Chapter 26
I went pale with fear, a scream tearing from my throat. The alley was deserted, and the late hour left no hope of anyone hearling me. Calling for help was useless.
The stench of alcohol hit me as the drunk staggered to his feet. His filthy face swayed closer, his breath reeking. “Heh… hey. pretty lady. All alone?” he slurred, his words enough to make my stomach turn.
Instinct screamed at me to run. I spun toward the alley’s entrance, but he was faster than he looked, his grimy hand clamping down on my shoulder.
“Let me go!” I yelled, struggling with all my strength. But his drunken grip was like iron, and I couldn’t break free.
He laughed, a disgusting, hiccupping sound. “Come on, sweetie, stay and keep me company,” he muttered, reaching out to touch my face with his filthy hand.
I froze for a moment, my heart pounding. Then, forcing a smile, I said quickly, “Hey, looks like your bottle’s empty. How about 1 grab you another drink? Then we can hang out.”
“Think I’m that drunk? Nice try, but you’re not going anywhere!” His grin turned sinister, and he leaned in, puckering his lips
As his face came closer, I went still, pretending to relax. But just as his foul breath brushed my cheek, I slammed my knee into his groin with everything I had. “You disgusting pig! Get away from me!” I shouted.
His scream echoed through the alley as he crumpled, and I shoved him aside, bolting for the street.
“You little bitch! Stop!” he bellowed, staggering after me.
I ran as fast as I could, my lungs burning, my voice hoarse from shouting for help.
Finally. I burst onto the main road, gasping for air. A blinding light hit my face, and I squinted just as I heard the screech of
brakes.
When I opened my eyes, the drunk was pinned to the ground by a man in a sharp suit–a bodyguard, by the look of him. An SUV idled in front of me, its door open. A tall, polished man stepped out, exuding calm authority. “Are you alright?” he asked gently, his voice steady and warm.
“Thank you!” I stammered, relief and exhaustion hitting me all at once.
He studied me for a moment, then retrieved a bottle of water from the car. “Ms. Hinton, would you like a ride home?*
I froze. “You know me?”
It was then I noticed how striking he was. His sharp features, high nose bridge, and warm, amused eyes were impossible to ignore. But I was sure I’d never seen him before.
He smiled, a light chuckle escaping. I’m York Smith. You don’t know me, but you might remember Owen. He used to work
for me”
Owen. That bastard. I hadn’t forgotten how Quinn had dealt with him, kicking him out of Enschester.
This guy, York, said Owen used to work for him. Could he be the manager of Faraway Media Group?
Faraway Media Group wasn’t exactly a big company, and Madder Group had never worked with them, so I didn’t know much about it.
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Chapter 26
York went on, his tone sincere. “I wanted to explain something. Faraway Media Group approved the payment for its deal with Hinton Group a long time ago. It was Owen who delayed it for personal reasons, and for that, I owe you an apology.
management was at fault too. I’ve been meaning to make amends but only recently returned to the country.”
Our
“There’s no need to apologize,” I said politely. Tm just grateful you helped me tonight.”
He smiled again. “It’s late. Let me drive you home.”
“No. thank you,” I replied quickly. I wasn’t about to let anyone pry into my personal life.
York didn’t press, simply nodding before wishing me a good evening and driving away.
I reluctantly returned to the alley to retrieve my suitcase, then made my way to another hotel on foot. By the time I checked in, it was late. I ordered some first–aid supplies from a delivery app and cleaned up in the bathroom.
The hot water stung my scraped hands, and I winced as memories of my mother’s harsh grip on them came flooding back. “Why why, Mom, Dad…” I muttered, closing my eyes as tears streamed down with the shower water.
That night. I collapsed opto the bed, utterly drained, and fell into a fitful sleep.
The next morning. 1 barely made it to work on time. I threw on the first outfit I could find, skipped makeup, and grabbed a cab to the office.
Raelynn was already there, wearing a sleek black Hepburn–style dress, her makeup flawless.
Got a date after work?” I asked without thinking.
She blinked at me in surprise. “Ms. Hinton, don’t tell me you forgot about the company’s annual party tonight.”
I had. Completely
Raelynn eyed my bare face and messy hair, then said gently, “We don’t have much going on today. Maybe you should head, home and freshen up?”
“No need,” I said, brushing it off. I had no energy to dress up, much less impress anyone.
After work, I rode with Raelynn to the hotel hosting the party, In the underground parking lot, we ran into Diana stepping out of a luxury car.
Her gown shimmered with intricate silver embroidery, and a diamond necklace rested on her neck. Even her heels screamed exclusivity. Everything about her screamed Quinn’s devotion.
Raelynn leaned toward me and whispered, “Who’s she trying to impress? All flash, no substance. Not like you, Ms. Hinton- you’ve got the real deal.
I returned her comment with a playful tone, “You’re saying I’m unattractive?”
Raelynn shot back, “Absolutely not! You’re stunning too, Ms. Hion–like a timeless classic. That woman? She’s just a cheap knockoff.
“You always know just what to say,” I replied, my mood lifting.
The party began at seven.
Out of tradition. Quinn and I were seated together. Even so, he didn’t look at me once, his focus entirely on a document Finn had just delivered.
Diana swept into the room, radiant, and slid into the seat beside him like she belonged there. She gave me a snug glance
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before snatching the document from Quinn’s hands.
“Quinn, don’t I look beautiful tonight?” she asked in a sugary tone.
Quinn didn’t seem to mind the interruption. He looked up, smiled softly, and said, “You’re stunning”
Her face lit up, and she clung to him, chatting happily,
I sat there like a third wheel, acutely:
aware of the curious stares from everyone around us.
I had naively assumed that 1 could weather the storm of divorce, but it seemed I had misjudged my own resilience.
The pressure in my chest built until I could barely stand it. Grabbing a glass of red wine from a passing server, I downed it in one gulp.
The alcohol hit me harder than I expected. Dizzy, I stood up, hoping to get some air, but before I could take more than a few steps, the room spun, and everything went black
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