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 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 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 . 田