But back home, Maurice felt that Araminta was never satisfied with him. Kara, on the other hand, looked at him with admiration, which fed his male ego immensely."What's this, Maurice? Are you trying to argue with me today? Are you blaming me now? Everything I've done has been for you and Kimberly. Was it for me?"How can you say that? Quinn has returned and secured the Kane Group project so quickly. She's held a grudge against us for a long time. Aren't you at all worried? I've worked tirelessly for five years for Four Seasons Incorporated, and now it feels like it's all been for nothing. How can I be happy?""What are you worried about? My project is still ongoing. The bidding conference is tomorrow, and I'm confident I'll win." Maurice was quite confident about himself. "Araminta, can you have a bit of faith in me?"Araminta felt really frustrated. But with Maurice, she didn't know what else to say.Sometimes, she genuinely thought his vision was limited. Yet, he was the best s
"Honestly, I can't believe she really managed to defeat Xandor Group.""Who would have believed it? At first, I thought her claim of taking down Xandor Group in three months was a joke. It turns out the joke was on me.""We're all the joke here. It's unbelievable."A young lady with nothing managed to topple Xandor Group. That alone was a miracle.A few familiar faces approached to say hello."Ms. Jowell, it's incredible that you secured a partnership with Kane Group. Please remember us in the future!""Yeah, we'd love to get some of the benefits too."Partnering with Kane Group was a dream for many. If the stakes weren't so high, Xandor Group wouldn't have gone to such lengths to win the project."There might be opportunities in the future." Quinn remained indifferent.Seeing her demeanor, the others didn't press further. Everyone was still observing. As they were unsure of Quinn's backers, no one dared to offend her. She must have significant support behind her.After the c
When Simon saw Shania return, he stepped out of his room."Mom, who's targeting us?" It was clear someone was behind their current predicament. How else could such real-name whistleblowing happen?"I don't know. I don't even know who's behind this," Shania replied. The anonymity of their attackers made the situation even more terrifying.The online accusations came in waves—some true, some false. But the enraged netizens didn't bother to discern the truth. They were quick to condemn at the slightest hint of controversy."Could it be Quinn?" Simon asked with suspicion."Quinn? How could it be her? She could never be my rival." Shania couldn't fathom it being Quinn."But, Mom, she did take the Kane Group project from you, and Mr. Kane seems to like her a lot."Shania fell silent.If it were Quinn, it would be terrifying. Given Quinn's grudge against them, she might indeed bring them to ruin."Mom, how's Shelly doing? Since we can't figure this out, let's ask the Patterson family
If the Xandor family went down, Shelly knew she wouldn't have a good life either. As Darius was about to step into the elevator, she hurried over."Darius, my family's in trouble. Could you help make a call?" Shelly asked, lowering herself."What happened?" Shelly had been serving him well, so Darius was willing to do her a small favor.Shelly quickly explained the situation at home, and Darius agreed to look into it.Meanwhile, back in Jipsfort, Ian was still lying in the hospital. Xavier decided to visit him since he had nothing better to do."Xav, don't you need to be with Ms. Quinn today?" Ian asked."She's got someone with her. She doesn't need me." Even though she was just hanging out with a lady, Xavier still felt a bit annoyed.Hearing the tone in Xavier's voice, Ian couldn't help but chuckle. But fearing it might upset Xavier, he stifled his laughter, which made his wound hurt.At that moment, Ian received a call from one of his subordinates."Xav, Mr. Darius is doing
Both Maurice and Simon had betrayed Quinn in their own ways, leaving her unable to believe in love anymore."Quinn, can we talk?" Simon was convinced that things shouldn't have deteriorated between them like this.Quinn didn't even spare him a glance. She couldn't fathom how he had the audacity to stand before her and say such things."Get lost."Simon frowned. "Are you the one targeting my family?"Nadia slapped Simon across the face again.Simon, who was finally fed up, shoved Nadia. She nearly toppled over in her high heels, but Quinn caught her by the waist and steadied her."How dare you lay a hand on her?" Quinn helped Nadia sit on the couch, then stood up.Simon instinctively took a few steps back. "Quinn, I came here today to find a solution. Don't—"Before he could finish, Quinn grabbed the hand he had used to push Nadia and, without hesitation, snapped it.Despite it being nearly midnight, Nocturnal Club was still buzzing with activity. But the room fell silent as e
Xavier stood in front of Simon. "Who gave you the nerve?"Simon had repeatedly shown up in front of Quinn. He always tried to make himself relevant."This is between me and her. It has nothing to do with you," Simon said stubbornly. Though he was clearly intimidated by Xavier, his hope today was for Quinn to spare the Xandor family."Quinn, we—"Before Simon could say more, Nadia attempted to lunge at him again. Quinn stopped her."Nads, don't hurt your hand." Nadia was truly reckless when she was drunk.Simon was rendered speechless."Take her to the car and wait for me. I'll be out shortly," Xavier said. He was here to be Quinn's chauffeur anyway.Nadia continued to struggle. Fearing that she might feel embarrassed once sober, Quinn picked her up in her arms."Wow! She's so cool!""She's carrying her like in those soap operas! She looks so glamorous!"Quinn was taller than Nadia, so she found it easy to carry her, and the sight was indeed quite striking."I want to be car
