Chapter 16 Like You
Zachary's kiss was domineering and absolute—a cold autumn wind sweeping everything in its path.
Quinley didn't resist. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the familiar taste of tobacco on his lips.
His hands moved across her skin like electricity, awakening something primal within her core.
She was leaving tomorrow—this would be her last chance to have him, to memorize the contours of his body against hers.
Quinley wrapped her arms around his neck, her slender limbs entwining his muscular frame like a vine claiming ancient stone.
The narrow confines of the car created their own kind of intimacy—cramped yet thrilling in its limitations.
They were both naturally reserved, their emotions kept carefully contained. But once those barriers fell, their passion poured forth like floodwaters breaking through a dam.
The Maybach began to rock violently.
Outside, Lucas discreetly turned away, walking to a respectful distance.
Eventually, the car stilled.
Quinley quickly straightened her clothes and stepped out without a backward glance.
Zachary remained leaning against the seat, his penetrating gaze following her through the window until she disappeared from sight.
He made no attempt to stop her, and she offered no goodbye.
From beginning to end, he never asked why she had to leave, or when exactly she was going. For someone determined to depart, every direction leads to the same destination—away.
---
By the time Quinley arrived home, the night had deepened considerably. She packed with efficient movements, her mind focused on the task rather than its implications.
Not knowing how long she'd be gone or when she might return, she stuffed everything essential into two large leather suitcases.
They bulged at their seams, yet she still felt like she was forgetting something vital—something irreplaceable.
The doorbell's sudden ring cut through her thoughts.
Quinley padded to the entrance in her slippers and peered through the peephole. Alicia Davis stood outside, her perfect posture betraying no hint of the late hour.
"Ms. Davis?" Quinley opened the door partway, making no move to invite her visitor inside. "What brings you here so late?"
It was nearly midnight—the timing was suspicious at best.
Alicia feigned surprise. "Is it almost twelve already? I'm so sorry to disturb you at this hour."
Despite her apology, she showed no intention of leaving. Her eyes darted past Quinley, scanning the apartment interior with practiced casualness until they locked onto the two massive suitcases standing by the wall.
"Planning a trip, Ms. Elikin?" Alicia's face registered calculated shock.
"Yes." Quinley's response was deliberately flat as she reluctantly stepped aside.
Taking the opening as an invitation, Alicia glided in with familiar ease and settled onto the sofa, patting the space beside her. "I heard from Zach that you resigned. I guess the rumors are true."
She pulled Quinley down beside her, linking their arms in false camaraderie. "You were doing so well—why quit? Be honest with me. Did Zach mistreat you? If he was unfair, tell me. I'll stand up for you."
The offer of alliance was transparent—a fishing expedition masked as concern.
Quinley wasn't fooled. She produced her trademark innocent smile, the one that revealed nothing while seeming to reveal everything.
"You misunderstand, Ms. Davis. Leaving was entirely my decision. I've always dreamed of studying abroad. Working with Mr. Jennings these past years has shown me how important education truly is."
She injected enthusiasm into her voice. "I want to return to school, to be a student again."
The explanation was both reasonable and complete, leaving no obvious holes for Alicia to probe.
"As long as Zach didn't drive you away," Alicia conceded, unable to find a flaw in the story. "I'd hate to think you suffered any mistreatment."
She patted Quinley's hand. "With your ambition, I'm sure you'll achieve great things."
Her tone shifted subtly as she pivoted to a new topic. "By the way, I forgot to ask—with everything being so busy—has Percy been bothering you?"
"Not at all," Quinley replied evenly. "Why would Mr. Thomas do such a thing?"
"Because he likes you!" Alicia leaned in, as though sharing a delightful secret. "It's unfortunate timing, that's all. But don't worry—with today's technology, long-distance relationships can work beautifully. You should have faith in Percy. He's a man who values deep connections. He won't let you down."
Alicia continued her monologue while Quinley struggled to maintain her composure.
Percy liked her? The same man who had tried to assault her hours earlier? That leering, lecherous creature was supposedly devoted to relationships?
