CHAPTER 383: CHAPTER 383: STIRRED EMOTIONS

Though Elias Sinclair exuded a cold and forbidding aura, his embrace around Quinn Lockwood was gentle, afraid of inadvertently hurting her.

Cameron Grant watched everything unfold from downstage, taking in every detail. Even though Quinn’s issues had been perfectly resolved, he couldn’t feel happy about it.

Especially when he saw Elias Sinclair protectively and intimately shielding Quinn Lockwood in front of so many media people.

Cameron was now certain that Elias Sinclair had fallen for Savannah, and his love was both deep and focused.

His gaze dimmed, becoming deeper, carrying a chill as he trudged with heavy steps, following the two out of the hall.

Joyce Kramer’s beautiful eyes flared with resentment as she watched Quinn Lockwood’s departing figure, clenching her teeth audibly.

Her hands, hanging by her sides, balled tightly into fists, her hateful and menacing demeanor seemed as if she would rush to kill Quinn Lockwood at any moment.

This wretched woman caused all this.

If it weren’t for her, how could I have ended up like this?

If it weren’t for her, how could sir dismiss me so heartlessly, leaving me a laughingstock in the industry?

She hated bitterly.

Elias Sinclair guided Quinn Lockwood to the car, opened the door for her, and gently shielded her head.

Once Quinn was seated, Elias shut the door and turned around to see Cameron Grant standing behind them.

"Going back together?" Elias asked, his eyes deep, his handsome face calm, his tone flat and unchanged.

Cameron curved his lips into a slight smile, as elegantly and serenely as ever, gently shaking his head to decline Elias’ offer.

"I won’t go over. Savannah’s issues are settled, so I’m relieved."

"There are still some matters at the office I need to handle, so I’ll head out first." Cameron’s voice was elegant and soothing, like a beautiful melody played on a fine guqin. He raised his hand to wave at Quinn in the car, a hint of bitterness flashing across his face as he turned to leave.

Quinn rolled down the car window, watching Cameron’s departing back, sensing something odd about it.

Perhaps her brother was just too exhausted these past few days, having to handle both the company’s matters and the tasks of clearing up the scandal, it must have been overwhelming.

Quinn pursed her lips, then rolled up the window, not thinking further about it.

Elias sat in the driver’s seat, started the car, and turned to Quinn, asking in a low voice, "What do you want to eat?"

Quinn was momentarily stunned, then met Elias’ eyes. She didn’t know why, but even though it was a simple question, it made her feel flustered. She couldn’t recall any of the delicacies she usually craved.

"I... anything is fine." Quinn bit her lip, feeling too shy to look at Elias. After all, his earlier dominantly warm and protective demeanor had made her heart flutter.

Elias noticed Quinn’s timid expression, unsure where to direct her gaze, and couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes twinkling like stars, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Then let’s eat at home. How about you cook?"

At his words, Quinn perked up, thought for a moment, and broke into a wide smile.

"Sure, what do you want to eat? How about French-style seared scallops and creamy fish gnocchi, paired with Russian borscht? That should be sumptuous enough!" The more Quinn spoke, the more excited she became, as if these delicious dishes were for her own enjoyment rather than Elias’.

Elias’ gaze remained on Quinn’s smile, blooming like a flower, his lips curving deeper as he gently placed his large hand on her forehead.

"Madam, are you sure you want to cook this many dishes tonight? I won’t have you work too hard." Elias arched an eyebrow, his long fingers gently smoothing Quinn’s hair, his gaze as soft as water.

Quinn felt a bit nervous, sensing a strange and unexplainable atmosphere flowing between her and Elias, making her heart itch.

"No, it’s not hard. It’s just perfect to thank you for helping me so much." Quinn’s face burned red, yet she mustered the courage to meet Elias’ gaze, murmuring her words.

His brow shifted slightly, his gaze skimming over her bitten, reddened lips, a strange feeling passing through his heart.

He leaned down, closing in on Quinn’s face, and planted a gentle kiss on her flushed cheek, speaking with sincerity and warmth, "No need to thank me. This is what I should do for my wife."

Elias’ deep breath fell on Quinn’s cheek, making her heart race, her face as red as an apple.

This is what I should do for my wife.

The man’s deep and sexy voice seemed to still linger by her ear, weaving into a warm net that enveloped Quinn.

It felt like something in her heart was melting.

It wasn’t until Elias started the car that Quinn snapped back to reality.

She quietly observed the man’s face, the flecks of light filtering in through the window, giving the interior a warm and peaceful atmosphere, softening Elias’ chiseled and handsome features, making them gentle and pure.

Upon returning to The Sinclair Residence, after tidying up, Quinn headed to the kitchen and found Elias already in casual attire, sitting on a chair, looking over a recipe while waiting for her.

"Hmm, what are you doing here?" Quinn asked, noticing the prepared ingredients and utensils in front of him, feeling slightly puzzled.

The man closed the recipe he was holding, smiling as he looked at Quinn. "Waiting for you, to cook together."

"I can’t let madam busy herself alone in the kitchen." Elias stood up, approached Quinn, and fetched a light blue apron hanging by the door, tying it around her back.

Elias deftly tied a knot, circling his arms around Quinn before she could react, pressing his cheek against her neck.

"Blue suits you too. Perhaps the next evening gown should be custom-made in light blue." Elias murmured, his cool lips resting against the woman’s smooth and fair neck.

Quinn’s unique sweet scent surrounded Elias, carrying an inexplicable alluring force.

Elias felt his body heat up, a certain desire reawakening with a burning sting, compelling him to hold Quinn tighter, to taste her skin as smooth as cream.

"Um, I’m hungry." Quinn’s body stiffened slightly, though she wasn’t aware of Elias’ anomaly, only feeling nervous at his sudden closeness.

The man suppressed the molten heat rising within himself, reluctantly letting go of Quinn, unconvincingly turning to pick up the ingredients from the table onto the kitchen counter.

Quinn’s stomach growled, and the thought of the delicious dishes she would soon enjoy made her feel extremely happy.

Even if it meant staying busy for a while, as long as she could savor the food, the effort and toil seemed worthwhile.