Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 35

Quinn blinked, momentarily stunned. Before she could clarify, Leo came running back from the bathroom and threw his arms around Raymond's leg.

"Ray!"

The conversation was effectively killed. "Just go get the car," Quinn murmured.

Raymond's sharp jawline tightened coldly. He shot her one last inscrutable glance before scooping up the boy and heading for the vehicle.

By the time they returned to the villa, Mabel had lunch on the table.

Leo insisted on dragging his high chair right next to Raymond. Whatever the man put on his plate—whether it was greens or meat—the boy ate without a single complaint.

Quinn couldn't help but let her gaze drift toward Raymond throughout the meal.

He ate in total silence, acting as if she didn't exist, not once lifting his eyes to meet hers.

After lunch, the exhaustion of the morning caught up with Leo. He started rubbing his eyes, ready for his daily nap.

Once the toddler was sound asleep upstairs, Quinn made her way back down to the living room.

Raymond was standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, arms crossed over his chest as he stared out at the sprawling grounds.

Just standing there, his imposing silhouette and rugged profile looked like a breathtaking piece of art.

"You can go rest while Leo naps," Quinn offered.

After speaking, she sat down at the heavy oak desk near the window, which was already scattered with her fashion sketches.

When it came to her work, she possessed laser focus and quickly lost herself in the designs.

Mabel brought over a steaming cup of herbal detox tea. Quinn took a slow sip, letting the bitter, earthy taste wash over her tongue, her hand never pausing its movement.

Her slender wrist guided the pencil across the paper with fluid grace, meticulously refining the elegant silhouette of a couture evening gown.

Sunlight spilled through the glass, casting a golden, dappled glow over her. It highlighted her long eyelashes and cast a soft shadow over her luminous skin, making her look incredibly serene and breathtaking.

Raymond didn't make a sound. He simply stood there, his dark eyes fixed on her, an imperceptible intensity gathering in his gaze.

Just then, Mabel walked in. "Ma'am, Mrs. Hayes's assistant is waiting for you in the courtyard."

"I did," Quinn replied smoothly. "And I'm glad you called. I'm moving out of Belvedere Gardens."

Displeasure instantly coated the older woman's voice. "We agreed to keep the divorce quiet. If you pack up and leave, what will people think?"

Quinn didn't budge. "It's inappropriate for me to stay here. I'm moving to Lunas Crest. It's still technically a Hayes property, and I've taken Leo there for the summer before. No one will look twice."

"And you don't need to worry—if you need me to play the part for a gala in the next two months to protect the IPO, I'll be there."

Mrs. Hayes scoffed coldly. "If you insist on moving, I won't stop you. Just keep your head down and don't cause any drama!"

She hung up without another word.

Quinn immediately dialed Tara to hire a moving company.

"Tara, I need you to hook me up with a crew. Leo and I are moving out of the Hayes estate."

Tara, fully aware of the three-year timeline on Quinn's marriage, practically squealed through the speaker.