Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Lindsey splashed water on her face at the sink. The click–clack of high heels approached, echoing like a scene from a horror movie.
Quinci stopped beside Lindsey. “You sure have talent, Lindsey. Learning medicine from Mr. Grier and catching Shawn’s eye. Maybe you should teach me a thing or two.”
Lindsey turned, drying her hands. “If you have something to say, just say it,” she replied.
Quinci smiled slowly, “Your talent for attracting men is impressive. From such humble beginnings yet you’ve captured Shawn’s heart. What’s your secret?”
Quinci smiled with a mocking twist, but as she continued to laugh, her gaze turned fierce. “Ms. Riley,” she said, her voice sharp, “let me give you a piece of advice–don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you!”
Lindsey frowned, sensing something unusual in Quinci’s words. “Aren’t you Jeffrey’s girlfriend?”
“Yes, but so what? I’m just playing along with that simpleton for now. Look, isn’t he happy?” Quinci said, her tone dripping with disdain.
Lindsey felt a twinge of discomfort, thinking that Jeffrey was just too naive and sincere, lacking in guile. Quinci’s words seemed unnecessarily harsh. “He really likes you,” Lindsey said, her tone indifferent.
Quinci laughed triumphantly. “I know. But Ms. Riley, I can’t stand you!” She grabbed Lindsey’s wrist suddenly, her smile turning wicked.
Lindsey didn’t understand Quinci’s intentions but knew she needed to leave quickly. As they tugged and pulled all the way to the bathroom door, Quinci suddenly kicked a nearby bucket with force. The soapy water splashed out, flowing toward Lindsey.
“Ms. Riley, you’re about to make a fool of yourself,” Quinci said, pulling Lindsey forward abruptly.
Lindsey gritted her teeth, trying to steady herself, but the soapy water was too slippery. Quinci’s strong kick made her lose balance, and she fell to the ground. “Ah! Ms. Riley, what happened?” Quinci screamed, drawing everyone’s attention.
Lindsey’s light blue dress, now soaked, clung thinly to her chest, nearly revealing everything. In the hall, Shawn heard the scream and rushed toward the bathroom before anyone else reacted. The others followed, finally realizing what had happened.
Quinci stood at the bathroom door, flustered as she tried to explain to Shawn, “I was discussing medicine with Ms. Riley when I accidentally knocked over the bucket and caused her to slip.” She looked as if she wished it had happened to herself.
Shawn didn’t even glance at her, instead covering Lindsey with his jacket. He helped her up, concern etched on his face. Lindsey hung onto him, wincing in pain.
“Where does it hurt?” Shawn asked, his voice filled with worry.
“My foot,” Lindsey gritted out through the pain.
Shawn inspected her red knees, his expression darkening. “What exactly happened here?” His demeanor was intimidating, making others hesitate to approach him.
Curious eyes still drifted toward Lindsey, hoping to see exposed skin. Shawn’s cold glare sent chills through them, and they quickly looked away, too intimidated to continue staring.
Jeffrey hugged Quinci, his expression pained as he looked at her seemingly hurt face. “Shawn, this isn’t Quinci’s fault. Why are you being so harsh?”
Shawn ignored Jeffrey; his cold demeanor unchanged. Quinci felt a bit afraid but insisted it was Lindsey who fell on her own.
“I–I don’t know how the bucket ended up there. Ms. Riley must not have noticed and slipped!” Quinci bit her lip, her large eyes wide open, looking innocent.
Jeffrey frowned again. “Shawn, it’s just a fall. Is this really necessary?” He glanced between them, confused.
Lindsey lifted her head, her eyes already red from pain. “No, Quinci deliberately tripped me and kicked over the bucket.” She pointed out, trying to stand straight despite the ache.
The crowd exchanged glances; the drama was unfolding. Shawn’s icy gaze immediately focused on Quinci.
Quinci feigned shock, staring at Lindsey in disbelief. “Ms. Riley, how can you accuse me like this? Even if you’re embarrassed, you shouldn’t throw mud at me!”
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2:08 PM
Chapter 48
Jeffrey grew a little angry. He thought, ‘Grandpa told me to take care of Lindsey, but she’s acting way out of line. “Lindsey, Quinci couldn’t have done what you say. Just get up and apologize to her.”
Lindsey closed her eyes briefly. She thought, ‘Jeffrey isn’t simple–hearted; ‘naive‘ is too kind a word for him now!
Quinci acted understanding. “No need for an apology. I’m sure Ms. Riley only did this because she’s embarrassed. Let’s be forgiving and not make things difficult for her.”
Jeffrey pondered, reluctantly nodding. “Alright, as long as Lindsey know it was wrong.”
Lindsey stared, bewildered. She thought, ‘I haven’t said anything yet. How does he think I admitted fault?‘
Shawn finally spoke, his tone chilly. “How can we let this slide? An apology is definitely needed.” Lindsey looked at Shawn, wide–eyed. She thought, ‘Even he doesn’t believe me?‘
Jeffrey waved his hands. “Forget it. Quinci isn’t holding a grudge, and it’s rare for Lindsey to admit fault.”
Shawn sneered. “I meant for Quinci to apologize to Lindsey.”
Everyone was stunned. Despite not knowing why Shawn stood up for her, warmth filled Lindsey’s heart. Quinci’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Mr. Ludwig, are you sure? Ms. Riley accused me. Why should I apologize?”
Jeffrey chimed in indignantly. “Shawn, even if you like Lindsey, you can’t favor her this much. She’s the one who made a mistake, not Quinci!”
Shawn’s lips curved into a soft smile, but his words were sharp. “Jeffrey, maybe you need to clean your eyes. Spending time with trash like her, don’t you feel disgusted?”
Jeffrey’s face showed sheer disbelief. He never expected Shawn to say such a thing. Quinci felt deeply wounded. She thought, “Trash? Shawn actually called me that!‘
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