Chapter 9 A Warning for Anthony

Howard let out a long sigh, his eyes closed, and loosened his grip. Yvonne collapsed onto the ground with a heavy thud. "Quinnie, take Bianca and come with me. I will make sure the scar on your face is healed. I want your beauty to return," Howard said as he turned, gently placing his hands on Quinn's shoulders and speaking softly. Quinn locked eyes with Howard, momentarily stunned by the unwavering determination in his gaze. "It… it cannot be fixed anymore. There is no need," she quickly turned her head away, pulling herself free from his grasp. From a short distance, Anthony staggered over, clutching his abdomen, his face twisted with malice. "Do not even think about fixing that ugly freak! Even if you had a million dollars, I would make sure Uncle Gavin talks to Mr. Mercer to deny you any chance of treatment," he sneered viciously. Hearing the name of Gavin Vaughn, Howard frowned and turned toward Anthony. "Who is Mr. Mercer? Can he cure Quinnie's scar?" Anthony hesitated. He had intended to lash out but swallowed his words when he saw Howard's piercing gaze. "The only person in Yorkhaven who can treat her face is Mr. Mercer from Pinecrest Medical Center. But do not even dream about it. Even with a million dollars, it is impossible," he snapped angrily. Howard smirked. A million dollars was nothing to him. Quinn initially resisted leaving with Howard. Her mother and brother had just been beaten, and she felt reluctant. But when Bianca took the initiative to hold Howard's hand, she had no choice but to follow. As they reached the living room door, Howard turned his head and glanced at Anthony. "Because you answered my question, I will give you three days to leave this house. After three days, I will be back to reclaim it." Anthony's face twisted with rage. "This house is under my name now! In three days, it will be my wedding day. If you dare to disrupt it, I will have them kill those two women and you!" Hearing this, Howard chuckled lightly. "Alright then. I will be sure to come and congratulate you." Watching Howard leave with Quinn and Bianca, Yvonne, who had barely recovered, screamed, "Anthony! Quick, call Gavin and get him over here immediately!" "Yvonne, I think this man really is Howard. We should not involve Gavin in this matter—" York tried to stop Yvonne but was stopped mid-sentence by her. "You shut up! That bastard Howard is long dead! This must be some man Quinn seduced to take revenge on us!" "That little tramp! She didn't even spare her own mother! She… she's so ruthless!" Yvonne gritted her teeth in fury. York frowned, staying silent. He could not deny that Gavin had played a significant role in framing Howard seven years ago, ensuring his swift sentencing. After making the call, Anthony returned and whispered urgently, "Mom, Uncle Gavin said Howard was definitely executed. There is no way he is alive." On the other side, Howard and Quinn, along with Bianca, had reached the gate of the neighborhood. Flagging down a cab, Howard instructed the driver, "Take us to the Empire Hotel." The driver hesitated for a moment, glancing at the family of three. That hotel was among the most luxurious in Yorkhaven. Inside one of the hotel's opulent suites, it was almost 10:00 pm. Quinn, after dinner, led Bianca into the secondary bedroom, while Howard sat on the living room sofa, smoking a cigarette. Not long after, Quinn stepped out, now dressed in a light pink robe. Her damp hair fell softly behind her shoulders, her fair skin glowing faintly. The robe could not hide her nearly perfect figure, though the scar on her face stole away some of her former confidence, preventing her from meeting Howard's eyes. She walked to the opposite end of the sofa, sitting stiffly and upright, her body tense. Staring at the television, she asked coldly, "Who exactly are you? Or rather, what is your purpose in approaching me and Bianca?" Howard noticed her guarded expression and exhaled a puff of smoke, his head throbbing slightly. Just then, the news on the television displayed a report about a prison riot abroad. Inspiration struck him, and he smiled. "Alright, you caught me. I was Howard's cellmate. We were buddies." Quinn looked up at him skeptically, her lips pursed as she mulled over his words. Finally, she asked through gritted teeth, "How can you prove that your relationship with Howard was close?" After a moment of contemplation, Howard stubbed out his cigarette and leaned forward, speaking in a low voice, "He told me that you liked being on top…" "What? On top of what?" asked Quinn. "You know, at night, in the bedroom when…" Howard smirked playfully. Realization struck Quinn, and her face turned scarlet. She let out an embarrassed yelp, threw a glare at him, and fled the room in haste. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, the three of them exited the hotel. At the entrance stood a brand-new black Maybach, its door open. Out stepped a burly man with a lollipop in his mouth. "Sir!" the burly man greeted Howard. Seeing Quinn and Bianca next to Howard, he froze briefly. Then a wide grin spread across his face as he bowed slightly. "Good morning, Mrs. Salvator!"