A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 542

Hearing this, the unshed tears vanished from Helena's eyes. She quickly matched Lawrence's long strides, hurrying away from the office.

It wasn't until they reached the elevator bank that she carefully ventured, "Mr. Quinn, is it really... completely over between you and Laurel?"

Lawrence's expression remained unchanged. He cast a flat gaze her way, answering her question with one of his own. "The sample was swapped, and you truly didn't notice anything out of the ordinary?"

Helena's nerves spiked. She delivered the excuse she had prepared long in advance. "I really didn't. There were so many people walking by, and I was just focused on getting the item back to the car quickly. I was careless..."

She bit her lip, looking deeply remorseful. "Did my mistake ruin things between you and Laurel again?"

"What happens between her and me has nothing to do with you."

The elevator doors chimed open. Lawrence strode inside, waiting for her to follow before saying coolly, "As for this mistake, your quarterly bonus will be deducted."

Lawrence was known for his ruthless corporate tactics. Docking a mere quarterly bonus was practically a favor.

As his secretary, Helena knew this perfectly well. She couldn't help but curve her lips into a faint smile. She was just about to speak when Lawrence added another instruction. "Also, call Laurel tonight and give her a sincere apology."

Helena's smile froze, her nails digging into her palms. Yet, she didn't show a hint of reluctance, replying with complete submission, "Understood. I will."

Then, ever the dutiful secretary, she asked, "By the way, should I adjust your schedule for tomorrow? Clearing out two hours in the afternoon should be enough to finalize the divorce."

"Who told you I was going?"

Lawrence looked down at her with a dismissive glance. "When you apologize to Laurel tonight, mention in passing that something came up and I'll be out of town on business tomorrow."

-

As the office door clicked shut, Jesse turned to look at his sister. "Laurel, are you alright?"

In his eyes, Laurel was always rational and composed. Nothing seemed capable of shaking her calm.

It was exceedingly rare to see her zone out like this.

Laurel eyed him critically. "You never come home. How were we supposed to tell you?"

Rex was struck speechless.

Knowing he was in the wrong, he sheepishly rubbed his nose. "I just wanted to live closer to the hospital. Saving lives is my calling! If there was a real emergency at home, one call from you and I'd be there in a heartbeat."

"Is that right?"

Laurel exposed his lie effortlessly. "I think you just want to live near wherever your first love is staying. That's what's 'close to the hospital.'"

Rex shot a glaring look at Jesse, who merely shrugged, his face practically screaming that this had nothing to do with him.

Not wanting to cause Tanya any trouble, Rex muttered, "It has nothing to do with her. I chose to move there on my own."

"You don't need to explain that to me."