Shattered Vows: Call Me Auntie Now novel Chapter 84

Seeing her reach for the door lock, looking fully prepared to jump from the moving vehicle—something Quinn's personality absolutely guaranteed she'd do—

Dante had no choice but to pull the car over to the curb.

"Are you sure you want to go by yourself? Don't you care what everyone will think of you later?"

"What does that have to do with you?!"

Quinn stepped out and slammed the door shut, her movements decisive and unhesitating.

After all this drama, Dante's own temper flared. He let out a dark chuckle of pure anger, dropped three cold words, and sped off.

"Suit yourself."

Even though it was nearing evening, the temperature remained high. The exhaust fumes from passing cars washed over Quinn's face, hot and suffocating.

Quinn pulled out her phone and opened a ride-hailing app.

Likely due to rush hour, she couldn't get a ride no matter how long she waited.

Left with no other option, Quinn kicked off her heels and walked barefoot on the sun-baked asphalt, trekking up the sloping road toward the Yates estate, step by step.

***

The engagement party was set to be held at Brookside Manor. Because many of the Yates family's relatives and friends had traveled from out of town, they were hosting a welcome dinner at the main estate a day early.

By the time Dante arrived, the Yates estate was already bustling, the front courtyard and main hall packed with guests.

Mr. Yates, the head of the family, immediately spotted Dante at the entrance. Standing beside him was the elegantly dressed Cynthia.

"Dante, why are you here alone? Where's Quinn?"

Mr. Yates peered behind him but saw no sign of Quinn.

"Did you two have another lover's spat?" Cynthia chimed in, feigning concern.

"Quinn is just too stubborn for her own good. Thank goodness you're so patient with her."

"No."

Dante didn't bother offering much of an explanation. "She's been busy with a design competition lately. She'll be here a bit later."

"Then go on inside and take a seat. When Quinn arrives, I'll have her find you," Cynthia said enthusiastically.

Dante nodded and made his way into the hall.

"Dante, you're here?"

The moment she saw Dante, Vivienne let go of Yasmine's arm and hurried over to him.

"Vivienne, ditching your friends for a handsome face!" Yasmine teased.

Dante frowned, cutting her off coldly. "Yasmine, I'm your brother-in-law. Watch your jokes."

Vivienne shot Yasmine a playful, reproachful look. "Yeah, Yasmine, don't say things like that. You'll just make Quinn misunderstand again."

Gritting her teeth, Quinn summoned every ounce of composure she had perfected over the years, forcing herself to act as if nothing was wrong. Her expression was so poised that no one could spot a single flaw.

By the time she stepped into the front courtyard of the Yates estate, Quinn looked stunning and dignified in her cheongsam.

"Is that Quinn Yates? Why does she look even more gorgeous than before?"

"And her figure is incredible! That dress on her is absolute perfection!"

Hearing the guests continuously showering Quinn with praise, Yasmine couldn't mask the jealousy festering in her heart.

From childhood onward, whenever Quinn was around, she was always the one soaking up all the admiration.

She was beautiful, she had a perfect body, she excelled in her studies, and she possessed an innate talent for design...

Meanwhile, Yasmine felt like the ugly duckling existing solely to make Quinn look better.

But Yasmine was the beloved daughter! Quinn was just a shameful illegitimate child, exactly like her home-wrecking mother. She deserved to rot!

Plastering on a slight smile, Yasmine walked over.

"Oh, look who decided to show up. Alone again, are we?"

"Dante is over there with Vivienne."

"You know, my mother is right. You can't even keep your own husband in line. You're completely pathetic."