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Chapter 3 Mom, I Got Married

"Quinn, seriously, feel free to make any requests! If the Ward family can swing it, we will. If not, I'll make sure Carl busts his butt to get it done."

Steven added, "Just one thing—give me a great-grandkid soon, okay?"

Quinn's cheeks turned bright red.

Having a kid was definitely the next step, but this was her first visit, and they were already jumping to that?

If it were just her and Steven, it would feel like a normal wish from an elder for the younger generation. But Carl was right there.

Carl cleared his throat, trying to change the topic.

"Steven, the wedding's done, and I've brought her back. Shouldn't you be heading to the hospital for treatment?"

Quinn looked confused at the mention of the hospital. "What's up with Steven?"

Steven waved it off.

"Bringing Quinn back is the best medicine for me. I'm already halfway better. Once you give me a great-grandkid, I'll be fully cured."

He added, "Quinn, let me take you to meet Carl's grandmother."

Quinn glanced at Carl, and with his nod, she helped Steven inside. Once they were out of sight, Carl pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Look into someone named Quinn, and also check on her mom and brother." He hung up, watching them walk away thoughtfully.

Steven led them to a solemn room filled with portraits of the Ward family's ancestors, with flowers everywhere.

"Quinn, come on! These are Carl's ancestors. Offer them a bouquet as a way of introduction."

"Okay, Steven!"

After she placed the flowers, Steven pulled out an old, rustic wooden box from under the table.

"This was prepared by Carl's grandmother when she was alive. Quinn, don't think too much of it."

He opened the box to reveal a bracelet. Even though she didn't know much about jewelry, it looked pricey. With its appearance and color, she could never afford it.

"This is a Ward family heirloom, only given to the granddaughter-in-law I approve of."

"Steven, this is too valuable. Plus, I don't usually wear jewelry."

Given her family's situation, she didn't even wear a watch. And Carl's attitude towards her seemed like he was just trying to keep Steven happy by marrying her. She figured they'd probably end up divorcing.

Seeing Steven's unhappy face, Carl stepped in, took the box, and placed it in her hand.

"Steven, I need to get back to the office. We'll visit you another day."

Just as they were about to leave, Steven's authoritative voice stopped them. "Hold on!"

He asked, "Since the marriage is done, has Quinn moved in yet?"

Carl paused, then looked at Quinn. "I'll have someone take you back to pack your stuff and move in. If you need anything, just let them know."

Quinn didn't expect things to move so fast, but she had no choice but to nod.

After leaving the villa and getting into the car, Carl handed her a folder. She opened it and was shocked by what she saw on the first page. Carl's efficiency was something else.

The document revealed that Jake, scared of backlash after finding out she didn't go with Daniel, sold her to a guy in his fifties known as the Trash King.

This guy ran a recycling business with a small company in Sunrise City. But he was a total sleaze, spending money on multiple mistresses while pretending to be single.

"Since you made Steven so happy, I've already rescued your mom and brought her to your old place. My driver, Louis, will take you back. If you need anything, just let him know."

He opened the car door and added, "Keep your thoughts in check; otherwise, you won't be able to handle the consequences."

Then he got out and drove off in another car. After he left, the driver, Louis, spoke up, "Mrs. Ward, where to?"

Closing the folder, she replied, "To Oakridge Springs!"

That was the apartment she rented for work. As she left the villa, Quinn caught her reflection in the car window, a bitter smile on her face.

"Mom!"

"Quinn!"

Back at Oakridge Springs, she opened the door to find Emily sitting on the couch. They hugged and cried together. After calming down, Emily started fussing over her.

"Quinn, that monster didn't hurt you, did he?"

"Mom, I'm fine. I have something to tell you."

Once Emily sat down, Quinn pulled out the marriage certificate from her bag. "Mom, I'm married!"

"What?" Emily jumped up in shock.

After Quinn explained everything, Emily's face turned to one of heartache.

"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to go through this."

"Mom, I need to pack and move in with him. You stay here and take care of Alan. His exams are coming up. That guy won't find us here for a while. I'll handle the rest."

"Quinn, what does your husband do? What's his family like? How did you meet him? Does he know about our situation?"

With Emily's barrage of questions, Quinn could only smile bitterly. All she knew was his name and that he had a grandfather named Steven.

She didn't know anything else. "Mom, he saved me, and that's enough for me."

She then went to pack her things, which were just a few sets of clothes she bought second-hand during college. Everything fit into one suitcase.

She also withdrew the $3,000 Emily had saved for her and gave it to her. Now that she wouldn't be able to visit often, this was a form of security for them.

As for Jake, as long as he couldn't find them, there wouldn't be any problems.

After dinner, she left with her suitcase. By the time she arrived at Carl's place, it was past 9 PM. She rang the doorbell, and Carl, wearing a bathrobe and headphones, came to open the door.

"Okay, this plan isn't perfect, but the two main points are correct. Have the planning department coordinate with the marketing department. The charts should be on the forecast. I don't want to see words like 'maybe' or 'approximately' anymore," he continued talking on his headphones and went back to the sofa.

Carl was still working with a tablet. This scene left Quinn stunned.

His wet hair, still dripping, made him look even more attractive. He had a tall, muscular frame, complete with six-pack abs.

Quinn couldn't help but swallow hard.

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