Chapter 289: Chapter 289

Since getting to know this guy, he’s scammed me out of at least a million, and with Ariana Lynch and those other celebrities I don’t know about, it must be two or three million by now?

If he weren’t so fair-skinned and proper-looking, Quinn Lockwood would even suspect he might be using drugs.

"Who doesn’t need money in this world? Besides, I’m a journalist, digging for the truth is my job." Wade Lynch crossed his legs, leaned against the table, and his expression was calm with a hint of laziness.

Quinn Lockwood looked at the carefree and unrestrained young man in front of her. She always felt that beneath Wade Lynch’s seemingly casual and indifferent exterior, there was an inexplicable sense.

Was it sadness? Or emptiness? Or perhaps wistfulness?

Quinn Lockwood couldn’t be sure.

"Alright, you’ve helped me twice and scammed me twice, so let’s call it even. This matter is over, and I can’t be bothered to argue with you anymore." Quinn Lockwood pouted and sighed deeply.

She didn’t know what Wade Lynch was thinking, but in her heart, she somewhat considered Wade Lynch a friend.

"If you have any news I’m interested in, I’ll still buy it from you without bargaining." Quinn Lockwood finished her coffee, her expression calm, without a hint of anger or displeasure.

"I’m off, see you next time." Quinn Lockwood raised an eyebrow, then got up to leave.

"Wait, Miss Lowell." Wade Lynch stood up and called after Quinn Lockwood, his lips, naturally smiling, were tightly pressed, hinting at some guilt.

He thought Quinn Lockwood would have lost all patience with him long ago.

When he saw Chairman Lowell publicly reveal her identity at the fashion show, Wade Lynch had been prepared to pack his things and get out or face something even worse.

He didn’t expect this spoiled and noble young lady not to hold a grudge against him at all.

Even though he helped her twice, he had charged quite a sum for it.

"Thank you for not holding a grudge, and... I’m sorry, I almost ruined your career twice."

Perhaps this was Wade Lynch’s earnest and genuine voice?

Unlike his usual carefree and mischievous self, his voice was somewhat deep and soothing, like a gentle stream.

His light amber eyes seemed to carry an unusual and captivating brilliance.

Quinn Lockwood found Wade Lynch’s eyes had a strange quality. Although they were always slightly curved in a seemingly cheerful expression, a closer look revealed a hidden cunningness.

Like a fox standing in the woods, able to see through people’s hearts and also capable of beguiling them.

"Savannah Lowell, you can always come to me for help in the future. I promise there’ll be no charge and no tricks."

"But don’t look at me like that. Even if you’re interested in me, I can’t afford to keep you, and I definitely can’t marry into your family," Wade Lynch quipped carelessly, seeing Quinn Lockwood staring at him.

"Rest assured, if there’s any way President Lynch can be of help, I won’t hesitate to take advantage."

"As for being interested in you, don’t you know the men ’behind’ me? Each one is handsome and wealthy, far better than you." Quinn Lockwood rolled her eyes at Wade Lynch, retorting just as mercilessly.

Wade Lynch was rendered speechless by her retort. Though feeling stifled, he had to swallow his pride.

Watching Quinn Lockwood’s triumphant departure, Wade Lynch felt a pang of regret.

How could I promise to help her for free, knowing what a sharp-tongued and cunning woman she is?

"Serves me right for making empty promises." Wade Lynch grit his teeth, ready to slap himself but stopped just in time.

"Whatever, I brought this upon myself." Slumping weakly into the chair, Wade Lynch tilted his head back and downed the remaining coffee.

"Damn, it’s so bitter." Staring at the empty cup with a grimace, he couldn’t understand why Quinn Lockwood liked such a bitter drink.

Quinn Lockwood had just gotten into the car when she received a call from Xenia Monroe.

"Savannah, what’s been happening these days? Why would Uncle Lowell suddenly reveal your identity? Didn’t he always dislike you being in the entertainment industry?"

"Well, it’s complicated." Quinn Lockwood thought for a moment and realized that the whole story was indeed complex, starting from her divorce from Elias Sinclair. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novｅlfire.net

"Come to the cold drink shop, we’ll talk over ice cream." Xenia Monroe chuckled, sounding quite cheerful.

Quinn Lockwood shrugged, pondering how to explain it to Xenia Monroe while driving to the shop.

"Wow, you’re really something, coming to see me without even changing out of your gown." Xenia Monroe admired Quinn Lockwood’s outfit, reaching out to touch the delicate tulle.

"Oh, haha, yes, aren’t I?" Quinn Lockwood responded awkwardly, widening her eyes upon spotting Dylan Quinn standing not far behind Xenia Monroe: "Dylan?"

Quite surprised, she looked between Dylan and Xenia Monroe, a sly glint flashing in her eyes.

Xenia Monroe pouted and complained, "He insisted on coming along to ask about your situation."

Dylan Quinn smiled softly at Xenia Monroe, then turned his gaze back to Quinn Lockwood, his smile gentle and refined: "Savannah, I didn’t expect you’d be of such a prestigious background."

"Not so prestigious, but given our relationship, I guess I now have a powerful friend to lean on."

Quinn Lockwood knew he was joking, feeling relieved that Dylan Quinn wasn’t upset about her secrecy. Perhaps this was what true friendship was, standing by you through both success and failure.

"I’d be happy just knowing you don’t feel deceived by me. I thought you might be mad." She laughed, dimples forming as she fiddled with her fingertips.

"Of course not. I know you must have your reasons."

"But Savannah, are you and Mr. Sinclair... in a romantic relationship?" Dylan Quinn’s delicate face showed a barely noticeable hint of disappointment, his tone probing.

Quinn Lockwood was taken aback. She didn’t know how to describe her relationship with Elias Sinclair.

A non-romantic marital relationship?

Or a marriage maintained without feelings?

Her rosy lips pressed tightly together, and as she pondered her relationship with Elias Sinclair, Quinn Lockwood felt an inexplicable irritation rise within her.

They had kissed, shared a bed, yet she couldn’t even define what her relationship with Elias Sinclair was.