Chapter 49: Play hard to get
It was then that Quinn began piecing it all together. The evidence had been glaringly obvious, almost too perfect as if someone had orchestrated it all, ensuring he would see and believe every detail. But his foster mother? Why would she do that? She had always appeared to advocate for Belle. Unless...
"My foster mother hates Belle?" He asked aloud, the realization dawning on him.
"Obviously! Honestly, you are even more naive than Belle. You two are a perfect match—except not anymore," Mia noted, sighing as she crossed her arms. She couldn’t help but feel bad for them. One was gullible, the other too soft. How could their relationship have ever stood a chance?
"What about her sneaking out? Was that also a setup?" Quinn inquired further, his mind racing.
"She did sneak out, but only because she wanted to surprise you. She felt bad for not giving you anything since your marriage. I warned her it could lead to misunderstandings, but Belle is ridiculously softhearted. As for what the surprise was, you will have to ask her yourself. I am not spilling that secret," Mia explained, her tone a mix of irritation and pity.
Quinn felt a knot tightening in his chest. Everything he had believed, all the accusations he had thrown at Belle, it could all have been lies. His foster mother had known him too well, understood his vulnerabilities and traumas. Could she have weaponized them against him? But why? She had taken him in after the death of his biological mother, offering to be his parent. Why destroy his happiness now?
"If this turns out to be a lie, you will pay with your life," Quinn growled and threatened, clenching his fists before turning to leave.
"Do yourself a favor and interrogate her subordinates, not her. Let’s not have you getting duped again, huh?" Mia quipped with a mocking laugh, watching him storm away.
Just as Quinn disappeared down the corridor, Belle emerged from the path leading to the King’s quarters, her expression strained and sorrowful.