Chapter 68

“Mrs. Quinn Senior authorized the bail for you and no one else,” Thomas stated. Zachary mumbled, “I’m not leaving, then.” Thomas replied, “You wouldn’t want Mrs. Quinn Senior to come here, would you? She still doesn’t know who you came in with.” Zachary’s body stiffened. He knew Karen too well, and her disdain for Julie had always been clear. Despite his growing independence over the years, he dared not defy Karen. He hummed to Julie with an apologetic look, “I’ll find a way to bail you out after I get out, Jules.” Julie’s expression remained neutral; she hadn’t expected much from Zachary anyway. On the other hand, Amaya was shocked. “So you’re just leaving?” Zachary lowered his head. “I’m sorry. Just wait for me. I’ll figure something out.” Before Amaya could argue further, Jabe gently tugged at her arm and signaled her to stop. After he left, Amaya grumbled in frustration. “Jules, I finally understand why you’re not into Zachary.” Julie chuckled lightly. “Why?” “He gives off major ‘mama’s boy’ vibes!!!” Julie smiled without saying a word. Amaya continued, “I swear I’ll never try to set you two up again. My bad.” “Karen is the real decision-maker in the Quinn family, and he doesn’t dare to stand up to her.” Amaya looked surprised. “How do you know that?” Then, a thought struck her, and she nodded in realization. “Oh, right, back in our sophomore year, Karen acted all high and mighty in front of you. I should’ve seen it coming. I thought Zachary might’ve grown up after studying abroad. Guess not.” She sighed heavily. “What now? Do I really have to call my family? If they find out, they’ll look down on me even more.” Julie lowered her head and murmured, “I’m sorry for dragging you into this, Maya.” “I’m the one who insisted we have supper. If we’d just gone home to sleep, none of this would’ve happened.” Before they could dwell further, the door opened again, and a police officer stepped in. “Amaya Shine, Julie Somers, someone’s here to bail you out.” They were stunned. Amaya whispered, “Is it Zachary?” Julie was equally puzzled. After signing the paperwork and following the officer to the lobby, they spotted Blaine. Julie froze in disbelief and wondered why he was there, while Blaine grinned and waved at her. “Julie!” Julie walked over. Before she could voice her doubts, Blaine teasingly remarked, “Ms. Goody Two Shoes, I never thought I’d see you getting into a fight and ending up in the police station.” Julie blushed in embarrassment. “It—How did you know?” Blaine smirked proudly. “I know everything. Come on, let’s go. It’s freezing out.” He shivered before striding toward the exit. Amaya leaned close to Julie and whispered, “How do you know Mr. Chandler, Jules? He said we were friends and let me off the hook.” Julie casually brushed it off. “He’s just an older friend from before.” Blaine’s car was temporarily parked by the roadside. As they approached, Julie politely said, “Thanks for helping us out, Blaine.” Blaine got into the driver’s seat and waved dismissively. “Go home.” Julie nodded and reached for the door handle, but Blaine’s voice stopped her. “Julie, how about this? Let me give your friend a ride instead.” Julie blinked and was confused, only to hear Blaine continue, “Luce’s car is just up ahead. You can ride with him.”