Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 22

"Ray!"

A tender, childish voice rang out. He looked down to see the little boy holding a pile of toys, offering them up like precious treasures.

"Play with me!"

The sweet boy tilted his head, his dark eyes sparkling like they held the stars.

Raymond and Leo stared at each other in silence, locked in a quiet standoff.

Quinn had gone upstairs to drop off her things. When she came back down, she paused. Raymond had his head bowed, playing with toy trains alongside Leo.

She couldn't help but stare.

Though the man's lips were pressed into their usual firm line and his expression remained stoic, the sharp edges of his intimidating aura had visibly softened, giving off an inexplicable sense of warmth.

Even sitting on the floor, his broad, commanding frame seemed to shield the little boy, carving out a safe, storm-free haven just for him.

Her eyes flickered with emotion. In all these years, Dante had never sat down and played with their son like this.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a call from Tara Moore.

Not wanting to interrupt the tender moment between Raymond and her son, Quinn quietly slipped into the side living room to answer it.

Tara asked, "So, how did it go? Did you manage to see Lillian Quincy today?"

"No. She was in a rush, so I only had time to hand my portfolio over to her assistant."

"That's okay," Tara comforted her. "She's staying in Riverton for a while. Registration for the 'Gilded Glamour' National Design Competition just opened. Make sure you apply online."

"Lillian is a judge for the competition this year. I'm sure your designs will catch her eye when the time comes."

"Thanks, Tara."

"Don't be silly. By the way, where's my favorite godson?"

Quinn glanced back into the main room. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but it seemed Raymond had been looking at her just a second ago. However, he quickly looked away, reaching out to retrieve a runaway toy train for Leo.

"Mr. Hayes, welcome home!"

At that moment, a maid's respectful greeting echoed from the front door.

Quinn turned her head and saw Dante's tall, imposing figure stepping into the foyer.

She quickly told Tara she would call her back and hung up.

Quinn stayed right where she was, making no move to welcome him, though she couldn't hide her surprise.

In exactly four days, she and Dante would be officially divorced. He used to spend nearly every night away from home, so what was he doing here now?

Dante had just returned from the office. His impeccably tailored suit accentuated his sharp, powerful physique, while his eyes were as cold and distant as ice.

But when he saw that the man from earlier was still here—and worse, that his own son was happily playing with him, letting out giggles of pure joy—his expression darkened instantly.

Quinn had actually brought this man into their home?!