Chapter 77 Surprise
Quinley's appearance was naturally pure, but her eyes held a rare hint of allure. When she acted coquettish toward David right in front of Zachary, David couldn't resist.
"Okay... okay..." He said it twice, hurriedly scooping Quinley up in his arms.
"I'm sorry, Quinny, I'm so sorry." David held Quinley tightly and took off running.
Quinley's slender arms wrapped around David's neck as she bounced around in his embrace. "Make them leave. I don't want you getting in trouble," she coaxed softly. David was completely susceptible to this approach.
"Okay." He immediately ordered his people to disperse.
David's punch had landed squarely on Quinley's shoulder, and she was in so much pain that cold sweat kept beading on her forehead. But though her body ached, her heart felt relieved.
The dark mass of people scattered, and Jennings Manor's siege was finally lifted. As they left, Quinley glanced back at the place one last time. Everything had returned to orderly calm. She didn't see Zachary, but she knew he would be safe.
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In the car to the hospital, David kept apologizing shamelessly. "Quinny, I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to hit you. Want to punch me a few times to feel better?"
"Mr. Brown, I'd like some quiet time, if that's okay?"
Quinley's brow was furrowed tight—she was really hurting. "Okay, okay, I'll shut up right now."
David fell silent. The car headed straight for Serenity Health Center. David had contacted the CT department, and Quinley was sent for examination as soon as she arrived.
She had a minor fracture in her shoulder blade, and the doctor recommended hospitalization for observation. David seemed possessed, staying by her side constantly. One moment he worried she was hungry, the next that she was thirsty.
Quinley found his attention unbearably annoying, so she pretended to sleep. In the evening, David received a phone call and stepped out.
Hearing the door close, Quinley opened her eyes. Out of necessity, she had used David. She sent Lucas a message, wanting to know how Zachary was doing.
Unexpectedly, not long after sending the message, Lucas arrived. He appeared in Quinley's room carrying fruit, with several dark bruises on his face.
"Ms. Elikin, are you alright?"
Lucas set down the fruit and stood at the foot of Quinley's bed with his hands at his sides. Quinley sat up in bed, not caring about herself as she asked, "How is Mr. Jennings now?"
"Not good," Lucas sighed heavily. "He's running a high fever, stayed up all night yesterday, and passed out once. He's only staying conscious thanks to the IV drip. After David's scene at Jennings Manor today, public opinion has turned against him, so Mr. Jennings is under even more pressure."
Actually, Zachary had fainted again right after Quinley left, but Lucas didn't dare mention that. Quinley lowered her eyelids, her delicate hands clenching into fists as mixed emotions swirled in her heart.
"Mr. Murphy, if there's anything you need me to do, just ask."
Since she'd chosen to stand by Zachary's side again, she was prepared to weather any storm with him.
Lucas looked deeply at Quinley. "Ms. Elikin, thank you for staying by Mr. Jennings' side."
"Mr. Jennings told me to tell you not to worry about him. Take care of yourself—he'll handle this mess as quickly as possible and come see you. He also said he believes you're innocent regarding those photos. Don't worry, he'll definitely get to the bottom of it and clear your name."
"Oh, and Mr. Jennings said Mr. Brown isn't reliable—you should keep your distance from him."
Quinley wasn't usually an emotional person, but in that moment, warmth flooded her heart. Right now, Zachary was under attack from all sides and couldn't help himself, yet he still thought of her, considering her in everything.
She wasn't some clinging vine that only wanted to depend on him. When Zachary was in trouble, she wanted to share his burden too. But his current situation was precarious.
When William was alive, Zachary hadn't been his favored son. Now that William had died suddenly, Zachary would have no place to stand.
Emily had borne the Jennings family two sons who were now adults. Quinley had only met Landon once, but she could already see his wolfish ambitions. The mother and two sons were in cahoots—Zachary was no match for them.
The Brown family matter definitely wasn't Zachary's doing, but someone had pinned the blame on him, making it hard for him to clear himself. With all these factors, if Zachary wanted to come through this safely, he'd inevitably face a battle.
"Mr. Murphy, you take care of Mr. Jennings. I know what I need to do."
Quinley buried her thoughts deeper. Lucas checked his watch—he couldn't stay out too long. With Zachary alone at Jennings Manor, he was worried.
"Ms. Elikin, Mr. Jennings cares deeply about you. Don't disappoint him at a time like this."
Lucas's words had deeper meaning, and Quinley understood. She nodded, and Lucas quickly left.
After Lucas left, Quinley leaned against the headboard, lost in thought for a long time. Both she and Zachary had waded into these murky waters—so what was their next move to break free?
When Quinley was deep in thought, she had a bad habit of pulling the covers over her head, completely immersing herself in that small world. But just as she did this, David returned.
"Quinny, wake up!" He pulled away Quinley's blanket, his handsome face suddenly appearing before her.
"Sleepyhead, you've been sleeping all day. Time to wake up." He reached out to pinch Quinley's nose affectionately, but she quickly dodged away.
"Is it dark already?" Quinley looked toward the window, deliberately changing the subject.
David straightened up. "Yep. Completely dark." As he spoke, he suddenly pulled a rose-colored box from his pocket.
Quinley had a bad feeling. She pretended not to see it, threw off the covers, clutched her stomach, and rushed toward the bathroom. "I need to use the bathroom."
She was in such a hurry she didn't even put on shoes, running barefoot at top speed. "Slow down, Quinny."
David's voice came from behind her, making Quinley run even faster. She dove into the bathroom and quickly locked the door.
She could already guess what David wanted to do. She'd used him, and though he knew it, he was still pulling this stunt. Quinley hadn't figured out how to handle this—for now, she could only escape.
"Quinny, how are you? Why are you taking so long?" David's voice came through the door crack.
Quinley quickly flushed the toilet. "My stomach's upset. I need to stay here a bit longer." She employed delaying tactics.
After about five more minutes, David seemed to be getting impatient. "Quinny, I'm going out to take a call. If you're not feeling well, just call me."
After his words fell, Quinley heard the room door open and close. Then it became quiet outside—no sound at all.
Quinley calmed herself for a moment, then quickly opened the door, preparing to escape. However, the moment the door opened, Quinley found herself with nowhere to run.
Confetti cannons exploded from above, covering Quinley's head.
David held the party cannon, happy as a child. He shouted with his usual flair, "Quinny, surprised? Didn't expect this, did you?"