On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 164

“We tried calling the police,” the manager continued, “but there are too many people. The officers can’t arrest everyone—the station isn’t big enough. All they could do was give them a verbal warning. While the police were here, the crowd was perfectly behaved, promising to leave. But the second the officers were gone, they were right back at it. Ms. Brown, do you think you could maybe lie low somewhere else for a few days? Wait for this to blow over, then come back. You should hear my phone… it won’t stop ringing with complaints. We’re in a really tough spot here.”

Jessica took a shaky breath.

“If you’re willing to leave for a bit, you can use the back exit,” the manager offered. “I’ll drive you myself.”

“Okay,” Jessica whispered. If she didn’t leave, she might not even be able to get food.

Five minutes later, she slipped out the back and got into the manager’s car.

“Ms. Brown, the second things quiet down, I’ll call you,” he said carefully. “I can come pick you up then, too. Thank you for understanding.”

Jessica nodded.

The manager hesitated.

Jessica knew what he was worried about. “Don’t worry,” she said quietly. “I won’t tell George.”

He thanked her profusely. “And don’t let this get to you. They’re just a mob, easily swayed. They don’t have minds of their own.”

Jessica nodded again.

“And this internet stuff? It’s a flash in the pan. Just hang in there.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course. Where would you like to go, Ms. Brown? To your parents’ place?”

Aaron sighed heavily. “Two weeks. Half a month. How about that?”

“Done.” Jessica hung up.

A white Mercedes pulled up beside her. The window rolled down to reveal Rebecca Jones’s face. “What are you doing here?”

Jessica leaned down. Rebecca’s makeup was a wreck, her mascara streaked from crying. It was the first time Jessica had ever seen her so disheveled.

Rebecca looked away, flustered. “Get in. We can talk on the way.”

Jessica opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. In the back, she saw two large suitcases. She glanced at the rearview mirror, at the faint marks on Rebecca’s cheek. “Are you going somewhere?”