A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy) novel Chapter 739

Zoe stayed silent, though she was already cursing Jay in her head.

She was planning to get Arthur completely drunk, but what he said cut off his escape.

Nonetheless, Jay suddenly said, "Mr. Rubio, you don't mind me leaving with Zoe, right?'

Both Zoe and Arthur were left taken aback, while Jay explained, "Our group still has rehearsals tomorrow, and Zoe's performance would be affected if she gets drunk. In fact, every member of my group would be leaving with me… I'm sure there's no issue with that?"

Zoe quietly composed herself, since she was getting agitated.

It was fortunate that Jay was taking everyone with him instead of her alone—there would be a lot of explaining to do otherwise.

"But isn't this too early? It's not even ten," Arthur quickly said. "Young people normally sleep at midnight these days."

"They will be in bad shape when they wake up the next day. Unlike other professions, thespians easily get swollen faces, and that would affect their performance on stage."

"It's just a rehearsal, not the actual competition…"

"The stage deserves respect." Jay was staunch.

Unable to win the argument, Arthur tried to compromise. "Alright, you can leave with your group, and remember to give the executives a head's up before you do. As for Zoe, I can take her home alone."

"Why Zoe alone?" Jay asked bluntly.

Everyone in showbiz undoubtedly had a tacit understanding, and Jay's attitude naturally left Arthur annoyed. "Mr. Parker, every person has their own personal affairs. Or should I report everything to you?"

"Not in the future, no—but I hold myself responsible for every thespian in my group," Jay said firmly. "I'll protect them from all injustices, and I'm sure you know what I'm getting at, Mr. Rubio."

The scowl on Arthur's face could almost be seen despite the dimly lit room, while Jay rose to his feet and threatened Zoe, "Ms. Zimmerman had been cautioning you extensively about your attitude, but if you insist on going down that path, I have no choice but to give up as well. I've always been fair, and I refuse to accept any group members who try to cut corners."

His words left Zoe embarrassed, but even as she bit her lip in turn, she was afraid to argue with so many others watching.