Cynthia walked at an unhurried, steady pace toward her car.
Both Quincy and his assistant turned to look at her, surprise flickering across their faces. The assistant, visibly anxious, edged behind Quincy as if she feared Cynthia might lash out at her.
For a moment, the air was utterly still.
Cynthia wore a polite smile. Noticing their stares, she spoke in a calm, even voice.
"Don't let me interrupt. Please, carry on."
A hint of embarrassment flashed in Quincy's eyes, but he managed to maintain his composure and address her civilly.
"My apologies, Miss Tremaine. My assistant acted out of turn and caused you extra trouble. I'd like to apologize on her behalf."
Whatever ideal Cynthia once held of Quincy as a polished professional in their field was shattered in that instant. Still, her smile never faltered, and her tone remained cool.
"If there's nothing else, Manager Quincy, I'll be heading out."
She pressed the unlock button on her key fob. The car's headlights blinked in response. Assistant Shaw immediately tugged at Quincy's sleeve, eyes darting to the dashcam fixed on Cynthia's car.
They'd let their emotions get the better of them just now, and this dimly lit, secluded corner of the parking lot hadn't stopped them from saying things they definitely shouldn't have.
Cynthia reached the driver's side, opened the door, and slid behind the wheel.
Quincy and his assistant still hadn't moved an inch.
She gave the horn a quick tap.
That finally jolted Quincy into action; he stepped aside to let her pass.
Cynthia started the engine and turned the wheel.
But as she began to drive off, Quincy suddenly lunged forward and gripped the window frame of her passenger door.
She slammed the brakes and shot him a sidelong glance—gone was the polite indifference from before, replaced by a steely sharpness in her eyes.
"Is there something else, Manager Quincy?"
Quincy had intended to ask her to delete the dashcam footage, but under the weight of her piercing gaze, the words died in his throat.
"No, nothing. I just wanted to sincerely apologize to you, Miss Tremaine."
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