But just as I reached the door, a silver sports car suddenly swerved toward me, nearly knocking me off my feet. I broke out in a cold sweat, looking up to see who was behind the wheel. Quinn sat in the driver’s seat, her expression icy as she glared at me with pure malice. Still shaken, I shakily pushed myself up from the grass nearby.
Quinn figured I’d just swallow my anger and act like nothing happened. But in the next moment, I snatched up a rock from the ground and smashed it furiously against her windshield. The rock hit the glass with a bang, and Quinn shrieked. She flung open the car door and jumped out. “Victoria, are you out of your mind?”
“Are you crazy? You nearly ran me over!” I snapped.
“I didn’t do it on purpose,” Quinn shot back, trying to defend herself.
“Neither did I,” I shot back, then strode away.
“You better pay for this! Don’t think you can just walk away!” Quinn stormed over, blocking my way, her face twisted with anger. Just then, two undercover security guys stepped up and shoved Quinn aside. “Miss, we’ve recorded all your nasty moves. Want to take this to the police station?”
Quinn’s face drained of color, and she spun around, scrambling back into her car.
These two security guys were sent by Edward to protect me, and I had no idea at first. It was only now that I realized he’d been looking out for me behind the scenes.
“Ms. Murphy, are you alright? Did you get hurt? Want us to call the cops?” one of them asked.
I shook my head. I’d already handled payback myself. “Thanks for the help. I’m fine. Let’s go,” I said.
Once I got in the car, I could finally breathe easy. Quinn hated me, probably because Nathan Hallman had rejected her. But that’s none of my business, and I’m done getting involved in Nathan Hallman’s choices.
When Edward found out that Quinn had nearly run me over, his expression turned stormy in an instant.
“Did she always bully you like this back when you were living at the Holcomb residence?” Edward asked, his brows knit tight with worry. His concern sent ripples through my heart, like a stone dropped into calm water. All those old wounds from this life and the last rose to the surface–only to be gently soothed by his presence.
“I don’t want to dwell on the past. As long as she learns her lesson and stops using me as her punching bag, that’s enough for me,” I said calmly.
Edward reached out and gently pulled me into his arms, burying his face in the crook of my neck. “If anyone ever bullies you again, don’t just let it slide, okay?” he murmured.
I was taken aback, remembering how, whenever Quinn gave me trouble, Jared would always say she was just a kid and I should let it go.
“Yeah, I know,” I replied with a gentle smile, nodding.
Just before boarding the plane, my phone rang–it was Jared. I glanced at Edward, who caught the look in my eyes and said softly, “Go ahead, answer it. Don’t worry about me.” I picked up my phone and walked a little distance away to take the call.
“Are you hurt? Quinn was way out of line,” Jared asked, worry etched in his voice.
“I’m still rattled. You really need to get your sister under control. Don’t let her run wild again,” I replied, my tone cold.
“I’m sorry. I’ve already given her a serious talking-to, and she promised me she won’t go after you again,” Jared said quickly, trying to reassure me.
“If she tries anything again, I’m calling the cops,” I shot back, then hung up.
Once I sat down, Edward suddenly asked, sounding genuinely curious, “Why did Quinn try to run you over? Does she really hate you that much?”