"Rent might be cheap out there, but it's completely impractical for you to commute, not to mention getting the kids to school," Quentin argued.
Winifred looked at him, a faint trace of sorrow in her eyes. "Quentin, did you forget? I'm unemployed, and the kids were expelled from their preschool."
Guilt washed over him. "I'm so sorry."
But then he rationalized that Northglenn made sense given her situation. With no income, she had to budget.
He set down his silverware and transferred ten thousand dollars to her account. "Find a new place closer to the city. I've already set up your studio near the North Tech Park. You'll need to live closer to commute."
"Alright," Winifred said, accepting the money.
Quentin raised his wine glass, his eyes dark with emotion. "Winifred."
"Yes?" She smiled knowingly and raised her glass as well.
"Does tonight mean we're officially dating?"
Winifred's smile widened. "It does."
"Cheers."
The crystal glasses clinked, ringing out a crisp, melodic chime. Reflected in the romantic candlelight, Winifred looked utterly breathtaking. Quentin's heart raced. He had finally secured the ultimate prize.
"The studio I set up for you is right by the tech park," he said, comfortably shifting the conversation to work. Now that they were on the same page, he felt an undeniable partnership between them. He believed her heart was aligned with his, both of them working toward a brilliant, wealthy future.
The tech park was the hub for major pharmaceutical companies. Having her studio there meant he could easily drop by, take her latest holistic formulas, and hand them directly over to the manufacturers.
"Okay," Winifred replied meekly.
Quentin was thrilled. It felt just like old times—her listening to his every word.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow."


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