His Adam’s apple shifted as he paused before saying coldly, “Enough. I wouldn’t believe that.”
“I can’t divorce you yet,” he continued. “It’s simple—I just took over as president of Dinnigan Group. If there’s even a hint of trouble in my marriage right now, the board will seize the chance to tear me apart right away.”
He hesitated, then added in a more measured tone, “Besides, I’ve never thought of being with Pearl. She’s Coraline’s sister. I just want to take care of her.”
At that, Alannah’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.
The day she was discharged, the sunlight was warm and bright, but it couldn’t melt the cold that had long settled in her heart.
Quincy, for once, seemed to care—at least on the surface. As they got into the car, he spoke casually, as if it were nothing.
“Tomorrow’s Pearl’s birthday party. You’ll attend with me. Don’t forget to prepare a gift.”
Alannah looked out the window, her voice even. “I don’t want to go.”
Quincy’s face darkened instantly, and the air in the car turned heavy.
He turned his head toward her, his eyes sharp and glinting coldly behind his gold-rimmed glasses.
“I’m not asking, Alannah. You’re going. Otherwise…” His lips curved faintly. “…your mother’s ashes.”
Alannah’s head snapped toward him, disbelief and fury flooding her face.
“For god’s sake, Quincy, isn’t it enough that my mother’s already gone? You’d threaten me with her ashes, too, now?”
Her voice trembled, her eyes glistening red despite her efforts to hold back.
He frowned, his tone laced with irritation. “Don’t cry. Your tears don’t work on me.”
Alannah wiped the tear from the corner of her eye, her voice calm again.
“Fine. I’ll go.”
At the birthday dinner, Quincy hovered around Pearl like a shadow—pouring her drinks, draping his coat over her shoulders, looking at her with a tenderness that could melt a heart.
When it was time for gift-giving, he took out a diamond bracelet, dazzling enough to make the crowd gasp.
“Isn’t that the bracelet Princess Diana once wore? I heard it’s worth over a hundred million!”
“The CEO really dotes on Miss Pearl. I wonder what his wife thinks…”
Their mocking gazes shifted toward Alannah, who stood quietly at the side, their eyes filled with mockery and disdain.
Quincy also glanced at her, giving her a look that brooked no refusal.
Alannah stepped forward, handing over a carefully wrapped sapphire necklace.