Chapter 21 A Bomb Threat
This book was practically worth more than gold.
Trent narrowed his eyes. “You’re into reading books?”
Quinn paused for a second, then suddenly let out a dry laugh. “So, you really don’t know me at all.”
Hence, he didn’t care about her interests.
Her laughter made something tighten in Trent’s chest, like something that once belonged to him was quietly slipping away.
“This whole thing today was a misunderstanding. I’ll talk to my mom and Jacinda, clear everything up. And about the divorce, don’t take what my mom said seriously. I’m not divorcing you,” Trent said. His voice softened a bit. “I know I’ve been neglecting you. From now on, I’ll do better.”
Quinn studied him in silence.
But it was already too late for them. She was going to divorce him.
This marriage was over.
The next day, Quinn went to Julius‘ company to return the copy of Mo’s Manuscript of Birds.
“Mr. Whitethorn, I finished the book last night. Thank you for letting me borrow it.”
“I remember asking my driver to tell you–it was a gift,” Julius said.
“This book is way too valuable. We’re not at a point where we should be giving each other gifts,” Quinn replied.
“If it doesn’t bring you joy, then even the rarest book is just a bunch of paper,” Julius said calmly. “If you don’t want it, throw it away.”
Quinn was speechless. The book cost twelve million in Azanian currency. There was no way she could just toss it in the trash. Besides, she really did love the book. That made it even harder to part with.
“Mr. Whitethorn, what exactly do you want?” she asked, brows furrowed in frustration.
“I just wanted to thank you for saving my life.”
Is he talking about that day at the racetrack, when I pulled him out of the way of the rampaging horse? But honestly, even without my help. he probably could’ve handled the situation himself. Moreover…
“Haven’t you already made a donation to Operation Hope Elementary School to show your gratitude?”
“Do you think my life’s only worth a mere school donation?” Julius shot back.
Quinn was taken aback.
“But if you really don’t want to accept this book, then I’ll take it back,” said Julius. “On one condition–accompany me to the book market.”
“Book market?”
There are usually some rare finds there,” Julius continued. “Sometimes you come across something really interesting. You like reading too, don’t you, Ms. Bridger? Why don’t we go take a look together?”
Quinn didn’t respond right away. Unless she was prepared to watch a rare book worth twelve million get tossed asid. like trash, she didn’t have much of a choice.
On top of that, julius had clearly figured out her tastes. She really was curious about the book market.
Allnigh, she said.
112 PM d
Chapter 21 A Bomb Threat
+5 Free Coins
Two days later, Julius and Quinn arrived at the book market together. Just as Julius had said, the place had a wide selection of rare books. Some were even out–of–print editions.
Quinn genuinely found herself enjoying the visit, and she ended up buying two books that caught her interest.
During a break, the two of them grabbed a bite at a restaurant on the top floor of the shopping mall.
“I’m going to the restroom,” Quinn said.
But when she got there, she saw a sign saying the restroom was out of order, so she had to head down to the one below.
While she was in the stall, she suddenly overheard a conversation coming from the next one. The speakers were talking in Ferundian. “Yes, everything’s in place. When the time comes, it’ll go off. That Whitethorn guy’s definitely going to die here today.”
J
Quinn’s heart skipped a beat.
Whitethorn? Are they talking about Julius?
She stepped out of the stall right away, just in time to catch a glimpse of someone slipping out the door.
Quinn hurried out after them but found herself staring at the crowd swarming through the mall. In that instant, she couldn’t tell who the person on the phone had been.
That call she just heard mentioned something would explode when the time was up.
Did they set up a bomb? If Julius is the target, then the bomb has to be somewhere close to him. I have to get back to him immediately and evacuate the ma!l!
She dialed a nurnber she hadn’t called in years.
“Quinn?‘ a voice answered, one she used to know better than her own.
“It’s me. I’m at Silverwave Mall,” Quinn said, quickly explaining the call she’d overheard in the restroom. “Even if it’s fake, we can’t risk it. The mall needs to be evacuated now before anyone gets hurt.”
“Just based on one phone call? If we get this wrong, people could panic,” the voice replied.
“I know you can handle this the right way. Please!” Quinn said, her voice tight.
“If none of this had happened today, would you have ever called me?” the person asked.
“I’m: sorry…
“No need to be,” the person said. “I told you before–whatever you need, I’ll do it. No questions.” When the cali ended, Quinn finally exhaled, the tension slowly leaving her chest.
