Enchanted Nightfall: Falling for Destiny

Quintessa drawled, “All these years, and have I ever told you, Sean, how utterly revolting you are when you shed your decency? What makes you think you can get away with destroying my mom’s life, trampling over my happiness, and still sleep soundly at night? I’ll tell you this if I can’t be happy, then no one in your precious little family will.”

Sean’s heart skipped a beat, but he was a seasoned player in life’s cruel games and quickly regained composure. With an air of condescension, he said, “Now, don’t do anything rash. Miranda’s already in the hospital because of you. Don’t think you can blackmail me with whatever you think you’ve got. You’re still green if you want to go up against me. But out of the love I once had for you as my daughter, I might be able to pull some strings and get you a lighter sentence – shave off a couple of years.”

Quintessa let out a bitter laugh, “A couple of years? What do you take me for, a beggar grateful for scraps? You married my mom, discarded her like she was nothing, and she died because of it. You should’ve known that by leaving me behind, you left your debt unpaid. As long as I’m here, I’ll be the noose around your whole family’s neck.”

Her voice rose, she exclaimed, “I’m not interested in making deals with you anymore. Officer, I have a report to make.”

Sean’s heart hammered against his ribcage, “Shut up! Don’t think I’m actually afraid of Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

you.”

Suddenly, Quintessa grabbed his shirt, her eyes blazing with fury. “After all these years of putting up with your family, do you really think I’ve got nothing on you? Don’t believe me? Then test me. Like your secretary who vanished five years ago, or the gift basket you sent. to Mayor last Thanksgiving – I know

plenty. And let me tell you, I’m not afraid to go down if it means taking you with me. No one’s gonna treat me as any sucker.”

Sean couldn’t afford to take the risk; Quintessa was clearly out for blood, regardless of the cost. Weighing his options, he said, “Alright, I’ll get you out, but you have to agree to one condition -once you’re out, leave the country immediately and never come back.”

Quintessa glanced at him with disdain, “Officer, why aren’t you here yet?”

“At least ten years, Quintessa. That’s the best I can offer. Don’t push it.”

“Officer, I have important information here.”

The approaching officer asked impatiently, “What is it?”

Sean abruptly stopped Quintessa, “How long do you want?”

“No more than three years.”

“That’s too short.”

Quintessa shrugged, “Your call. It makes no difference to me – I’m not scared.”

14:15

Chapte

Gritting his teeth, Sean relented, “Fine, I’ll agree to your terms. Give me five days.”

Quintessa rose to her feet, “You have two days, Sean. I won’t wait a second longer.”

Turning to the officer, she said, “You can take me back now.”

That evening, the atmosphere in the Young family’s living room was heavy with tension. The five of them, each seething with rage, wished they could flay Quintessa alive.

But Quintessa was like a stubborn mule, unfazed by their threats and posturing. They had reputations to uphold, positions of power – they couldn’t afford to go all in like she could.

Quintessa was like a tough piece of meat; no matter how you sliced her, she wouldn’t be frightened and even leave you wounded.

Lilian clenched her teeth, “Three years it is. We have plenty of time to handle her. She won’t be stirring up any more trouble.”

Miranda, fuming, smashed a glass on the table, “Mom, why don’t we just take care of her in jail? Let her die in there, so she won’t come out and haunt us anymore.”