and walked away without a glance back.
She failed to talk some sense into him, and her patience completely snapped.
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