Chapter 32 Breaking Point
Quinn checked the news about Shane on her phone. Everything was exactly as she’d anticipated.
Zayden watched her silently.
Finished
After Quinn finished reading, Zayden spoke up, “Did you know him? You’ve seemed pretty concerned about him lately.”
Quinn shook her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “He came to me asking for money a few days ago. I refused.”
Hearing this, Zayden looked her over worriedly from head to toe. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Quinn took a step back, increasing the distance between them.
“I’m fine. He couldn’t threaten me.” She glanced up at him briefly. “Besides, this has nothing to do with you, so why bother telling you?”
Zayden felt a tightness in his chest, though his expression remained calm. “Well, he’s dead now. He won’t bother you anymore.”
After a brief silence, Quinn suddenly looked at Zayden. “Zayden, how do you really feel about Olive?”
It was the first time Quinn had ever asked him that question, and an unexpected joy surged within Zayden. For once, their conversation wasn’t just about work.
But Quinn had no idea that, past or present, she was the only one who held his heart.
She
continued staring at him expectantly, waiting for his answer.
Zayden felt somewhat flustered under her gaze, but he didn’t show it. “Olive is a nice girl, but the one I like is-”
Quinn abruptly turned away, cutting him off impatiently. “Zayden, I’m tired. You should go.”
With that, Quinn got up to leave. Pausing at the door, she added, “I’m going back to the Fairchild family tomorrow. Do you want to come along?”
Zayden didn’t answer. Neither agreeing nor refusing.
He was uneasy. Quinn’s sudden shift left him uncertain about what she’d do next.
Inside the elevator, Quinn felt something cold on her cheek. A tear silently slipped down her face.
So it really was Olive who did that to Grandpa.
When Shane had come to her earlier, she’d instructed him to threaten Olive by mentioning Grandpa. Quinn had even forged a document as evidence–one clearly fake–but Olive was too guilty to risk it.
And Olive actually gave Shane money.
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Chapter 32 Breaking Point
alone? If not, why wouldn’t they let her see Grandpa?
Tomorrow, she’d get her answers.
At noon the next day, the sun shone brightly.
But around the Fairchild family dinner table, the mood was grim.
Everyone in the Fairchild family looked uneasy. Quinn scanned each face impassively, revealing no
emotion.
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Finished
Zayden had entered alongside her.
Others might not see through Quinn’s calm exterior, but Zayden knew she was furious, disgusted with all of them–perhaps even with him.
Quinn spoke firmly, breaking the tense silence. “I want to see Grandpa. You keep telling me he’s unwell–I need to see it with my own eyes.”
“Quinn, your grandfather isn’t in good health. Don’t disturb him,” Betty said gently.
“Why can’t I see him just because he’s sick? Unless you’ve done something shady and you’re afraid I’ll find
out.”
Quinn’s words weren’t a question but a statement.
“What are you talking about?” Eugene asked, bewildered. “What could we possibly do to your grandfather?”
Colton, skilled at reading situations, had been closely observing Quinn and Zayden from the moment they entered. His business depended heavily on Zayden’s help, so he’d naturally side with whoever Zayden supported.
“Ever since you went to prison three years ago, Grandpa’s health has declined. He’s barely conscious most of the time,” Colton explained, hoping to curry favor with Quinn.
Quinn’s face instantly darkened. “I need to see him now!”
“Maybe wait until he’s feeling better,” Colton advised softly. “You’ll just upset yourself seeing him like this.”
“Not seeing him is what hurts more! You keep stopping me–what exactly have you done to him?”
Olive, who’d stayed silent this whole time, suddenly lifted her head to stare intently at Quinn.
Betty was shocked. “Quinn, what nonsense! We’ve taken good care of your grandfather every day–what could we possibly have done to him?”
Quinn teetered on the edge of losing control, fighting desperately to keep her composure. “If you’re truly innocent, then why won’t you let me see him?”
The Fairchild family exchanged wary glances, still offering no answers.
Without warning, Quinn stepped forward and violently swept the dishes from the table, shattering them loudly against the floor. Everyone stared at her in stunned silence.
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