Quinley couldn't possibly align with Alicia's warped perspective, but she understood the game being played.
Alicia was deliberately trying to link her to Percy—to ensure that even with Quinley leaving Zachary for good, there would be no possibility of return.
She wanted Quinley firmly entrenched in another man's world, and had handpicked the worst possible candidate.
Now she expected Quinley to feel grateful while binding herself to this man in marriage.
A chill spread through Quinley's chest. Alicia was far more dangerous than she had realized.
"Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Davis." Quinley crafted her refusal carefully. "Mr. Thomas is quite the catch—a rising star with great prospects. I'm afraid he's out of my league."
The trap remained unsprung.
"Don't be hasty, Quinley." Alicia's tone hardened, the pretense of warmth falling away. "Percy comes from an excellent family. Marry him and you'll instantly become a wealthy socialite. Do you know how many women would envy that position?"
Alicia continued her sales pitch while Quinley listened with downcast eyes, the very picture of demure consideration.
If Percy was such a prize, why wasn't Alicia pursuing him herself?
Too many people claimed to have your best interests at heart while plotting your downfall, all while treating you like a fool who should be eternally grateful for their sabotage.
Quinley's deliberate silence finally stemmed the flow of Alicia's words.
"Think about it carefully," she said, rising to leave. "You won't find a better man than Percy. Women ultimately need to marry—men are our destiny. You won't regret choosing him!"
"Thank you for your concern, Ms. Davis." Quinley maintained her innocent smile all the way to the door.
When Alicia left, her displeasure was plainly visible in the tight line of her mouth. Quinley remained unpredictable, and that frustrated her plans.
---
Leaving the apartment, Alicia drove straight to Maple Estate, her knuckles white on the steering wheel.
When she reached the gates, the butler intercepted her with practiced politeness.
"Ms. Davis, Mr. Jennings isn't feeling well. He retired early. Please come back another time."
Another rejection. Before visiting Quinley, she had texted Zachary to arrange a meeting. He hadn't responded. She had called him. He had disconnected immediately.
Her informant had reported that Lucas went to the hospital and left with Quinley. Whether Quinley had seen Zachary afterward, Alicia couldn't say for certain.
But she knew that Zachary's unusual behavior was connected to Quinley's imminent departure. That a woman about to leave could still affect him so deeply was infuriating.
"When Zach wakes, tell him I stopped by," she instructed, masking her disappointment as she turned her car around and drove away.
The night deepened as city lights blazed against the darkness.
The entire city began to sleep while Quinley finished packing everything by two in the morning.
Her flight was at eight—she still had a few hours to rest. But the more she tried to sleep, the more elusive it became.
By dawn, she was already up, moving through her apartment with quiet purpose.
She found clean sheets and covered the sofa and bed, preparing the space for her extended absence. Just as she finished, her pre-ordered car arrived.
She left without saying goodbye to anyone, slipping away in silence.
As the car drove through familiar streets, the orderly buildings receded behind her. A sense of reluctance tugged at Quinley's heart.
Especially when they passed the Apex Global Group Building—her gaze locked onto the towering structure, unwilling to look away until it disappeared from view.
At the airport departures hall, Quinley had just checked her luggage when her phone vibrated. Zachary's name flashed on the screen, causing her heart to skip.
"Good morning, Mr. Jennings," she answered, forcing lightness into her voice.
"When are you leaving?" he asked without preamble.
"Today."
"What time?"
Quinley checked the clock. "In less than an hour."
Silence stretched across the connection. Quinley thought Zachary might say something more—perhaps wish her a safe journey or even ask her to stay.
But he said nothing, ending the call abruptly.
Quinley felt a momentary emptiness before quickly composing herself. A thousand miles of farewell must end with one final goodbye. This quiet departure was for the best.
When boarding time finally arrived, Quinley walked through the gate without looking back. The past was behind her; only the future remained.
But just as she settled into her seat on the plane, her phone rang again.
Quinley answered to hear Marlee's voice, broken with desperate sobs.
"Quinny," she gasped between tears, "something terrible has happened. It's your brother—he's in serious trouble."