Chapter 58 Will They Let Me Go If I Leave?
She was to Zachary what Lauren was to Harold—a high-level employee who'd forever carry their mark, even after leaving. Success would reflect well on them; failure would tarnish their reputation.
Those who valued past connections, like Zachary, would lend a helping hand. Those who didn't would kick you when you're down, severing every last tie. Lauren was smart—she'd witnessed enough partings and reunions to know better. Whatever Quinley's explanation, true or false, she didn't challenge it.
"Mr. Jennings values loyalty. Don't let him down!"
Quinley flashed an innocent smile. "I'm not the disloyal type, Ms. Morgan. Don't worry—if there's work, just call. I'm always available."
Walking out of Skyline PR, cold sweat trickled down Quinley's spine. Harold was a wild wolf, the unpredictable kind. Dancing with wolves, bargaining with tigers—her odds weren't great. But she knew once a wolf set its sights on prey, it would never let go, even if she fled to the ends of the earth.
"Ms. Elikin."
Quinley stood roadside hailing a cab when Lucas appeared in his black suit. Only then did she notice the Maybach parked behind him like a predator lying in wait.
"Mr. Jennings wants to see you." Lucas respectfully delivered the order.
Quinley hesitated. Skyline PR was Harold's territory—meeting Zachary on his turf felt dangerous. "Mr. Murphy, I have things to handle, so I won't come over. About Mr. Jennings helping me—I understand. Please tell him thank you for me."
A taxi pulled up. As she opened the door, Lucas pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and handed it to the driver. "Move along," he said coldly.
The driver glanced between them, assuming it was a lovers' quarrel, took the money, and drove off without a word.
"Ms. Elikin, Mr. Jennings has done so much for you. Are you really going to ignore past feelings? If you want to thank him, say it yourself. He's waiting in the car—don't keep him waiting too long."
The message was crystal clear: today, she was going whether she wanted to or not. Continuing this standoff would be pointless.
"Fine, I'll go with you."
Lucas opened the rear door with practiced courtesy. Quinley slid inside, and the vehicle quickly merged into traffic. Lucas raised the partition, sealing them into their own private world.
"Mr. Jennings, thank you." Quinley began.
The enclosed space filled with Zachary's scent—intense masculine pheromones mixed with mint from his hair. The familiar smell made her uncomfortable, so she turned toward the window, trying to escape the memories it triggered.
She remembered returning from a business trip when he'd suddenly wanted her in this very car. The cramped space had made her incredibly nervous.
Lucas was driving that day too, and the weather was just like today. She'd straddled Zachary's legs while he thrust up into her with desperate intensity. When she tried to cry out, he'd covered her mouth, so she bit his fingers. Every thrust earned him a bite until she actually broke the skin.
He'd called her "dog" after that. In retaliation, she'd changed all his contact names to the same. It was one of their few shared moments of playfulness—something she thought she'd forgotten until now.
Zachary sat rigidly upright, his expression unreadable. He pulled an envelope from the seat pocket and handed it to her. "Take this."
Inside was a card and a plane ticket—identical to what Sylvia had offered before.
"Mr. Jennings, what does this mean?"
"Don't you want to study abroad? Go now." His eyes were deep, unfathomable.
All along, he'd wanted to keep her close. But he'd finally realized his mistake—the more he confined her, the more desperately she wanted to escape. So this time, he chose to let her go.
Quinley stared at the ticket, her lashes fluttering slowly. Was she surprised? Yes, but the surprise came too late. Did she feel regret? Also yes—regret that he only understood her now.
Zachary had finally released his grip. She should be happy, but happiness felt impossible. Something heavy lodged in her chest, making it hard to breathe.
The Maybach circled Serenity Health Center again and again—thirteen times before Quinley finally lifted her head.
"Mr. Murphy, please stop at the main entrance."
She placed everything back in the envelope and returned it to Zachary. "Mr. Jennings, thank you for your kindness, but I don't need this anymore."
Their eyes met—hers calm as still water, his flickering with barely contained anger.
Quinley looked away and reached for the door handle, but Zachary's hand shot out, gripping her wrist. "Quinley, can't you listen just once? If you don't leave, they won't let you go."
She smiled then, serene and heartbreaking. "Mr. Jennings, if I leave, will they let me go then?"
Once hunters identified their prey, distance meant nothing. Quinley understood her situation with crystal clarity—she had no real choice.
"Mr. Jennings, I still want to thank you." She pried his fingers loose and stepped out of the car.
Her figure was slender but unyielding as she walked away, step by determined step, until she disappeared beyond his reach. The car door remained open, Zachary frozen in place, staring at the space where she'd vanished.
"Mr. Jennings, back to the office?" Lucas asked after raising the partition.
Silence. An unprecedented sense of powerlessness filled Zachary's chest like lead.
Lucas moved to close the door just as Alicia materialized from nowhere, diving into the backseat and slamming it shut behind her.
"Zach, what are you doing here?" she asked with false innocence, waving a pharmacy bag. "Ms. Parker's headaches have been terrible—she can't sleep at all. I just picked up her medication. Let's have dinner with her tonight."
She grabbed his forearm, shaking it gently like a persistent child.
"I'm busy." Zachary pulled away, his voice flat.
Alicia pouted but pressed on, playing her usual emotional card. "You haven't been home for over a week. She misses you terribly. Please come home tonight—she's so lonely by herself."
"She's my mother, not yours. I know what I need to do without you teaching me." The sharp edge in his voice could have cut glass.
Alicia immediately fell silent, sitting there with an expression of wounded innocence.
Lucas caught her eye in the rearview mirror. "Ms. Davis, Mr. Jennings has a meeting and needs to return to the office. Where are you headed?"
The hint was obvious, but Alicia pretended not to understand. "Felicity Mansion."
Lucas's expression darkened. He didn't start the engine.
"That's not on the way. Get out." Zachary's tone left no room for argument.
Lucas immediately walked around to open Alicia's door, gesturing politely but firmly for her to exit. "Ms. Davis, sorry about this. Mr. Jennings is in a hurry today."
Alicia's face flushed with indignation, but she didn't dare explode—only endure. She reluctantly climbed out as the Maybach roared away without a backward glance.
Left standing on the sidewalk, Alicia stamped her foot in frustration, malicious thoughts already beginning to swirl through her mind.
Alicia stamped her foot, the bad thoughts in her belly starting to churn again.