Chapter 34 Feel Free To Make Use
Exactly,” Julius said without hesitation. He leaned in closer, his tone light, teasing. “I happen to be quite confident in my physique, Ms. Bridger. Feel free to make use of it anytime.”
Quinn had never met a man who could say something so outrageous with such perfect composure. “No need,” she replied sharply. “I don’t require it.”
“Are you sure you don’t?” he murmured, his breath cool against her skin as his fingers slowly trailed up her
arm.
The chill of his touch clashed with the feverish heat pulsing through her, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine, igniting something dangerously tempting within her.
Quinn gritted her teeth and forced the desire down. In one swift motion, she caught his wrist and glared at him. “All I need from you,” she said firmly, “is a ride to the hospital.”
The medication was clearly taking effect. Her body was flushed and hypersensitive, trembling at even the lightest touch.
But her eyes remained clear, sharp, unwavering. Not even for a moment did she waver to desire. She wouldn’t yield.
And in that instant, Julius couldn’t look away. His heart pounded, harder than it had in a long time, as if something deep within him had begun to shift.
Then, after a long, weighted silence, he finally smiled. “All right. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Trent never imagined he’d one day walk into a police station under circumstances like this.
The two men had already confessed, admitting they’d been bribed by Penelope and Jacinda to carry out their dirty work. On their phones, records of Penelope’s money transfers were still clearly visible.
During her statement, Penelope repeatedly insisted on her innocence, claiming she had merely given them money, never actually instructing them to do anything.
Jacinda, for her part, shifted the blame to Sidonie, insisting she had only acted under her influence, and that everything she did was to help her.
Sidonie, however, denied everything. She played dumb, pretending she had no knowledge of the scheme.. But inside, she was seething.
Useless fools. Typical country bumpkins. Can’t even manage something this simple. All the subtle hints I gave them, completely wasted.
Trent sat in the lobby of the police station, his mind a storm of chaos.
He had originally intended to use the banquet that night to explore new business partnerships. But now, after everything that had unfolded, launching a new project was the least of his concerns. Even the stability of his current ventures was at risk.
1/3
Worse still, this scandal could send shockwaves through the company, possibly even affecting the stock price.
“Where’s Quinn? Why hasn’t she arrived yet?” he asked a nearby officer.
“Ms. Bridger wasn’t feeling well,” the officer replied. “She’s gone to the hospital. We’ll be sending someone there shortly to take her statement.”
Trent froze, a flicker of worry flashing across his face. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number.
The call connected after a few rings, but it wasn’t Quinn who answered. It was a man’s voice. “Trent Grafton? Are you looking for Quinn?”
“And you are…” The voice was vaguely familiar, and for some reason, it set him on edge.
“I’m Julius,” the cool voice replied.
Trent’s unease deepened. “Where’s Quinn? Why do you have her phone?”
“Oh, she’s asleep,” Julius said casually. “Do you need something? I can pass on the message when she wakes up.”
Trent’s grip on the phone tightened instinctively. A sharp pang twisted in his chest; bitter, unexpected, and hard to ignore.
He had always believed that a man like Julius wouldn’t spare Quinn a second glance.
But now, Quinn was with him. What does this mean?
He couldn’t even recall how he managed to end the call-his mind was reeling, his thoughts tangled in a blur of jealousy, regret, and dread. Just then, Sidonie stepped out of the interrogation room.
“Trent, please, you have to believe me,” she said, rushing over. “This wasn’t my doing. I overheard your mother and Jacinda talking about making Quinn leave you, but I had no idea they’d go that far. I never expected any of this!”
Trent stared at the woman in front of him in silence.
Sidonie’s expression shifted. Anger sparked in her eyes. “You don’t trust me?” she snapped. “Do you really think I’d stoop so low, resort to something so disgraceful, just to make you divorce her? If that’s what you believe, then don’t bother looking for me again. At least I won’t have to be humiliated anymore.”
With that, she turned sharply, ready to walk away.
Trent hurried forward, stepping in front of her to block her path. “I’m sorry, Sidonie,” he said quickly. “My mind’s a mess after everything that happened today.”
Sidonie’s eyes glinted faintly. “Trent, I hope you know the kind of person I am. I’m not someone who plays dirty. If I truly wanted you to get a divorce, I’d say it to your face, not plot behind your back.”
2/3
The remorse in Trent’s gaze deepened.
She’s right. Sidonie has always been direct, decisive, never one to hide behind schemes. There’s no way someone like her would get involved in this mess. Jacinda must’ve panicked. She probably dragged Sidonie into it, hoping to reduce the blame on herself.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you,” Trent said, his expression clouded with regret.
3/3