Chapter 88: Chapter 88
"Wait a minute, Elias Sinclair!" The voice of Quinn Lockwood came from behind, causing Elias Sinclair to pause slightly.
"Hmm?" The man turned around slowly, his tall and slender figure standing under the soft light, which cast a clean and noble outline on his sharp features.
"Just as well, I’m heading to the studio next." He looked down at her, a hint of emotion difficult to conceal in his eyes.
Before Quinn could speak, he pulled her to the car, opened the door, and pushed her inside.
"What are you doing?" Quinn shook her arm, which hurt from being grabbed, and looked at Elias in the driver’s seat with confusion.
"I want to see how the company’s studio is preparing and see if you are worthy of the top-notch equipment I’ve invested heavily in." His tone was slightly teasing but still gave away no real emotion.
"If you really doubt my abilities, why not just terminate the contract?" Quinn pouted, her face flushed with anger.
"If it weren’t for your contract renewal, we wouldn’t have anything to do with each other anymore. You could continue signing big-name artists."
Seeing no response from him, she continued, "And no one would catch us together again, nor would there be any more rumors. This would be best for both of us!"
"What? Spreading rumors has always been your usual trick, hasn’t it?" Elias replied blandly, still expressionless.
"That was when I was immature. I’ve realized now." Quinn leaned against the window, moving impatiently.
"If I keep hanging around you causing rumors, it won’t do any good for my future either." Her expression froze slightly.
Yet, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she added, "Wouldn’t that interfere with my next relationship? What if I meet someone suitable and scare him off?"
Hearing this, Elias’s grip on the steering wheel wavered for a moment, causing the car to veer slightly off course before he quickly corrected it.
Quinn was daydreaming about her next relationship and didn’t notice the oddity beside her.
"Grandfather will not agree to a divorce." His narrow eyes squinted slightly, revealing a somewhat dangerous glint.
"If the contract hadn’t been renewed, I would naturally part ways with you, and then I would tell Grandfather that I have no feelings for you, asking him to grant me freedom." His last words broke Quinn’s train of thought, and she turned her head to look at the man beside her.
"Cooperation is inevitable." His tone was calm and concise, exuding an air that allowed no refusal.
After a pause, he added, "From now on, we can’t avoid each other. We have many upcoming projects together, such as your new drama, which I’ve also invested in."
Quinn looked at his profile, noticing the sharp lines of his lips curving slightly with a hint of satisfaction and faint amusement!
"Are you deliberately messing with me? Even if you hate me, it shouldn’t go this far." She truly underestimated Elias’s ruthlessness and domineering nature.
Anna was right; offending Elias Sinclair brings no benefits.
Is he tying us together to watch me make a fool of myself, just to see my embarrassment firsthand?
"Is this your plan? Signing me just to see me make a fool of myself!"
Quinn glared at Elias fiercely, as if trying to kill him with her eyes alone.
"Think whatever you like, just make sure you do your job well and don’t let me suffer financially."
Seeing himself misunderstood by her, he didn’t explain any further, as things were proceeding according to his own plan.
Quinn shot him a glare, then closed her eyes to rest, unwilling to say another word to him.
"How’s the venue arrangement?" Elias called the studio manager via Bluetooth.
"I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes, get everything ready as soon as possible."
After hanging up, he glanced sideways.
Quinn was so exhausted that she fell asleep almost instantly.
Elias frowned slightly and unknowingly slowed down the car.
He didn’t continue the journey but parked off to the side.
This was only the second time he’d seen her sleeping face.
Sunlight streamed through the car window onto her flawless white face, accentuating her facial features.
Her eyelids fluttered slightly, suggesting some restlessness, her nose was small and straight, and her lips lacked lipstick, yet appeared naturally pink and translucent.
Her collar had slipped slightly, revealing her fair shoulders, carrying a mix of playfulness and allure.
He didn’t wake the woman beside him. Instead, he rested a hand on the steering wheel, watching out the window, waiting quietly.
Thirty minutes passed, and Quinn showed no signs of waking up.
The man’s expression remained patient and undisturbed.
The phone rang inopportunely.
Quinn furrowed her brows and shifted slightly.
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She reached out impatiently to feel for her phone, then suddenly opened her eyes and sat up straight.
"Did I fall asleep? Did I fall asleep in your car!!"
Quinn looked at the man beside her, incredulous.
She only meant to close her eyes for a moment but ended up sleeping, and right next to Elias!
Realizing her phone was still vibrating, Quinn quickly answered it.
"Where are you? You have to meet the director about the new drama this afternoon. Don’t be late!"
Anna’s voice came from the other end of the line.
Quinn pouted helplessly and said, "I won’t be late. Boss Sinclair is taking me to have a look at his company’s studio, and I’m with him right now!"
After hanging up, she glanced at Elias’s expression.
Not detecting any trace of oddity, Quinn breathed a sigh of relief.
"Awake?" The man spoke slowly, without any emotion.
"Sorry, I actually fell asleep. Have we arrived?" Quinn smiled awkwardly.
"Almost there." With that, Elias started the car again, heading toward the studio.
Did he stop the car just because I was asleep? Can he actually be this considerate?
She stole a glance at Elias, noticing he seemed slightly pleased and relaxed.
Though the change was subtle, Quinn still keenly picked up on it.
She thought about Elias insisting on renewing their contract, could it be...
The idea that popped into Quinn’s mind sent a chill through her, but as she studied the man’s stern profile, a mischievous thought suddenly occurred to her.
And so she said, "Elias Sinclair, could it be that you’ve fallen for me?" Her mocking smile carried a playful tone, "Have you been charmed by my allure and fallen for me?"
Upon hearing this, Elias abruptly slammed on the brakes. What nonsense was this woman spouting? How could he possibly have intentionally gotten close to her?
"Oh my, did you have to react so strongly? I was just joking." Quinn clutched the car door tightly, staring at him incredulously.
If she hadn’t reacted quickly just now, she might have been thrown out. Why was his reaction so intense? Couldn’t she even joke?
"Don’t flatter yourself too much."
The atmosphere seemed to freeze momentarily.
Elias’s face instantly darkened as if his brows were about to knit together.
The coldness in his eyes made Quinn regret provoking him so recklessly.