Chapter 30 Sensible
Mary immediately called Zachary.
Sylvia's gaze swept over Alicia, catching a fleeting look of smugness on her face. Experienced as Sylvia was, she understood perfectly—Alicia had done this deliberately. She'd intentionally revealed that photo of Quinley to blacken her reputation in front of Sylvia, using her as a weapon to pressure Zachary.
Of course Sylvia didn't like being manipulated, but this was Alicia—the future daughter-in-law she'd personally chosen. She had to tolerate it whether she liked it or not. In the world of wealthy families, marriage never required deep love—the more interests were intertwined, the tighter the bond.
Alicia had the powerful Davis family behind her, influential in both political and business circles, providing Zachary with the strongest support. As for Alicia herself, Sylvia was certain—she was lovesick, her heart completely devoted to Zachary. Such women would go through fire and water for their men, and once bound by interests, would become the most capable allies.
So what if she was jealous and played some tricks? Alicia couldn't tolerate Quinley, and naturally Sylvia would stand united with her.
"Mary, call Quinley too. Tell her I need to see her and ask her to come to my villa."
At the subway station, Quinley was waiting for a train to downtown when Mary's call came through.
"Ms. Elikin, Ms. Parker wants to see you now."
Quinley felt suspicious. "Can I come a bit later?"
Mary's voice was cold. "Ms. Parker said she wants to see you now." The implication was clear—no negotiation.
"Alright, I'll head over immediately."
Quinley changed trains and went straight to Sylvia's villa. When she arrived, Alicia was still in the living room helping Sylvia massage her neck and shoulders.
"Ms. Parker, Ms. Davis." Quinley greeted them politely as she entered.
Alicia smiled faintly. "Ms. Elikin, you look well after just a few days!"
Quinley replied modestly, "You're the one who looks well. I just use foundation to hide my fatigue."
Sylvia studied Quinley with a cold expression. Whether it was psychological or not, after Alicia mentioned her good complexion, Sylvia also noticed her face had a rosy glow beneath the pale skin. The image of that passionate kiss immediately flashed through her mind, and her expression darkened instantly.
"What kind of work requires such thick makeup?"
"Public relations." Quinley answered honestly.
"You went to do PR? Quinley, I think you're doing this on purpose! It's one thing for you to have no shame, but how can you let others slap Zachary in the face? Have you forgotten what your previous position was?"
Sylvia's protective instincts flared—she couldn't tolerate anything that would damage Zachary. Quinley remained silent, head bowed, letting Sylvia's fury wash over her.
"Ms. Parker, please don't be angry. Ms. Elikin is earning money through her own abilities—she's not stealing or robbing, just making an honest living. Besides, PR commissions are indeed quite high. Please don't overthink it—PR work is completely different from being a hostess at nightclubs."
Alicia gently stroked Sylvia's hand, "kindly" explaining for Quinley. But her words carried obvious manipulative undertones. Sylvia hadn't thought much of it originally, but now her mind wandered further.
"Different? How are they different? Don't they both involve dealing with men and doing shameful things? Quinley, do you even know what shame means?"
Sylvia and Alicia worked in perfect harmony while Quinley couldn't get a word in, only able to maintain a respectful posture like a student.
"Ms. Parker, how could Ms. Elikin be that kind of person? There must be some misunderstanding."
What misunderstanding? Quinley was confused. The photo had circulated within Apex Global Group's small circle, but no one had told her, so she knew nothing about it.
"Ms. Elikin, perhaps you should explain to Ms. Parker what really happened last night at Golden Mile Entertainment with that man."
Quinley's expression immediately turned stern, coldness rising in her eyes. John had said he'd received an anonymous message telling him to assault Quinley. Could that person have been Alicia?
Before she could explain, she saw Alicia lean close to Sylvia's ear and whisper something. Sylvia's expression softened slightly.
"Even if it's a proper relationship, you need to be mindful of boundaries. You were Zachary's secretary before—so many eyes were watching. When your behavior isn't proper, it reflects poorly on him..."
Sylvia began lecturing again. Quinley looked completely bewildered. A relationship? With whom?
"This isn't really Ms. Elikin's fault. These days, men with a bit of money are particularly disrespectful toward women. Ms. Elikin, I think you need to have a serious talk with Percy. He's bold and wild, but you're different—you're a woman who needs to protect herself."
Percy? How did Percy get dragged into this? Quinley was about to explain when Sylvia spoke again.
"That person is called Percy? When did you start dating him?"
"No... we're not..." Quinley quickly denied it, but it was too late—Alicia spoke again.
"Percy is a friend of mine. Ms. Elikin went on a blind date with him—I was the one who introduced them. Percy's family is in the construction materials business—he's wealthy and handsome, but he's been spoiled by his family and can be rather reckless."
In that moment, Quinley understood completely—Alicia was using Sylvia to force her into compliance. The incident at Golden Mile Entertainment had embarrassed Zachary. Sylvia, protective of her son, would naturally target Quinley.
If she remained single, she'd be a ticking time bomb. But if she married, she'd be completely separated from Zachary. Sylvia didn't care who she married, as long as it wasn't her son and as long as Alicia was satisfied—she'd go with the flow.
"Quinley, since Alicia is being so kind to you, you should be sensible."
Sylvia's words carried weight. What did being sensible mean? Leaving Zachary counted. Marrying a man they chose for you also counted.
Suddenly, a car horn sounded at the gate. Zachary was home.
Alicia immediately stood up, fluttering toward the door like a little bird. "Ms. Parker, Zach is back."
The living room temporarily held only Quinley and Sylvia. Sylvia, elegant and dignified, stared at Quinley with knife-like eyes.
"Did you remember what I just said?"
Quinley maintained the same expression as always—calm, neither angry nor resentful. "Don't worry, Ms. Parker. I remember."
Just as she finished speaking, Zachary entered the house. Sylvia didn't look at him but continued staring at Quinley, her tone becoming gentle like a loving mother.
"Quinley, since you and Percy are in love, you should get married soon."
She was deliberately saying this for Zachary to hear. Quinley smiled shyly.
"Ms. Parker, I'll go back and discuss it with Percy. If he also wants to marry soon, we'll set the date. We'll have to invite you to be our witness!"
The atmosphere in the room was tense. Quinley knew Zachary had returned, but she pretended not to notice, cooperating with Sylvia to push the drama to its climax.
"What were you just talking about? Who's getting married?" Alicia feigned confusion, her voice sharp as a needle, piercing Zachary's eardrums.
Sylvia showed a loving smile, looking at Alicia with gentle warmth. "It's Quinley—she's very fortunate. You and Zach need to hurry up too."