Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 42

The next morning, Quinn bumped into Raymond the second she opened her bedroom door.

Fresh out of bed, the man looked undeniably attractive. She could even catch the faint, crisp scent of his aftershave, clean and refreshing.

Running into him first thing in the morning was definitely outside her comfort zone. She lowered her gaze, feeling a slight edge of awkwardness.

The man, however, didn't seem awkward at all. He simply said, "Morning," and turned to head downstairs.

Quinn collected herself, finished getting ready, and decided to head to the studio.

She wore a simple, elegant vintage-inspired dress, her dark hair elegantly pinned back. Her face was stunning, carrying a cool sophistication laced with just the right touch of effortless allure.

"Just stay home and keep an eye on Leo today. I need to go out and handle some work."

After giving Raymond quick instructions, Quinn drove off.

Quinn's studio was located in the city's new eastern development zone. She had chosen this location for its convenient transit, affordable rent, and unbeatable value.

She rented a two-story workspace. Pushing open the clear glass doors, she stepped into an impeccably clean and perfectly organized studio.

Fabric swatches were neatly lined up on the shelving units, colorful silks and satins gleaming under the lights. Spools of thread and pattern drafts were placed meticulously across the tables, while the air carried the rich, mingling scents of fine textiles and warm wood.

A few staff members were focused entirely on their tasks. Seeing Quinn walk in, they stopped what they were doing and greeted her softly.

"Morning, Quinn!"

Looking every bit the confident professional, Quinn addressed the room. "The Lumina Couture Awards are coming up fast. A lot of top-tier designers from the industry will be competing on the same stage."

"We need to bring our absolute best to these competition pieces. There is zero room for slacking off."

Hearing this, Sophie Sutton and Sarah Sterling immediately paused their work. Smiles bloomed on their faces, their eyes filled with fighting spirit. They were already rolling up their sleeves, buzzing with anticipation for the battle ahead.

"With your designs leading the way, Quinn, we'll definitely take home a trophy this time!"

Quinn gave a modest nod, her gaze sweeping over the hand-drawn sketches scattered across the desk.

Throughout her career, she had always stayed true to her roots. She never relied on computer software for drafting; every single design concept was meticulously sketched by hand.

She even insisted on drafting the patterns and cutting the fabric herself.

Once she secured her own financial power and industry standing, it wouldn't matter what underhanded tactics the Hayes or Yates families threw at her. She would finally have the leverage to protect her son and keep everything that was rightfully hers.

The studio resumed its busy rhythm. Quinn was reviewing Sarah's embroidery draft, just about to point out a few details that needed tweaking, when two uninvited guests suddenly appeared at the door.

Vivienne Ambrose strutted in wearing a pink dress, her long hair cascading down her back. She sported an innocent, sweet smile and carried an elegant gift bag.

Beside her was her assistant, Maya, dressed in a sharp black business suit. She looked capable but carried an undeniable air of arrogance.

As she walked, Maya looked around the room, making a show of inspecting the space.

"Vivienne, this studio doesn't look like much. It's miles behind ours."

The two of them barging into the busy studio instantly shattered the focused, peaceful atmosphere, bringing an obnoxious, disruptive energy with them.

Quinn crossed her arms, tilting her chin up coldly.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of you two barging into my studio?"