Mandy instinctively pushed Merlin away and snapped, “What are you doing?”
Merlin held up his hands, looking completely innocent. “Hey, I was just trying to buckle your seatbelt. That’s all.”
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Ivy, noticing Mandy was still upset, couldn’t resist teasing her. “Come on, Dr. Jones. Did you really think Mr. Walker was up to something? Even if he was, he’d have to catch you alone, right? Not with all of us sitting here!”
Harley chimed in, grinning. “Dr. Jones, I think you’ve been watching too many thrillers. You’re starting to imagine things.”
Lydia added with a laugh, “Dr. Jones, you know Mr. Walker is totally devoted to his wife. Trust me, no matter who’s around, he only has eyes for her.”
Merlin grinned at Lydia, all friendly–like. “It’s cool if you mess with me when it’s just us, but could you chill out a bit when other people are around?”
Then he turned to Mandy, his face all apologetic. “Dr. Jones, I’m really sorry. I was just trying to help, but I guess I crossed a line. My bad.”
Mandy didn’t speak. She just buckled up and turned to stare out the window.
As Merlin glanced away, his eyes flicked down to her chest and legs for a second, with a look that was way too sleazy.
As they drove, the three people in the back seat kept up a steady stream of chatter, with Merlin chiming in now and then. But Mandy stayed quiet, her mind already racing ahead to when they’d get there and this whole thing would be over.
After about thirty minutes, the car pulled up to the restaurant. Mandy had assumed it would be some ordinary spot, but her jaw nearly dropped when she realized it was Glory Restaurant..
This place was fancy–like, the kind where most people would hesitate just to peek at the menu.
‘Queena must be thrilled about her promotion. She’s acting like she’s about to drop an entire month’s paycheck on this dinner, Mandy thought to herself.
But Mandy was overthinking it. Queena didn’t actually have to pay for any of it.
After Merlin pulled the car into the parking spot, the five of them got out and headed toward the grand entrance of Glory Restaurant. Meanwhile, a sleek black car rolled up behind them. The window slid down, and Tobias’s intense gaze locked onto Mandy.
“When we catch Mouse, I’m gonna kill him,” Barry growled, his voice dripping with determination. He glanced over at Tobias, who seemed lost in thought. “Hey, isn’t that Dr. Jones over there?” Barry asked, following Tobias’s stare.
Tobias didn’t reply right away. Keeping his eyes on Mandy, he turned to Yaxley and said, “Listen, no matter what happens tonight, make sure the public stays safe. Spread the word.”
Yaxley was in the midst of passing on Tobias’s instructions through the intercom. At that very moment, Mandy, Merlin and the others entered Glory Restaurant. The place was packed with military personnel disguised as staff. A waiter showed them the way to a VIP room.
Queena and her department members were already there waiting. The instant Queena saw Merlin, she went up to him right away and said, “Mr. Walker, it’s such an honor for us that you’re here today. Please take the seat of honor.”
Merlin tried to decline, but Queena was persistent and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, he ended up sitting at the head of the table.
After Merlin took his seat, Queena quickly started arranging seats for everyone.
1/3
17.45 SEMY M400.
Chapter 1
Mandy wanatically made for the state from Meri Bot just as der was too so pop dos Queens grabbed ther sewed the work for grow did or the sare
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She made a point to keep some distance between herself and Merlin, but at det stop her from feeling the weight of his bold, unerring gave flickering in her directions
As Queena raised her glass, the room buzzed with the sound of dinking glasses. Everyone was toasting each other, and the atmosphere was electric
Everyone was itching to get out of the chaos of the Emergency Department. Merlin, who had the final say on personnel and transfers, was like the king of the room.
Everyone was trying to cozy up to him, hoping to score a transfer or a favor, so naturally, he was the one getting all the
toasts,
Merlin pasted on a fake smile and went along with the toasts. After a few drinks, he got a bit braver. He slid his hand under the table and touched Mandy’s leg, Mandy was quick as a flash–she grabbed his hand and pinned it down, hard
Mandy’s mind drifted back to three years ago. She had been powerless when Howard and the Jones family forced her to marry the late Tobias, using her mother as leverage.
She hadn’t been able to fight back–not against them, and not against the stranger in the woods who took her virginity. She’d been too weak to push him away, too helpless to stop him. If only she’d been stronger back then, maybe things would’ve turned out differently.
That day changed everything. Mandy made a promise to herself: she would never feel that powerless again. She started working out, lifting weights, and even took up boxing.
Over time, she built up her strength and confidence. Now, despite her delicate appearance, she could handle herself in a fight, and most men didn’t stand a chance against her. As for Merlin, that sleazy middle–aged man? He wasn’t even a threat.
Mandy’s fingers dug into Merlin’s wrist like steel clamps. His face twisted as he choked back a pained noise. “Let go,” he hissed through gritted teeth, the words sharp but quiet enough that only she could hear.
Mandy maintained her grip, raising her glass with a honeyed smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Cheers, Mr. Walker,” she trilled.
Queena, unaware of the tension, leaned in and whispered, “You should keep toasting him all night, Dr. Jones. Play your cards right and this dinner could open doors for you.”
Mandy snorted into her drink. “Tell me, Ms. Clark–was this how you climbed the corporate ladder? Clinking glasses and batting eyelashes at Mr. Walker?”
Queena’s smile froze, her cheerful mask slipping at Mandy’s biting remark. Before Queena could muster a response, Mandy’s phone buzzed sharply on the table. “Excuse me,” Mandy said. “I need to take this.”
She stepped into the restroom, locking the door behind her. The video call connected, revealing Emma’s sleepy face framed by messy hair. The little girl sat cross–legged on her bed in a rumpled pink nightgown, clutching her favorite stuffed anim
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17:45 Sat, 8 Mar
Chapter 19
“Mommy, she whined, her voice thick with sleep, “when are you coming home?”
Mandy’s expression melted. She leaned against the sink, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur. I’m still at work, sweetheart. Just a little longer, okay? How about Daddy reads you a story tonight?”
Emma nodded, her lower lip jutting out in protest. “Then you gotta sing me a song”
Mandy chuckled. “What’s my little diva want to hear this time?”
Emma scrunched up her face in thought, then beamed. “A Whole New World!”
Mandy took a deep breath and started to sing softly, “I can show you the world. Shining, shimmering, splendid. Tell me, princess…” Her voice was like a gentle melody, filling the room with its sweet, soothing sound.
Meanwhile, outside the private room, Queena was in the restroom with Merlin. She was on her knees in front of him, her mouth busy with his pants. But even with her efforts, Merlin’s anger hadn’t fully faded.
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He rubbed his hand, still sore from Mandy’s pinch, and grumbled, “That bitch Mandy, acting all high and mighty. I’m showing her interest, and she doesn’t even appreciate it. Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn her. Find a way to make her drink this
later.”
Queena glanced up and saw the pills in Merlin’s hand. She wiped her mouth and nodded. “Mr. Walker, I promise, that girl will be all yours to deal with tonight.”
Merlin let out a laugh, then buckled his belt. He gave Queena a sharp pinch on her chest before pulling her out of the
restroom.
As soon as they were gone, Tobias wheeled himself out from the shadows, his face cold as he watched them disappear down the hall.
Just then, Barry rushed over, looking flustered. “Tobias, we’ve searched everywhere, but there’s no sign of Mouse. Was this a trap?”
