Chapter 33
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After the heavy rain, the air outside felt fresh. I took a few deep breaths to steady myself and headed to the care home to
visit Benedict.
It was a quiet day, so I spent the entire morning with him. At lunch, Rose came over and said, “It’s staff lunch today. Want to join them? The restaurant’s just around the corner, and I’ll stay here on duty”
1 smiled and replied. “No need, you go ahead with them. Since I’m here, I can help out while you’re gone.”
Rose grinned, clearly comfortable with me by now. “The desserts at that place are amazing. I’ll bring you some to–go as a thank–you for covering for me?”
Once they left, I helped Benedict take a nap, then went to the front desk to assist.
around lunchtime, and a lot of the healthier elderly residents were out in the garden for a walk after eating. I noticed an elderly woman using a cane, moving slowly. As she passed by the front desk, she slipped, and I rushed over just in time to
She seemed just as startled, but after steadying herself, she looked up at me and smiled. “Thank you, dear.”
“No problem,” I said with a smile. “Let me help you to the garden so you can get some sun.”
1 guided her to a bench in the garden and sat down beside her. She took my hand gently, her face full of kindness. “Are you new here, dear? I haven’t seen you before
I just come by to help out sometimes, I answered sofily.
She seemed eager to chat, introducing herself as Mary Lee, then asking my name and age. Before I knew it, she was telling me about her family. “If my granddaughter were still here, she’d be about your age.
I smiled, feeling her warmth. “Isn’t your granddaughter in Enschester?”
Her eyes grew distant, and she sighed.
Realizing I might have touched on something painful, I quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. If it’s a sad memory, we don’t have to talk about it.”
Mary smiled and patted my hand gently. “You’re a sweet girl. Are you married? I have a grandson who’s still single. He’s around your age. Want me to introduce you?”
I chuckled awkwardly, wondering why the elders all had a dream of playing matchmaker.
Quickly. I came up with an excuse. Tm already married, Mary. Enjoy the sunshine. I should get back to helping out.”
Later, when Rose returned from lunch, she handed me a small cake as a thank–you. I took it back to my apartment and had it for breakfast the next morning
At the office, Haelynn was gossiping. “Ms. Hinton, Diana hasn’t been at work these past few days. Do you think she’s finally getting what’s coming to her?”
Without thinking asked, “Has Mr. Madden been in?”
the shook her head “I haven’t seen him around either
A strange emptiness hit me. Quinn and Diana weren’t here? They were probably tangled up in each other, lost in their own
world.
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Chapter 33:
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Quinn kept his word. In just a week, the rumors about our divorce were completely shut down, and Madden Group’s stock price shot up to new highs.
At this point, he probably wouldn’t need me anymore. I wasn’t sure if I felt relieved or a little lost
After work. I grabbed a cab, and the driver asked, ‘Where to, miss?”
Without thinking, I gave him Quinn’s villa address. I paused, then corrected myself. “Sorry, I meant Sunrise Apartment.”
When I reached the building, two men in police uniforms stopped me. Are you Natalia?” One flashed his badge and asked seriously.
I froze. “Yes, what’s going on?”
“We need you to come with us for an investigation. Please get in the car, the other man said, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward the street, where a black car was waiting.
Something didn’t feel right. I stopped and asked, “Why didn’t you come in a police car?” I pulled away, a sudden suspicion forming. “Let go of me. I need to call 911 and confirm who you are!”
They exchanged a glance. My heart skipped. I knew right away–they were fake cops.
I tried to pull away, but the man holding me was too strong. Just as I was about to shout for help, a handkerchief was pressed to my nose and mouth. I inhaled something and, before I knew it, everything went black.
When I woke up, I felt the rocking of a ship beneath me. I opened my eyes and realized I was tied up on a cargo ship, surrounded by nothing but endless ocean.
A sharp smell of smoke hit me, followed by a man’s lewd laugh Long time no see, Mrs. Madden.
It was Owen, squatting in front of me, lifting my chin with his left hand.
Hadn’t Quinn kicked him out of Enschester? A shiver ran through me. I frowned, coldly saying, “Looks like the last lesson I gave you didn’t stick.”
Without warning, Owen slapped me across the face. It wasn’t a hard hit–probably because he wasn’t used to it.
I turned away and saw that his right arm was missing, likely severed at the shoulder. I didn’t need to ask; I knew it was Quinn’s doing. No wonder Owen was so angry and had planned this kidnapping.
A wave of panic swept through me. Owen wouldn’t have done this unless he was prepared for the worst.
“Your problem is with Quinn, not me, I said, trying to provoke him. “If you want revenge, go after him. Taking it out on me isn’t going to make you a man.”
Owen squinted at me, his voice hoarse. “Is it true? Did you really divorce him?”
He leaned in, almost eager. “If you admit you’re divorced from Quinn, I’ll let you go.”
I was stunned. His behavior was strange. If he just wanted revenge, why was he so fixated on my divorce? Then, I saw a small recording device clipped to his shirt.
I figured it out immediately. Owen wasn’t just after revenge–he wanted to destroy Quinn.
“Who sent you?” I demanded coldly. “Next time you try to trick someone, at least hide the recorder better.”
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