Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 18

Vivienne was dressed in an exquisite designer dress, her face radiant with a sweet smile as she stayed half a step behind Dante.

Seeing Dante's cold profile, she didn't dare act overly affectionate like she usually did.

Instead, she asked softly, "Dante, would it be too presumptuous if I just walked right up to Ms. Quincy?"

Dante replied, "You have a design degree, and your portfolio proves you have the talent. Lillian values capability; she won't reject you out of hand."

Receiving Dante's praise made a smug glint flash in Vivienne's eyes. She felt even more certain about securing the apprenticeship today: "Ms. Quincy only takes one protégé every three years. I'm still a little nervous."

Just as Dante was about to say something else, he caught sight of Quinn on the opposite side of the stage from the corner of his eye.

She was wearing a black vintage qipao—sleek, striking, and incredibly feminine. Amidst the chaotic venue, she stood out effortlessly.

That woman earlier really was Quinn.

But what was she doing here?

Dante changed direction and walked straight toward her.

Vivienne spotted Quinn as well. Seeing Dante suddenly alter his path, her expression tightened, and she hurried to catch up.

Dante stopped in front of Quinn. "Are you here looking for me?"

Quinn found the question hilarious. "Why on earth would I be looking for you?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Quinn realized she sounded a bit aggressive.

After all, Dante had just texted her about parting on good terms and meeting at the City Clerk's Office on schedule.

If he was willing to let things go smoothly, there was no point in her causing a scene.

Knowing Dante's temperament—a spoiled heir accustomed to having everyone bow to him—Quinn fully expected him to lose his temper and scowl.

But to her surprise, a strange hint of amusement surfaced in Dante's eyes.

Quinn was entirely confused.

"After all these years, your temper hasn't changed. Always so stubborn, but soft on the inside."

The remark almost sounded like he was flirting with her.

Seriously, was this really the kind of dynamic they should be having right now?

Quinn found the whole exchange absurd. She was just about to respond when Vivienne interrupted.

Vivienne stepped forward, flashing a gentle smile, though her words were laced with poison. "Oh, you're here to watch the show. You have so much free time, Quinn. I wish I had it that easy. Tonight, I'm entirely relying on Dante to take care of me."

She deliberately looked at Dante, then back at Quinn, her tone dripping with unconcealed bragging. "Dante knows I've always wanted to study under Ms. Quincy. He specifically brought me here to introduce us, so I can showcase my portfolio to her tonight."

Dante frowned.

He was only helping her out of a sense of obligation for saving his life back then, and for the sake of their families' long-standing ties. It wasn't some grand romantic gesture.

The way she phrased it made it sound like he had dedicated his evening entirely to her career advancement.

Quinn let out a laugh.

So, they had cornered her just to rub their little romance in her face.

Quinn tried to yank her hand free, but her strength was no match for his. "Dante, let go of me!"

Vivienne seamlessly stepped in. "Quinn, if you want an introduction to Ms. Quincy, just ask Dante!"

"Dante is so sweet. He went out of his way to pave the road for me tonight. I'm sure he'd be willing to help you too, right, Dante?"

Dante's expression turned icy. Vivienne was talking far too much today.

"Quinn, you haven't touched design in years. You're completely out of touch with the industry's pace. Lillian is notoriously strict. There's no need to humiliate yourself."

"So you're just going to belittle me like that, Dante?" Quinn let out a cold laugh.

Mr. Hayes really was playing the devoted lover, going to such lengths for his precious childhood sweetheart.

Back then, when her wrist was injured, she had set down her sketching pencils for a long time, nearly destroying her own future—all for his sake.

She must have been completely blind!

"Get out of my way." Her eyes turned completely frigid.

Dante tightened his grip on her wrist, his voice low and oppressive. "Stop making a scene."

But before Dante could finish his sentence, a large hand clamped down fiercely over his.

With a sharp twist of force, it peeled Dante's fingers right off her wrist.

"Sir, didn't you hear my employer tell you to let go?"