Chapter 22 I Am Tired
Brooklyn's fists clenched as she declared, "I insist on viewing the outdoor surveillance footage. This is a deliberate act of sabotage, gravely compromising the safety of the residents. If this matter isn't handled appropriately, I won't hesitate to involve the relevant authorities."
At the mention of a lawsuit, the security guard's face blanched. "Ms. Mitchell, please hold on," he stammered. "I'll retrieve the surveillance footage immediately."
The footage tracked a figure from the apartment door to the sidewalk, and then to the neighborhood gate. Brooklyn's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the screen.
It was her!
Brooklyn's heart pounded as she recognized the yellow Ferrari sports car, the familiar license plate, and the figure inside. It was all too familiar, too close to home.
The security personnel glanced between the car on the screen and Brooklyn's ashen face. The room was filled with an uneasy silence.
"Make a copy of the surveillance video for me," Brooklyn demanded.
"Isn't that inappropriate?" one of the guards ventured.
"The personal safety of the property owner is at risk," Brooklyn retorted. "You have an obligation to assist, whether that's through legal channels or private resolution. If you're unfamiliar with these regulations, look them up. I don't have time to educate you on basic protocol. Give me the video now."
The security guards and property manager exchanged panicked glances, uncertain of how to proceed.
Brooklyn continued, her voice icy, "If the situation escalates or results in further losses due to a failure to submit evidence promptly, the relevant personnel will be held accountable."
"Okay, we'll give you the video now."
After securing the surveillance video, Brooklyn slipped it into her bag. "I expect my door to be functioning properly by eight o'clock tomorrow morning," she said.
"Don't worry," came the reply.
Brooklyn then exited the surveillance room, leaving behind a group of men exchanging terrified glances.
Stepping outside, a cold gust of wind sent a shiver down Brooklyn's spine. 'Susie Mitchell, my sister, you really don't want me to have a peaceful day! Well, if I can't have peace, neither will you,' she thought bitterly.
Clutching the DVD in her bag, Brooklyn gritted her teeth against the pain in her knees and made her way out of the neighborhood gate.
"Sister-in-law!"
Just as Brooklyn was about to hail a taxi, a white Benz pulled up in front of her. The car window rolled down slowly, revealing Quinn's face.
The orange glow from the street lamp softened Quinn's features, hiding his usual childishness. He wasn't as irritating as he was during the day, but he wasn't much better either.
Brooklyn crossed her arms and asked, "What's the matter?"
Quinn remained in the car, opting instead to push open the passenger door from the inside. "Is it so wrong for me to seek you out when I'm perfectly fine? Why do you treat me with such disrespect, sister-in-law?" he asked.
Brooklyn's heart skipped a beat as she realized the depth of Quinn's knowledge. It wasn't mere coincidence that he was here; he must have investigated her, found out where she lived. The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth.
"If you're in search of respect, Mr. Kingsley, I suggest you look elsewhere. I have none to spare," Brooklyn retorted, her mind preoccupied with confronting Susie and wanting nothing to do with Quinn.
Yet, Quinn was undeterred. He smiled nonchalantly, "Alright, I can do without respect. Come, sister-in-law, let me take you somewhere."
Brooklyn scoffed, "You expect me to ride in my brother-in-law's car at night? Hardly appropriate."
Quinn merely shrugged, "Inappropriate? Or are you just scared?" His eyes sparkled with a challenging glint.
A cold laugh escaped Brooklyn's lips, "If you're seeking thrills, brother-in-law, you've got the wrong person. I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye."
As she turned to leave, a sharp pain shot through her knee. Each step she took felt as though her bones were on the verge of shattering.
Quinn's car door remained invitingly open as he slowly trailed alongside Brooklyn. "Sister-in-law, I promise you won't regret where I'm taking you tonight. Trust me."
Brooklyn wrapped her arms around herself, partly for warmth and partly to assert her presence. She thought to herself, "I am his sister-in-law. Has he not grasped that simple fact yet?"
"Quinn, I am your brother's wife. Maintain your distance. Understand?"
Quinn smirked, "Why should it matter to me who you belong to?
"Heh heh!
"You aren't defined by who you belong to. You are, first and foremost, an independent woman."
Brooklyn was taken aback by Quinn's words.
Narrowing her eyes, she asked, "Where are you taking me?"
Quinn grinned, "You'll find out once you get in the car."
The neon lights of Aucester's bustling entertainment street flickered. All the establishments lining the street were owned by the Kingsley family. This was the Royal Club of the Kingsley family, known as Prosperous Street due to its size. It was a place where wealth and power were on full display.
Brooklyn hadn't expected Quinn to bring her here.
Quinn smiled, "Sister-in-law, come inside with me."
Dressed modestly, Brooklyn stood out amongst the glamorous women at the event, drawing scornful, mocking, and disdainful glances. She paid them no mind.
Brooklyn thought, "They look down on me? I am the mistress of Prosperous Street!"
The ten-story main building of the Royal Club was a white monolith, bathed in cascading neon lights. Inside the revolving glass doors, a row of crystal chandeliers adorned the lobby, making it as bright as daylight.
Brooklyn stood beneath a crystal chandelier, the refracted light casting a myriad of bright spots on her. The lobby was a sprawling 5,000 square feet, filled with people toasting and dancers moving sensually.
Suddenly, Brooklyn's gaze was drawn to a familiar figure.
In the crowded room, Sebastian's tall figure was unmistakable. He was clad in a black suit and a crisp white shirt, the top two buttons undone to reveal a hint of his toned skin. He held a glass of red wine in his slender fingers, basking in the praise and admiration of those around him.
A woman, her figure accentuated by a tight dress and face heavily made up, nearly collapsed into Sebastian's arms, smiling tenderly at him.
Brooklyn thought, "Haha! Look at her, the harlot Megan! Tonight is certainly lively!"
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