Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Larry didnt complain when Stanley slapped the back of his head .

He knew Stanley was just speaking the truth .

It wasnt until hell come face to face with deaths that Larry muly realized how terrifying it could be .

All those times he had thought about ending it all now felt so childish and ridiculous .

I wont do it again .

Larry mumbled , his head hanging as he forced a bitter smile Rubbing his sore , swollen neck , he glanced over at Quinlyn , who was sitting quietly beside him with her eyes on the sky .

His voice was hoarse as he added .

Thanks for saving me today .

If you need anything , just let me know ! He said it without thinking , trying to offer something in return , a way to make up for what shed done .

Quinlyn slowly shifted her gare from the blue sky and white clouds , and she gently shook her head .

You already bought me clothes and shoes today Larry almost opened his mouth to say those things werent a big deal , but then he saw Quinlyn focusing on wiping the bloodstains off her shoes with a tissue quietly with her head downL She still had blood on her hands , but instead of cleaning that , she was taking extra care with the shoes like the little gifts hed given her were treasures .

Something warm stirred inside Larry , and at that moment , he realized that offering her money or more stuff would be insulting Sitting up straighter , he reached out and gently ruffled Quinlyns hair .

The soft , fluffy feel of it made his heart soften , too , and he couldnt help but chuckle quietly .

Alright , next time Ill get you more beautiful clothes and shoes As soon as he finished his sentence, Stanley rushed over , quick as a flash .

With a loud smack , he swatted Larrys hand away .

Didnt you say shes a troublemaker ? I told you from the start dont get any funny ideas about my sister .

Larry froze for a second , remembering how he had dismissed Quinlyn before they even got in the car .

Then , unable to hold it back , he burst into laughter .

I get what you meant now .

But hey , sorry , shes my friend now , and Im gonna protect her from here on out , he vowed .

1 Stanley shot him a furious glare .

In your dreams ! Quinlyn stood off to the side with her arms crossed , watching the two bicker all the way down the mountain .

Before getting ting in the car , she walked past the broken guardrail , bent down to pick a few wildflowers , and let them fall into the valley below , honoring the soul that had passed .

She didnt feel much of anything , even though shed taken a life .

Deep down , she knew she wasnt a good person .

The racetrack had been temporarily shut down , and Larry had been rushed home for his own safety .

Word had it that his grandfather doted on him , treating him like the last of his bloodline .

Stanley , however , wasnt fazed by any of that .

He grinned .

Guess we wont have to put up with his face at tonights party It was already bad enough dealing with Joseph , who was constantly trying to win his sisters attention .

And now with Larry added into the mix , just thinking about it made Stanley want to pull his hair out .

Now , Quinlyn was already in the car , her new dress and shoes making her feel like she was wearing a cake .

She shifted uncomfortably , the layers of fabric bunching around her .

Tue , 18 Mar Chapter 36 K 71% Quit pulling it .

If you keep fidgeting like that , youre going to ruin the look , he said , grabbing her hand to still it .

He sighed , shaking his head .

Tonights supposed to be your big debant .

Just hang in there a little longer .

Quinlyn immediately regretted planning the whole thing at the banquet The lace ribbon around her neck was digging into her skin , and she couldnt stand it Just as she tried to adjust it discreetly , the car came to a stop in front of a grand revolving door .

Through the window , she could just make out the golden interion of the hall .

Stanley turned to her .

Were here He quickly hopped out of the car , walked around to the passenger side , and opened the door for her With a playful grin , he bent down and extended his hand Come on my little princess Time to step out Quimbyn didnt react to the nickname .

She awkwardly grabbed the hem of her dress to climb out , but the fabric was so puffed up that she tripped over it Careful there Stanley was quick to catch her , his arms steadying her before effortlessly scooping her up .

At that moment , a soft giggle came from the side .

Quinlyn glanced up and saw a group of kids around her age , pointing and laughing .

Never seen anyone so clueless .

Im wondering what rich family shes from .

And shes so ugly , one of them whispered , scanning her from head to toe Stanley immediately heard this and spun around , ready to yell at the brat .

But before he could say a word , a loud crash rang out from the street about thirty feet away .

The sound of a car slamming into something followed by the screech of tires grinding against the pavement was deafening .

Quinlyn whipped around , her eyes widening as she saw someone crawling out of the overturned car , stumbling toward them .

At the same time , a few people from the car that caused the wreck jumped out , each holding something dark and ominous in their hands .

Get down ! Watch out ! Quinlyn reacted instantly .

She grabbed Stanleys tie and yanked him sideways , pulling him out of danger .

Stanley almost choked , but he managed to avoid being strangled .

Quinlyn yanked him behind a car and then quickly shoved him into the revolving door , ducking behind a pillar in the lobby .

It was a blind spot , but they could still see outside through the glass .

What the hell is going on ? Is this some kind of movie or something ? A city chase ? Stanley squinted outside , taking in the chaos .

The bratry kids had dashed out to watch and were now running around in fear .

Amid the panicked crowd , a few people dressed in black moved smoothly through the mess , heading straight for the hotel .

When Stanley saw the guns in their hands , his stomach dropped .

He froze and instinctively grabbed Quinlyns hand .

His voice shook .

We need to go now But Quinlyn , whod been so quick just moments ago , suddenly stopped and looked resolute .

Wait Wait ? Are you serious ? They have guns ! Stanley could barely breathe .

This morning , hed seen a deadly car crash , and now armed men were out in the street .

It was just too much for him But Quinlyn wasnt scared .

Instead , when a shadow charged toward the revolving door , she rushed forward .

Come help Stanley glanced at the man lying on the floor , clearly injured , and then quickly looked at the approaching thugs .

Swearing under his breath , he grabbed the man , and without another word , he followed Quinlyn toward the emergency exit .

20.34 18 Mar 71 % Chapter 36 The elevator lobby was crowded , but the emergency exit was completely deserted .

Quinlyn quickly slipped inside , shutting the door behind her with a soft click .

Turning to Stanley , she asked , What floor is the banquet on ? Third floor , Stanley panted .

Youre not thinking of taking him to the banquet , are you ? That could put everyone there in danger Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gasped for breath , his eyes locked on her with obvious concern .

To him , saving someone was a noble cause , but not at the expense of putting innocent lives at risk .

Quinlyns expression didnt change she was resolute .

Hes really badly hurt , she said , her voice tight .

Theres no medical help here .

And … She hesitated for a moment , glancing down at the injured man .

Theyll definitely go to the banquet .

Stanley blinked , clearly confused .

Why would they go there ? Quinlyn nodded toward the man lying on the floor .

Hes the boss of DigitalKey Group .

Stanleys eyes widened .

He almost choked on his own breath , turning back to look at the man .

His face was a complete mess -covered in blood and unrecognizable .

The boss of DigitalKey Group was known for being good looking , often gracing the covers of financial magazines .

When Quinlyn had a meeting with him .

Stanley grabbed a random magazine from his room to show her .

But the man lying there now , barely conscious , was a far cry from the polished , handsome figure they had talked about .

Still , Quinlyn recognized him , and despite the blood and chaos , she saved him .

He was supposed to meet me here .

They know where he was going .

Quinlyn explained briefly , her voice steady .

Stanley let out a long breath , trying to steady his nerves .

The sounds of chaos were still echoing from outside , but he looked Quinlyn in the eye , his jaw set .

Alright .

You say what to do , and Ill follow your lead .

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