Chapter 47
Quinn nodded, figuring that Lindsey’s words were more for her ears than anyone else’s. Upon entering the steak place, Quinn immediately drew most of the attention in the room; some people even whipped out their phones to start snapping photos of her.
The atmosphere buzzed with the kind of excitement usually reserved for public spectacles. “Hey, did you see the trending topic on Twitter? Quinn was actually framed. She must’ve felt safe enough to come out for dinner now that she cleared her name. Poor thing!”
“She looks way more worn out than before. That incident must’ve hurt her a lot. It’s tough being in the entertainment industry these days!”
“I always thought it was unlikely she would do something like that. Glad to know our goddess is innocent. But Zella was really vicious!”
“Did anyone notice the girl next to Quinn is pretty hot too? Is she new in the industry? Does anyone know who she is?”
Voices of speculation filled the air. Before long, a media outlet caught wind and rushed into the restaurant with microphones and cameras, eager to interview Quinn.
Quinn sighed, excusing herself by saying a press conference would address everything later. Yet, curiosity–seekers and reporters persisted, each trying to get the scoop first.
Quinn glanced at Lindsey apologetically and lowered her voice. “Sorry, Lindsey, I might have to take off early. I’ll treat you next time,” she said softly.
‘With all those cameras, how can we enjoy our meal?‘ Lindsey thought. She nodded, understanding that if Quinn stayed any longer, it’d cause a scene. And she definitely didn’t fancy dining under everyone’s gaze.
As Quinn left, Lindsey hurriedly followed suit. Walking down the street, she was about to hail a ride when a bright blue Rolls–Royce pulled up beside her and honked.
Lindsey frowned as Jeffrey whistled at her from behind the wheel. “Hey, Lindsey!” Next to him sat a cute girl with round cheeks, big eyes, and a bun hairstyle. The girl watched Lindsey without speaking.
“Hey, Lindsey, Quinci and I are heading to a party. Shawn will be there too. Why don’t you join us?” Jeffrey invited enthusiastically.
Lindsey instinctively wanted to decline. She and Shawn weren’t an actual couple, so getting involved in his affairs wasn’t wise. “Not today, it’s getting late.”
“Jeffrey, why are you so overly nice? A high–class lady like Ms. Riley wouldn’t want to hang out with your rough crowd!” Quinci interjected.
Lindsey’s brow furrowed. She thought, ‘Is Quinci accusing me of looking down on Jeffrey? Well, she sure knows how to jump to conclusions!‘ Her stubborn streak flared up, and she slid into the backseat. “Sure, I miss Shawn too. Let’s go together!”
Quinci gritted her teeth. She thought, ‘How could Lindsey not realize I’m already here? Now she’s just butting in!”
Jeffrey, oblivious to the tension, hit the gas and they were off. Throughout the ride, Quinci couldn’t help but glance at Lindsey through the rearview mirror, sizing her up.
According to Jeffrey, Lindsey had caught William’s eye the moment she met him. He even let her view his treasured medical books and hinted at teaching her The Thirteen Needles of Heavenly Precision.
Quinci couldn’t help but grip her seatbelt tightly. ‘What exactly does this Lindsey have that I don’t? Born into a jewelry dynasty, I became Jeffrey’s girlfriend and have immersed myself in the study of medicine for years.
I should be more suited to be the successor than someone like Lindsey who came from nowhere!
The car stopped in front of a villa. Jeffrey led Lindsey inside and proudly approached Shawn with a flourish, “Boss, look who I brought! Ta–da!”
He stepped aside to reveal Lindsey standing behind him. Lindsey greeted awkwardly, “Hi.”
She had been provoked by Quinci’s remarks earlier, which was why she got into Jeffrey’s car. But now, arriving unannounced, she wondered, Would Shawn think I was deliberately trying to get close to him?‘ Her heart pounded with uncertainty.
Shawn lounged on the sofa, sipping red wine lazily, his tie loosened, and one button of his shirt undone, revealing his Adam’s apple as it moved up and down with each swallow–a sight that was irresistibly alluring.
He glanced up at Lindsey and beckoned her with a wave. “Come here.” Lindsey walked over, feigning calmness, and when she sat down, her whole
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Chapter 47
body tensed up, thinking it was over.
But Shawn reached out suddenly, pulling her onto his lap. Now Lindsey wasn’t just stiff–she was frozen, barely daring to move.
He raised his hand toward her ear, and Lindsey instinctively flinched away. “Don’t move.” Shawn’s warm breath tickled her ear, making her cheeks flush. She lowered her gaze, too shy to meet his eyes.
Carefully, Shawn tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear before leaning closer, whispering softly, “Your hair was messy; let me fix it for you.”
His words carried a hint of alcohol, causing Lindsey to feel lightheaded. Why else would my heart be racing so fast?‘ she wondered. Shawn then offered the wineglass to Lindsey’s lips, asking, “Thirsty?”
At that moment, Lindsey was dazed, her thoughts scrambled from Shawn’s words. ‘Something’s not right, she thought, feeling an unfamiliar
sensation.
Seeing her unresponsive, Shawn leaned the wine glass against her lips and tipped it slightly. The sharp liquor flowed into Lindsey’s mouth. To prevent her from choking, he promptly pulled the glass back and took a small sip himself.
Jeffrey watched this unfold, stunned. He thought, ‘Shawn has a germ phobia. But that cup, Lindsey just used it!
Everyone else in the hall paused what they were doing, turning to look over. Their reactions to Shawn’s unusual behavior ranged from shock to disbelief, as if they had just seen a ghost.
Realizing the situation, Lindsey’s face turned crimson. Listening to her heart pounding fiercely, she knew she needed to regain composure. She tugged lightly on Shawn’s sleeve, whispering, “I need to use the restroom.”
Shawn smiled warmly, “Sure, do you want me to accompany you?”
“No, no, it’s fine.” Lindsey shook her head nervously. ‘Shawn has never looked at anyone with such gentle affection,‘ they thought, clearly taken aback by the scene. Lindsey, meanwhile, made her unsteady way to the bathroom, her steps faltering.
Quinci’s knuckles whitened around her wineglass. She wondered, ‘Why could Lindsey be so intimate with Shawn so naturally.‘ She watched them, their closeness making her grit her teeth in envy.
Quinci thought, ‘If it weren’t for the time wasted on Jeffrey because of the Thirteen Needles of Heavenly Precision, Shawn would already be mine!
Ha, Lindsey? What is she, really? Leave what you shouldn’t touch alone!‘ Quinci set down her glass and followed Lindsey to the restroom.
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