The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

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“He’s about to find out what happens when you mess with the wrong woman.” Sherry’s fingers flew across her phone screen. “I have friends too. Friends with even better connections. By tomorrow, Victor Rossi is going to wish he’d never heard my name.

There was something chilling about her matter-of-fact tone, like she was discussing what to order for lunch rather than planning someone’s professional destruction.

“Revenge is a dangerous game,” Alex said carefully.

Sherry looked up from her phone, her expression hard. “So is trying to drug and assault someone. They started this game. I’m just finishing it.”

She finished dressing, checked her appearance in the cracked mirror above the dresser, and grimaced. “God, I look like hell. This is going to take hours to fix.”

“You could just go home and rest.”

“Can’t. I have a photo shoot at noon.” She pulled her hair back into a messy bun. “The show must go on, right?”

Alex watched as she transformed before his eyes from vulnerable victim to hardened celebrity. She pulled out a compact from her purse, dabbed at her smudged makeup, and somehow managed to make herself look almost presentable within minutes.

“Listen,” Sherry said, turning to face him one last time. “I meant what I said. This never happened. We never met. You don’t know me, I don’t know you. Clear?”

“Crystal.”

“Good.” She headed for the door, then paused with her hand on the handle. “And… thanks. For hiding me last night. For not letting those animals find me. I would’ve been screwed if you’d turned me away.”

“Anyone would’ve done the same.”

“No,” Sherry said quietly, “they wouldn’t have. Most people would’ve slammed the door in my face to avoid trouble.” She pulled out a business card and tossed it onto the bed. “If you ever need anything-a favor, help with something-call that number. Consider it payment for last night.”

Before Alex could respond, she was gone, slipping out the door and disappearing down the hallway like she’d never been there at all.

Alex sat alone in the rumpled bed, staring at the business card. It was simple, elegant-just a name, Sherry Brown, and a phone number. No title, no company name.

He tucked it into his wallet, not really sure why. He probably would never call it. Their worlds couldn’t be more different.

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Chapter 10

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After Sherry left, Alex lay back down and tried to process everything that had happened. In less than a week, his entire life had imploded. His marriage was over. His wife was living with another man. And he’d just spent the night with a celebrity he didn’t even recognize.

The universe had a twisted sense of humor.

Eventually, hunger drove him out of bed. He showered, dressed in yesterday’s clothes, and checked out of the motel. The clerk barely looked at him, which was probably for the best.

Standing on the sidewalk with his duffel bag and crutches, Alex realized he had no idea what to do next. He couldn’t go home-that wasn’t his home anymore.

He couldn’t stay in motels forever. He needed to find a place, rebuild his life, figure out what came after rock bottom.

He started walking, or hobbling rather, with no real destination in mind.

The morning sun was bright, almost mockingly cheerful.

People hurried past him, absorbed in their own lives, their own problems.

Alex had made it about three blocks when a sleek red sports car suddenly screeched to a halt beside him. A Ferrari, by the look of it-the kind of car that cost more than most people’s houses.

The driver’s side door opened, and a woman stepped out.

She was stunning-late twenties, with blonde hair styled in perfect waves, wearing a designer dress that probably cost more than Alex’s monthly salary. Her makeup was flawless, her jewelry understated but clearly expensive.

“Oh my God,” she said, rushing toward him with surprising speed given her high heels. “It’s you! You’re the firefighter!”

Alex blinked, confused. “Excuse me?”

“From the hotel fire!” The woman’s face was lit up with genuine excitement and gratitude.” You saved my life! You carried me out when I was unconscious!”

Recognition dawned slowly. The drunk woman from room 319. The one he’d found passed out, the one he’d carried through smoke and flames while his own leg was injured.

“Oh,” Alex said. “Right. You’re… you’re okay?”

“Am I okay?” The woman laughed, a bright, genuine sound. “I’m alive because of you! I was so drunk I didn’t even wake up when the fire started. If you hadn’t found me…” She shuddered. “I would’ve died in that room.”

“Just doing my job, ma’am.”

“Your job?” She shook her head emphatically. “No. You went above and beyond. I heard what

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Chapter 10

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happened-how you were injured, how you still saved me before getting yourself to safety. You’re a hero.”

Alex felt uncomfortable with the praise. “Really, it was nothing-”

“It was everything!” The woman grabbed his hands, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You gave me a second chance at life. Please, let me thank you properly.”

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