Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 44

Seeing Dante, Quinn scoffed inwardly.

In all these years, he had never once set foot in her studio. Today's sudden visit was clearly just to back Vivienne up.

Quinn lifted her chin. She wanted to see exactly how far he would go to indulge and protect Vivienne this time.

Looking at Dante, Vivienne's voice was sweet, laced with a helpless, innocent tone.

"Dante, I gave the gift to Quinn, but I don't think she likes it very much."

She leaned into him intimately, explaining in a soft, apologetic voice.

"You know I've been looking to expand my studio lately and needed a new location. I saw a rental listing online."

"I just thought the location was great, so I asked you to negotiate with the landlord for me and invited you here to check it out. I had no idea this office was the one Quinn was currently renting."

As she spoke, she shot Quinn a timid, nervous glance, acting as if she were terrified Quinn would suddenly explode at her.

"I know Quinn is still upset about what happened back in college and still misunderstands me."

"Now... she's definitely going to think I stole her office location on purpose."

Hearing this, Dante frowned slightly and turned to Quinn. "Since Vivienne has already rented it, let her have it. I'll find you a much better place."

Even though Quinn had braced herself, hearing Dante say that still sent a freezing chill straight to her heart.

No wonder Vivienne could effortlessly drop three years of rent in cash. No wonder the landlord threw ethics out the window and leased it from under her. The person bankrolling this entire operation was Dante.

Quinn glared at him, her voice dripping with venom. "How generous of you, Mr. Hayes. So, because you have money and power, you think you can just snatch away everything someone else has worked so hard to build?"

Quinn had actually spoken to the landlord ahead of time about renewing her lease.

"Fine. If you want to rent it that badly, take it. Riverton is a massive city. I won't have trouble finding another workspace."

She shot Dante a dirty look. "And I don't need your help."

Dante's expression instantly darkened.

Vivienne looked anxious as she tried to play peacemaker. "Quinn, please don't be mad at Dante. He really didn't know—"

Quinn cut her off with a crushing, authoritative presence. "Did that slap last time not teach you a lesson, Vivienne?"

Remembering the stinging slap across her face, Vivienne instinctively took a step back in fear.

Displeased by Quinn's aggression, Dante said in a low, warning tone, "Quinn."