Chapter 80
The ballet hit the thoga tea, and he screamed, enllapsing mom the ground beside i
canyschere exbed ini, making my hewn forch. I nord, and there was
Ute ileapped to hiì, kon
me, hát épre scannine noi fare. “Can you walk
Tate a second. I hat
in Quinn, nonning straight toward
askerd, bon voler dearly but full of concern.
wichup. Then, as if on instinct, 1 beid out and touched his fire, neeiling to feel that he
16 ready came für mi
done ferri diram Quinn scright here, ridin
“Mr. Madden the polic
can walk and mapping back to reality with quis helps got to my feet, though my leg felt like jelly
when I caught movement in the distance–Forrest. He watche
Tank warged abroach ine “Quinn, Torres has a gund
THE
ceil, but their wasn’t time to explain. Even as the wonds left my mouth. Forrest raised his pistol and took aim
ma around my y wad and shueliting me just
cmat“” 1 Velled Quinn’s eyes widened, but his reflexes were faster. He grablied me, wrapping
My hear pounded as the world spun for a second. When I looked up. Quinn’s jaw was tight, his focus sharp. He drew his own pistol and free hark
The shot fire truc, and Forrest’s eyes went wide with panic. At the last second, he grabbed Gemma and shoved her in front of him
The bullet be her instead. Genina froze, her eyes blank with shock. Blood stained her shirt as she crumpled to the ground.
“Damn it, he got away”” one of the bodyguards cursed.
“Go after lum“” Quinn ordered.
Then he turned to me, his expression softening. Without warning, he scooped me into his arms. “Let’s go somewhere safe, he said firmly, and I didn’t have the energy to argue.
How did you find me?” I asked, dazed, not able to stop myself from blurting it out. I knew it wasn’t the time for questions, but I couldn’t help it. I needed to know why he was the one who found me first
He looked down at me, his gaze sharp. “You sent me a message. I had someone track the signal and pinpointed this island.”
taken aback. It
It didn’t e
even occur to me that Jim’s phone had a signal redirect function
The enhancer in the base must had been near the secret room, which was why Jim’s phone had picked up a signal. The message I thought I hadn’t sent actually went through.
Quinn’s torturned dangerous. “Natalia, I didn’t know you were doing all this behind my back.
I thought back to when I almost gave up and wanted to leave Benedict with him. Now, I felt embarrassed. “Is Benedict okay? stop myself.
Quinn frowned. “I was focused on you. The moment I got the message, I rushed to save you. I didn’t care about anyone che
I looked up at him, my voice barely above a whisper. “Benedict is your son, not just anyone…
Quinn corrected me softly. “Benedict is our sunt“.
asked before I could
Hin words took the edge ofl inj and I felt a sudden wave of exhaustion hit me. My head spun, and I started coughing uncontrollably.
Quinn toothed my forehead, looking shocked. “You’re burning up! You
You’ve got a lever!”
1 opened my mouth to tell him it was nothing. I had been feverish for days. Hefore I could say anything, everything went black.
When I woke up. I was in a hospital bed, Shirley was sitting by my side, tears streaming down her face. “Natalia, you’re awake! How are you feeling!”
“Mom, I’m fine. I’m not going to die.” I said with a weak sanile, my voice tough. “Sorry for worrying you.”
Chop 80
“Dou Leven say that,” Shirley scoldest gemily. T’m still counting on you to take care of me when I’m old?” She handed me a glass of warm water and fhelped me ut up
Frook a couple of sips, feeling a luule better. My body still felt drained, but
was clearer.
“How’s Dad” Tasked, the worry of houting the Smith family was still nagging at me
“Don’t stress, we’ve called the police. Your dad’s working with them. Oner that batch of goods arrives, we’ll hand it over. It’s all under control Sturley reassured me, explaining how everything would be fine for the Smith family.
nedited, feeling a lot more reheved. After a checkup, the doctor confirmed I was okay, and Shirley had someone bring in a bunch of food.
Once I ate, Shirley gently wiped the corners of my mouth with a napkin. “Quinn helped us so much”
Just hearing his name made my heart flutter, and my mind immediately went back to the island.
“Yeah. I said softly.
Shirley studied me for a moment before asking. “When you were in danger on the island, was Quinn the first person you thought of?”
I paused, realizing she was referring to the message. Of course, since Quinn had called the police, the message details couldn’t stay hidden
sighed and looked down, guilt hitting me. “Mom. I’m sorry. I was planning to tell you about Benedict right after Dad’s birthday… but everything ust happened so fast.”
shirley smiled when she heard me. She walked over, put a hand on my shoulder, and gave it a light pat. “Silly girl, I’m not mad at you. Whatever un choose. I’ll understand.
just want
you to figure out what kind of life you and Benedict want from here on
felt my eyes start to sting. “Mom
he kept paiting my shoulder, signaling for me to hear her out. “I can tell Quinn wants to get back with you, and I know you still care about him.
‘m not sure what went down between you two or why you kept Benedict’s identity from him. But it’s time to face it.”
he paused for a second, then added, “Whatever you, decide. I’ll have your back.
ve already had someone bring Benedict to our house to look after him. So don’t stress about him while you make up your mind.”
er words were so genuine, and I couldn’t help but take them all in. For Benedict’s sake, I knew I needed to make a decision soon.
