Chapter 45
Lindsey blinked in surprise at Z’s unexpected words. But seeing his deflated expression, she gently consoled, “Uncle Z, what are you talking about? I can get up to speed so quickly because of Mom’s head start. She taught me a few things early on.”
For instance, Lindsey’s way of thinking–Elaine has influenced Lindsey greatly over time without Lindsey even noticing. Miguel patted Z’s shoulder, saying, “You’ve got to admit you’re getting older!”
Z shot a disgruntled glance at Miguel. “I’m younger than you, old man!” Despite their banter, they helped Lindsey set up fingerprint and facial recognition before she rushed off to Quinn’s new apartment.
Miguel watched Lindsey leave, shaking his head. “Truly, a genius’s daughter is still a genius. We can’t compete,” he muttered.
Z turned away, saying nothing as he went inside to open his computer and delve into the folder. Miguel chuckled. “You are still as competitive as ever, huh?”
Quinn had rented a cozy apartment by the river. The view was breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights reflected off the water, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Lindsey settled onto the couch as Quinn handed her a glass of juice, while she took a glass of wine for herself. “This wine has quite a kick. Non- drinkers might not handle it well, so I give you some juice,” Quinn said with a smile.
Lindsey smiled, unfazed. With Quinn’s drinking habit like an endless vat of wine, the cup in her hand surely didn’t contain anything mild. “Nothing serious. I came here this time to bring you something,” Lindsey said.
As if on cue, Quinn’s phone beeped. Lindsey prompted, “Check it.”
Quinn picked up her phone, suspicion written all over her face. When she saw the message, her body froze. After a moment, she found her voice. “Th–this is…”
“I promised to find evidence within a month, and I meant it,” Lindsey said with a reassuring smile.
Quinn grabbed Lindsey’s hand; her eyes locked onto hers. “You’re my boss from now on!” ‘Anyone who can clear my name deserves that title,‘ Quinn thought.
In the aftermath, Lindsey faced a torrent of online backlash, leaving her utterly devastated. The company didn’t help much with their lackluster crisis management and even pushed her to the brink at one point.
After being let go, Quinn retreated to late Daisy’s small house, drowning her sorrows in alcohol. ‘Dying would have been a relief, Quinn thought. Then Lindsey came along.
Overwhelmed, Quinn reached for her phone, ready to post the evidence online. Lindsey stopped her, placing a hand on hers. “Wait, you can’t be the one to release this.”
“But why? I’ve waited so long for this! I need everyone to know I’m innocent! I’m sick of being blamed!” Quinn whispered fiercely, tears welling up in her eyes.
Lindsey remained calm. “If you say it, people will only believe half of it. But if it comes from the victim…”
Quinn’s eyes widened in realization but she shook her head. “Those two are the real culprits; getting them to confess is impossible.” “This sounds far–fetched, Quinn thought, shaking her head again. She felt Lindsey was dreaming.
Lindsey smiled gently. “Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. How will we know if we don’t try?”
“You have a plan?” Quinn asked, hope flickering in her eyes.
“Indeed, I do…” Lindsey said, leading Quinn to the home of Eric and Julie and knocking on the door. Quinn’s face was tense, radiating unease. “I’d never want to see these two again if I could help it,” Quinn said.
“Don’t worry, today you’ll only meet one,” Lindsey assured, smiling at Quinn. She whispered an explanation, “Eric and Julie are going through a bitter divorce. Eric cheated and moved his assets, now living elsewhere with his mistress.
The studio they ran together is just a shell now. Julie is desperately looking for evidence!”
Quinn’s eyes lit up, feeling vindicated. “Ha, this is what happens when you do too many bad things!” she said, almost wanting to laugh out loud.
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2:08 PM
Chapter 45
“How did you find out about this?” Quinn asked, genuinely puzzled. “This should be private, there hasn’t been any hint online. How does Lindsey know?‘ Quinn wondered.
Lindsey gave a mysterious smile. “I have my ways!” Quinn didn’t press further. If Lindsey could get her hands on those things, it spoke volumes about her resourcefulness. ‘She must have some secrets up her sleeve, Quinn thought, intrigued by the mystery surrounding Lindsey.
After a while, a haggard–looking woman opened the door. Lindsey almost didn’t recognize her as the once vibrant female celebrity. At twenty–five or six, she looked worn out, with a sallow complexion and dark circles under her eyes.
“Who are you? Ah!” Julie exclaimed, spotting Quinn outside. She tried to close the door, but Lindsey blocked it with her body.
“I’m not a ghost, why are you so scared?” Quinn said coldly, her voice rising slightly. “Or is it because you feel guilty? Hmm?” The ‘Hmm‘ made Julie flinch. She lowered her head, avoiding Quinn’s gaze.
Leaning against the doorframe, Lindsey chuckled. “Ms. Hayes, we need to talk. Can we come in?”
Julie lifted her head in confusion, her eyes landing on Lindsey. “No, I have nothing to discuss with you. Just go, go away!” she exclaimed, clearly agitated. She pointed toward the door, trying to shoo them away.
“Since you won’t invite us in, let’s talk here then,” Lindsey said, unfazed. She showed the chat records to Julie briefly. “Do you recognize this?”
Seeing the records, Julie paled. Her hand trembled on the doorframe. “W–what do you want?”
“To clear my name,” Quinn stated firmly.
Julie hesitated, then shook her head vigorously. “No, I can’t! Posting this would ruin me. I’d rather die than post something like that!” Panicking, Julie lunged for Lindsey’s phone, thinking if she destroyed the images, they couldn’t threaten her any more.
Lindsey easily dodged, raising her hand. “You think we don’t have backups? Would you be ruined? What about Quinn? She did nothing wrong and was slandered by you.”
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