Chapter 139 Face Whatever Comes Next Together
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“Don’t stoop to her level. If she gives you any more trouble, tell me. I’ll handle her. I promise you that.”
Eleanor had never liked Donna. Donna had always been desperate to call the shots in the family, despite having no real authority.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” Quinn said quietly, guilt weighing on her. “But this really is my fault. I should’ve dealt with my past before getting engaged.”
She was drowning in remorse. She didn’t care about the gossip, or the damage to her reputation. But she hated that the Hart family was being dragged through the mud too, all because of her.
“Forget about it, Quinn. The past is the past,” Eleanor said firmly. “Don’t dwell on it.
“Go check on Iris. If everything’s okay, head home to rest. We’re all exhausted after today’s mess.”
Eleanor was drained. She and Doris had poured their hearts into planning the engagement, working late nights for weeks-only for it to end in disaster.
“Okay,” Quinn replied.
She returned to the room to find Peyton sitting by Iris’ bedside, watching her sleep peacefully. His face, usually so cold and unreadable, was soft with concern.
“She hasn’t slept well in days,” Quinn whispered. “Maybe this is a good thing-her body finally getting the rest it needs.” She hated seeing Iris like this, though.
“Grandma was tough as nails in her day,” Peyton murmured. “A little chaos like today wouldn’t have phased her back then.”
Quinn nodded, her throat tight.
“You two don’t have to stay,” a weak voice said suddenly. Iris’ eyes fluttered open, and she looked at them with a tired but warm smile.
“Mrs. Iris Reed!” Quinn gasped, taking her hand gently.
“Quinn, you’ve had a rough day,” Iris said softly. “I’m so sorry you had to put up with all that nonsense. Don’t pay any attention to the gossip. We all know your character and we know why that man showed up.”
“I’m too old to help you kids with much anymore,” she continued, her voice growing weaker. “You’ll have to face whatever comes next together.”
Iris’ words only made Quinn feel worse. She hated that her problems had landed Iris in the hospital.
“I-” she started, but Iris cut her off.
“No need to explain, dear. I understand,” Iris said, squeezing her hand. “Now go home and rest. Both of you. I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter.”
She hated being a burden to them.
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Chapter 139 Face Whatever Comes Next Together
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“I’m not leaving.” Quinn insisted. “I’d worry about you nonstop if I went home. I want to stay.”
“Very well. If you two insist on staying, let’s just rest and chat a little, Iris said, her smile softening.
She’d hated ruining their engagement night. She’d wanted them to celebrate, not to spend it by her hospital bed, but she knew she couldn’t argue with them.
”
The next morning arrived before they knew it.
Quinn was determined to stay. She wouldn’t leave until she was sure Iris was completely out of danger.
“You two have busy jobs,” Iris said, trying to shoo them away. “You don’t need to waste your time here. The nurses are taking good care of me.”
She hated the thought of them neglecting work because of her. She knew the company board was already up in arms over the engagement disaster, and Peyton was shouldering all the pressure alone-never once complaining to her.
“My projects are stable right now,” Quinn said. “There’s nothing urgent I need to handle. I can stay.”
She turned to Peyton. “You have a million things to deal with at the company. You should go back. Your work is a lot harder to manage than mine.”
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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