Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Larry didn’t complain when Stanley slapped the back of his head. He knew Stanley was just speaking the truth.
It wasn’t until he’ll come face–to–face with deaths that Larry muly realized how terrifying it could be. All those times he had thought about ending it all now felt so childish and ridiculous.
“I won’t do it again. Larry mumbled, his head hanging as he forced a bitter smile Rubbing his sore, swollen neck, he glanced over at Quinlyn, who was sitting quietly beside him with her eyes on the sky.
His voice was hoarse as he added. “Thanks for saving me today. If you need anything, just let me know!
He said it without thinking, trying to offer something in return, a way to make up for what she’d done.
Quinlyn slowly shifted her gare from the blue sky and white clouds, and she gently shook her head. “You already bought me clothes and shoes today”
Larry almost opened his mouth to say those things weren’t a big deal, but then he saw Quinlyn focusing on wiping the bloodstains off her shoes with a tissue quietly with her head downL
She still had blood on her hands, but instead of cleaning that, she was taking extra care with the shoes—like the little gifts he’d given her were treasures.
Something warm stirred inside Larry, and at that moment, he realized that offering her money or more stuff would be insulting
Sitting up straighter, he reached out and gently ruffled Quinlyn’s hair. The soft, fluffy feel of it made his heart soften, too, and he couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. “Alright, next time I’ll get you more beautiful clothes and shoes”
As soon as he finished his sentence, Stanley rushed over, quick as a flash. With a loud smack, he swatted Larry’s hand away. “Didn’t you say she’s a troublemaker? I told you from the start–don’t get any funny ideas about my sister.”
Larry froze for a second, remembering how he had dismissed Quinlyn before they even got in the car. Then, unable to hold it back, he burst into laughter.
“I get what you meant now. But hey, sorry, she’s my friend now, and I’m gonna protect her from here on out,” he vowed.
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Stanley shot him a furious glare. In your dreams!”
Quinlyn stood off to the side with her arms crossed, watching the two bicker all the way down the mountain.
Before getting
ting in the car, she walked past the broken guardrail, bent down to pick a few wildflowers, and let them fall into the valley below, honoring the soul that had passed.
She didn’t feel much of anything, even though she’d taken a life.
Deep down, she knew she wasn’t a good person.
The racetrack had been temporarily shut down, and Larry had been rushed home for his own safety. Word had it that his grandfather doted on him, treating him like the last of his bloodline.
Stanley, however, wasn’t fazed by any of that. He grinned. “Guess we won’t have to put up with his face at tonight’s party”
It was already bad enough dealing with Joseph, who was constantly trying to win his sister’s attention. And now with Larry added into the mix, just thinking about it made Stanley want to pull his hair out.
Now, Quinlyn was already in the car, her new dress and shoes making her feel like she was wearing a cake. She shifted uncomfortably, the layers of fabric bunching around her.
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“Quit pulling it. If you keep fidgeting like that, you’re going to ruin the look,” he said, grabbing her hand to still it. He sighed, shaking his head. Tonight’s supposed to be your big debant. Just hang in there a little longer.”
Quinlyn immediately regretted planning the whole thing at the banquet The lace ribbon around her neck was digging into her skin, and she couldn’t stand it
Just as she tried to adjust it discreetly, the car came to a stop in front of a grand revolving door. Through the window, she could just make out the golden interion of the hall.
Stanley turned to her. “We’re here” He quickly hopped out of the car, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door for her With a playful grin, he bent down and extended his hand ‘Come on my little princess Time to step out
Quimbyn didn’t react to the nickname. She awkwardly grabbed the hem of her dress to climb out, but the fabric was so puffed up that she tripped over it
“Careful there Stanley was quick to catch her, his arms steadying her before effortlessly scooping her up.
At that moment, a soft giggle came from the side.
Quinlyn glanced up and saw a group of kids around her age, pointing and laughing.
“Never seen anyone so clueless. I’m wondering what rich family she’s from. And she’s so ugly,” one of them whispered, scanning her from head to toe
Stanley immediately heard this and spun around, ready to yell at the brat. But before he could say a word, a loud crash rang out from the street about thirty feet away.
The sound of a car slamming into something followed by the screech of tires grinding against the pavement was deafening.
Quinlyn whipped around, her eyes widening as she saw someone crawling out of the overturned car, stumbling toward them. At the same time, a few people from the car that caused the wreck jumped out, each holding something dark and ominous in their hands.
“Get down! Watch out! Quinlyn reacted instantly. She grabbed Stanley’s tie and yanked him sideways, pulling him out of danger.
Stanley almost choked, but he managed to avoid being strangled. Quinlyn yanked him behind a car and then quickly shoved him into the revolving door, ducking behind a pillar in the lobby.
It was a blind spot, but they could still see outside through the glass.
“What the hell is going on? Is this some kind of movie or something? A city chase?” Stanley squinted outside, taking in the chaos. The bratry kids had dashed out to watch and were now running around in fear.
Amid the panicked crowd, a few people dressed in black moved smoothly through the mess, heading straight for the hotel.
When Stanley saw the guns in their hands, his stomach dropped. He froze and instinctively grabbed Quinlyn’s hand. His voice shook. “We need to go now
But Quinlyn, who’d been so quick just moments ago, suddenly stopped and looked resolute. “Wait”
“Wait? Are you serious? They have guns!” Stanley could barely breathe. This morning, he’d seen a deadly car crash, and now armed men were out in the street. It was just too much for him
But Quinlyn wasn’t scared. Instead, when a shadow charged toward the revolving door, she rushed forward. “Come help”
Stanley glanced at the man lying on the floor, clearly injured, and then quickly looked at the approaching thugs. Swearing under his breath, he grabbed the man, and without another word, he followed Quinlyn toward the emergency exit.
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Chapter 36
The elevator lobby was crowded, but the emergency exit was completely deserted.
Quinlyn quickly slipped inside, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. Turning to Stanley, she asked, “What floor is
the banquet on?”
“Third floor,” Stanley panted. “You’re not thinking of taking him to the banquet, are you? That could put everyone there in danger” Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gasped for breath, his eyes locked on her with obvious concern.
To him, saving someone was a noble cause, but not at the expense of putting innocent lives at risk.
Quinlyn’s expression didn’t change–she was resolute.
“He’s really badly hurt,” she said, her voice tight. “There’s no medical help here. And…” She hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the injured man. They’ll definitely go to the banquet.”
Stanley blinked, clearly confused. “Why would they go there?”
Quinlyn nodded toward the man lying on the floor. “He’s the boss of DigitalKey Group.”
Stanley’s eyes widened. He almost choked on his own breath, turning back to look at the man. His face was a complete mess
-covered in blood and unrecognizable.
The boss of DigitalKey Group was known for being good–looking, often gracing the covers of financial magazines. When Quinlyn had a meeting with him. Stanley grabbed a random magazine from his room to show her.
But the man lying there now, barely conscious, was a far cry from the polished, handsome figure they had talked about. Still, Quinlyn recognized him, and despite the blood and chaos, she saved him.
“He was supposed to meet me here. They know where he was going.” Quinlyn explained briefly, her voice steady.
Stanley let out a long breath, trying to steady his nerves. The sounds of chaos were still echoing from outside, but he looked Quinlyn in the eye, his jaw set. “Alright. You say what to do, and I’ll follow your lead.”
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