Chapter 200

After Daniella thought he’d left, Quentin came back with goons and blocked her at the restaurant entrance.

“Don’t think this bitch is some saint,” he yelled. “Remember that local story about a girl photoshopping pics to spread dirty rumors? The one who got called out for it–that’s her.”

A couple of girls who’d been helping Daniella instantly turned to gawk at her.

Daniella went cold all over, trying to shake her head in denial.

Quentin stepped closer, motioning his guys to box her in.

“Wanna try lying again? You drove your sister to get water dumped on her, to prove herself in the street. That was your doing, right?” he snapped and pinched her chin hard.

“I didn’t,” Daniella shouted, panic in her eyes as she scanned the crowd.

The sympathy in onlookers’ faces turned to disgust, and they backed away.

“Figures,” Quentin sneered. “Your dad said you’re a born liar and always stubborn. Guess he wasn’t kidding.”

He looked around at the crowd. “Take her picture and ask at Halden Group to see if I’m bullshitting.”

No one dared step in now.

Daniella’s face went dead white.

“Why are you doing this to me?” she shrieked, her voice breaking, glaring at Quentin.

“Maybe you should ask why you messed with people,” Quentin snorted.

Daniella shook all over, shrinking under the scornful stares.

Her eyes dropped guiltily as Quentin snapped, “Get her!” His men grabbed her arms and hauled her away.

Just then Christian burst through, shoving Quentin’s goons aside and pulling Daniella behind him.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Christian barked.

At the sight of him, Daniella dissolved into tears.

Quentin shot a bitter glance at Christian before muttering, “Let’s roll.”

In the car, Christian frowned, silent for a long moment before saying, “We should go home.”

“I don’t want to,” Daniella wept.

The thought of Gabriel’s wrath when he found out she’d messed up his plans made her blood run cold.

“You need to go back,” Christian said. “Now that this blew up, he’ll run to Dad and tattle for sure.”

Tears pouring down her face, Daniella shook her head wildly. “Chris, can’t I stay outside?”

“You have to go back. They cut us off financially. I can’t even afford a motel. You want to sleep on the street?” Christian sighed.

He never thought they’d end up this desperate.

Daniella stayed quiet, her eyes swollen.

After a beat, Christian said, “I’ll take the fall. I’ll say I chased Quentin off.”

“Quentin will throw me under the bus. He’s gunning for me. Chris, I can’t do this anymore. Gibson Villa is a nightmare. Just thinking of Dad’s stare gives me panic attacks. I swear I can’t go back,” she begged between sobs.

Christian sat silent for a long moment before speaking. “I’ll head home first to see if anyone’s around. If the house is empty, you can go straight upstairs. I’ll try to find a place to stay somewhere else.”

He couldn’t help wondering why, with all the money she had spent, Daniella never bought a place of her own.

“All right,” she sniffled.

Christian let out a sigh and started driving.

It was Stephen who’d called him about the situation. But when he arrived, he realized they were near Halden Group.

There was no doubt who’d told Stephen.

Even though Christian didn’t like Abigail, this whole mess made him change his mind about her a little.

Gabriel clearly picked this restaurant near Halden Group on purpose.

He was trying to prove his loyalty to Abigail by making Daniella miserable.

Pulling into the Gibson Villa neighborhood, Christian drove up to the house first.

He walked through each room, and when he was sure no one was home, he hurried back outside.

Daniella was huddled outside the neighborhood gate, watching people pass by with bitter eyes.

When Christian showed up, she said, “Chris, I need to use your phone.”

“Planning to call a friend and stay with them?” he asked.

Daniella hadn’t thought of that, but his question gave her an idea.