Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 The Mystery Admirer’s Gift

Finished

Quinn let out a cold laugh. She was finally free-free from the man who’d always put himself first, who’d acted like the world revolved around him. She wasn’t going to waste another second on Felix or his nonsense. All she wanted was for him and his little sidekick to get out of her life for good.

But Felix was too clueless to take a hint. He preened like a peacock, grinning triumphantly. “You’re hurting, aren’t you, Quinn? It’s okay. Just apologize for being so stubborn, and I’ll forgive you. We’ve been together for years. I know you can’t live without me. And honestly? I can’t live without you either.”

Quinn’s mouth twitched. She’d had enough of his garbage.

“Mia, let’s go,” she said flatly.

“Yes! Let’s get out of here!” Mia replied, cringing inwardly. Neither of them wanted to stay another minute in this toxic mess.

“Wait a second! Miss, please hold on!”

Suddenly, one of the store clerks came rushing over, calling out to Quinn in a panicked tone.

“What is it?” Quinn asked, frowning with annoyance.

The clerk flinched under her gaze, then stammered, “I’m so sorry, miss! You forgot to take your necklace with you!”

“I already told you-I don’t want it! This gentleman here wants to buy it, so sell it to him,” Quinn said, jerking her thumb at Felix.

“Heh, exactly. She said she doesn’t want it. Why are you still pushing it on her?” Felix sneered, narrowing his eyes at the clerk.

Sweat broke out on the clerk’s forehead.

Great. Just my luck to get caught in the middle of this drama.

But then she remembered the nice bonus she’d been promised, and she straightened her spine. She had a job to do.

“Miss Hart, this necklace isn’t for sale anymore. Our young boss had it reserved for you- personally,” she said firmly.

“What?!” Quinn stared at her in shock.

1/3

10:02 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 26 The Mystery Admirer’s Gift

Young boss… could it be him?

:

What is Peyton up to? Why does he keep popping up in my life like this?

97

Finished

For a second, she even wondered if he’d put her under surveillance, watching her every move.

“That’s right, Miss Hart. It’s a custom-made piece, specifically designed for you,” the clerk explained, her voice now calm and professional. “I only found out about it just now. I’m so sorry for the confusion-it was my mistake.”

Just then, the store manager hurried over, adding to the chaos.

Quinn recognized the manager immediately, and it all clicked into place. She’d shopped here often enough that the manager knew her by name. So Peyton had planned this all along-he’d had the necklace stored here, waiting for her to find it on her own. She felt a twinge of guilt for doubting him. He didn’t seem like the type to spy on people.

“Miss Hart! We’ve been waiting for you!” the manager exclaimed warmly. “This necklace has been here for weeks, waiting for its rightful owner. We put it on display to draw in customers, but we never let anyone try it on. It was always meant for you and you alone.”

“Who is your young boss?! Quinn, you cheating liar! You’ve been seeing someone behind my back this entire time!” Felix exploded, his face turning purple with rage. He was like a ticking time bomb, ready to blow.

Who is this mystery man who’s gone to such lengths to get Quinn a gift? Is he deliberately trying to provoke

me?

“It’s none of your business,” Quinn scoffed. She took the necklace from the clerk’s hand, and for a split second, her expression softened. “Please tell your boss thank you. I love it.”

Love it didn’t even cover it. The necklace was perfect-exactly her style. It was no wonder she’d been drawn to it the second she saw it, ready to buy it on the spot. Every detail suited her, like it had been made just for her.

Quinn had to admit-Peyton’s little gesture had melted her heart. She still hadn’t figured him out completely, but his thoughtfulness, his quiet care and protection… they were slowly healing the wounds Felix had left behind.

For years, she’d been the one giving and giving-pouring her heart and soul into a relationship that had never been equal. She’d thought she’d found true love, only to realize she’d walked straight into a trap of her own making. She’d hurt the people who truly cared about her, all for a man who didn’t deserve her.

But it wasn’t too late to turn things around. If anything, she should thank Lila-without her scheming, Quinn might never have woken up and seen Felix for who he really was.

2/3

10:02 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 26 The Mystery Admirer’s Gift

G

finished

A soft smile tugged at her lips. All the lingering resentment and bitterness in her heart vanished in that moment. But make no mistake-she wasn’t going to let Felix off the hook that easily. What was hers, she would take back. No exceptions.

“Mr. Cole. Enjoy your day with your ‘sister.’ We’re leaving,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She clutched the necklace tightly, warmth spreading through her chest at the thought of Peyton’s kindness.

Mia was practically bouncing with excitement beside her. “Oh my gosh, Miss Hart! That was so… so romantic!”

10

68

3/3

Chapter 26 The Mystery Admirer’s Gift

For a second, she even wondered if he’d put her under surveillance, watching her every move.

“That’s right, Miss Hart. It’s a custom-made piece, specifically designed for you,” the clerk. explained, her voice now calm and professional. “I only found out about it just now. I’m so sorry for the confusion-it was my mistake.”

Just then, the store manager hurried over, adding to the chaos.

Quinn recognized the manager immediately, and it all clicked into place. She’d shopped here often enough that the manager knew her by name. So Peyton had planned this all along-he’d had the necklace stored here, waiting for her to find it on her own. She felt a twinge of guilt for doubting him. He didn’t seem like the type to spy on people.

“Miss Hart! We’ve been waiting for you!” the manager exclaimed warmly. “This necklace has been here for weeks, waiting for its rightful owner. We put it on display to draw in customers, but we never let anyone try it on. It was always meant for you and you alone.”

“Who is your young boss?! Quinn, you cheating liar! You’ve been seeing someone behind my back this entire time!” Felix exploded, his face turning purple with rage. He was like a ticking time bomb, ready to blow.

Who is this mystery man who’s gone to such lengths to get Quinn a gift? Is he deliberately trying to provoke

me?

“It’s none of your business,” Quinn scoffed. She took the necklace from the clerk’s hand, and for a split second, her expression softened. “Please tell your boss thank you. I love it.”

Love it didn’t even cover it. The necklace was perfect-exactly her style. It was no wonder she’d been drawn to it the second she saw it, ready to buy it on the spot. Every detail suited her, like it had been made just for her.

Quinn had to admit-Peyton’s little gesture had melted her heart. She still hadn’t figured him out completely, but his thoughtfulness, his quiet care and protection… they were slowly healing the wounds Felix had left behind.

For years, she’d been the one giving and giving-pouring her heart and soul into a relationship that had never been equal. She’d thought she’d found true love, only to realize she’d walked straight into a trap of her own making. She’d hurt the people who truly cared about her, all for a man who didn’t deserve her.

But it wasn’t too late to turn things around. If anything, she should thank Lila—without her scheming, Quinn might never have woken up and seen Felix for who he really was.

213

10:04 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 26 The Mystery Admirer’s Gift

:

a 96

Finished

A soft smile tugged at her lips. All the lingering resentment and bitterness in her heart vanished in that moment. But make no mistake—she wasn’t going to let Felix off the hook that easily. What was hers, she would take back. No exceptions.

“Mr. Cole. Enjoy your day with your ‘sister.’ We’re leaving,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She clutched the necklace tightly, warmth spreading through her chest at the thought of Peyton’s kindness.

Mia was practically bouncing with excitement beside her. “Oh my gosh, Miss Hart! That was so… so romantic!”

68