A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 83

Elvis: "?"

This time, he genuinely couldn't help but laugh—equal parts amused and exasperated.

"No need. His art shows are never short on staff."

Winona muttered under her breath, "Then why tell me about it?"

"What was that, Miss Thorne?"

"Nothing." Winona forced a bright, fake smile.

"Miss Thorne, as lovely as your fake smile is, I must say I much prefer your real one."

Her smile faded immediately, lips drooping in annoyance.

Real smiles, fake smiles—what did it matter?

She stopped smiling altogether.

The car pulled up in front of the Thorne family manor. Winona turned to bid Elvis farewell.

"Thank you for driving me home, Mr. Rogers. I'll head inside now."

She had just reached for the car door when Elvis called after her, "Wait."

"Yes?"

"Don't forget—you still owe me that dinner." His tone was earnest, as if this were a solemn promise.

Of course she hadn't forgotten, but the seriousness in his voice left her a little perplexed.

"I won't forget, Mr. Rogers. You have my word."

With that, she stepped out of the car.

Just like before, Elvis didn't drive off right away. He sat there, watching as she walked up to the Rogers' grand front door.

Only after she crossed the threshold did it hit her—throughout the entire ride, the atmosphere between her and Elvis had been surprisingly easy. Comfortable, even.

And that ease… it threatened to rekindle something deep within her, something she'd thought was long dead.

She couldn't let that happen.

Her face paled.

So she hedged, "You're welcome to bring a friend as well. My treat."

"I don't have anyone in mind to invite," Elvis replied, almost gently.

"Mr. Rogers, maybe think about it. I—I should go. Goodnight."

Before he could reply, she hung up.

She took a few deep breaths, the evening breeze whipping up suddenly and clearing her head.

In the end, that faint, muddled feeling in her heart hadn't spun out of control. Now that she suspected he might have a girlfriend, she was even more determined not to let herself make a mistake.

Her phone buzzed. She half-expected it to be Elvis calling her back, but when she checked the screen, it was Marcus.

Marcus was Tyson's brother. Why was he calling at this hour?

Winona frowned and declined the call.

But Marcus called again, persistent.

She had no interest in anything—or anyone—connected to Tyson anymore, but if she kept ignoring Marcus, he'd probably just keep trying. Sighing, she decided to answer and make it clear: this would be the last time he disturbed her.