Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1452

After hanging up, Quinton let out a satisfied laugh. He thought, 'Perfect. That broke girl Christina finally caved. These days, she's nothing but a pretty face—and even that isn't worth much to him anymore.'

His eyes gleamed with lust as he thought, maybe he would just force her this time and get it over with.

Christina was way too cold and guarded back then, always keeping him at arm's length. She still had some value then, and he enjoyed the thrill of the chase, toying with her like a cat with a mouse, thinking he could eventually break her down.

However, he did not have the patience anymore. He would take her, use her hard, and then toss her aside like trash—to him, that would be more than fair.

Sliding into his sports car, Quinton headed straight for the address Christina had sent him.

Half an hour later, he pulled up outside a fast food joint. The second he stepped out, his face twisted in disgust.

He could not believe that Christina worked in this place. Sure, she went bankrupt, but she used to be a CEO—smart, accomplished, someone who had real power.

How had she fallen this far?

Still, Quinton did not really care. With everything he had going on, he barely had time to save his own skin, let alone pity someone else.

He shoved open the door to the place and walked in.

A chipper server greeted him with a bright smile. "Welcome, sir! What can I get you today?"

Quinton curled his lip. "You think I'd ever eat at a dump like this? Move. I'm here to see someone. I'll be out as soon as we're done."

Seeing his expensive clothes, the server did not dare push back and quietly stepped aside.

He sneered. "Maybe so. But it's still better than being broke and working a crap job just to get by. Christina, let's not kid ourselves—you're a washed-up has-been. Do you really think you're still that classy, beloved CEO everyone admired?"

Every word stabbed at her pride like a blade.

Yes, she had lost everything. Now she was earning barely enough to survive, working a minimum-wage job at a fast food chain.

Even so, she felt nothing but contempt for Quinton, and she sure as hell was not going to let him insult her dignity.

"Yeah, I'm broke," she said steadily. "But I'm not living off you, Quinton. If there's nothing else, I'm going back to work. Goodbye."

Just as she turned to leave, Quinton's face darkened, and he lunged forward, grabbing her by the arm.