The shift in attitude from the Sterling relatives lifted the weight that had been pressing on Eleanor Sterling's chest all evening. For once, Quinn Thorne had actually given her something to be proud of.
"Quinn is close friends with Bastian Ashford, the wealthiest man in Crestport," she announced to the table, her voice carrying a note of triumph she made no effort to conceal. "He's just modest by nature and doesn't like showing off. And at home, he's always very obedient, always listens to what I say..."
It was rare for Eleanor to praise Quinn at all, and the words landed like barbs in the ears of the Sterling relatives, who moments ago had been mocking him mercilessly.
Outside the private dining room, Bastian Ashford spoke in a grave tone. "Mr. Thorne, I was actually planning to call