Quinn found Simon's words laughable. Did he really think that talking about the past could change anything now?"Simon, I've told you. I'm going to take down Xandor Group. That's not just idle talk. Are you playing the victim now? Do you think saying these things will earn you my forgiveness?"Did he really not understand what he had done? How dare he act innocent now?Simon shook his head. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but can't you just let the past go?""Let it go? Hah!" Quinn's laughter was bitter."How old are you, Simon? How can you still be so naive? My mom was driven to madness by your family! Do you think that's something I can let go of?"Though Quinn was now strong and capable of protecting herself, the memories from five years ago still caused her intense pain."So what do you want? Do you want us to die?" Simon's frustration was palpable. Why had everything changed so suddenly?"Die? Even if you were dead, I wouldn't forgive you. In my world, there is no such
"What are you doing?" Quinn asked.What did Xavier want?"Nothing. I just wanted to tell 15-year-old Quinn that she did well."Quinn didn't know what to say.Indeed, 15-year-old Quinn had endured a lot. Fortunately, she had made it through. Now, she wouldn't give anyone the chance to hurt her again.She didn't trust anyone, including the man before her."Don't cross the line, Xavier."A bedmate should know their place. Once one of them crossed the line, there was no need to continue as a bedmate."Fine, I understand. It's getting late. Go take a shower and get a good night's sleep."Knowing she wouldn't leave Nadia alone, he didn't press further. After kissing her forehead, he turned and left.Hearing those words from her made Xavier, who was usually so cold-hearted, feel an ache so intense it was almost suffocating. He had never cared for someone this deeply.After Xavier left, Quinn cleaned Nadia's face and hands with a hot towel. Nadia was sleeping so soundly.She had al
Whoever said women lack desire was wrong. Sometimes, a woman's longing could catch the man off guard.Faced with Quinn's boldness, Xavier found it impossible to resist. His desire for her was burning within him.Since being with her, he'd wanted her constantly, and tonight was no exception.Quinn tilted her head, and Xavier landed a peck on her neck, one of her most alluring features.His kiss felt like a gentle spring breeze as he began softly at her lips.That light touch flipped a switch within her. It sent electric tingles racing through her body. It was as if he wielded some mysterious power. As he glided his lips down her neck, each caress sent shivers coursing through her, making her tremble involuntarily.With each kiss moving lower, her heartbeat quickened. She felt as though she were immersed in a sweet dream, and his kisses were the leading melody of this ethereal experience.From her lips to her neck and then to her chest, each kiss ignited a flame deep within her. She cou
"I can't go to the hospital. I messed with the wrong people," Edison murmured. He remembered Quinn's warning. She was connected to Xavier, and he wouldn't dare provoke him."Who did you mess with?" Frank asked, but Edison brushed him off. "How's it going with the research institute?"At the mention of it, Frank hesitated. Was Quinn really that influential? Could Edison's beating be connected to her?"It's... fine. You should rest, Dad. I have to go study," Frank replied. He dared not mention how Quinn had twisted his arm.Meanwhile, Xavier and Quinn escorted Edgar back to the hospital.Edgar clearly didn't want to stay. "Ms. Quinn, I'd really like to go home. I don't like staying in the hospital." His days in the hospital felt like years dragging by—an experience that was anything but pleasant."Did the doctor say you could go home?" Quinn asked."I'm really fine, Ms. Quinn.""Only when the doctor says so." Quinn ignored his complaints."It's suffocating in here. I need to che
Edison's plump body crashed to the floor with a heavy thud.Quinn stepped on his hand, eliciting a pained scream from him.Edison stared up at her, bewildered. This young lady, who looked like an angel, was surprisingly brutal."Do you know what Edgar looked like when I found him?" Quinn's voice was icy.Edgar was like a younger brother to her, and she wouldn't stand for anyone hurting him.Edison fell silent after realizing he had underestimated her."How do you plan to pay for this, Edison?" Quinn picked up a fork from the table.Edison tried to get up, but with her foot on his hand, he couldn't move at all. "What are you doing? Let me tell you—"Before he could finish his sentence, Quinn drove the fork through his palm. His screams echoed in the room.Edison had never imagined they would dare to act so brazenly in Dudore. As he looked at his bleeding hand, his entire body trembled in fear. "W-What do you want?"The two bodyguards looked pale at the sight. They had never en
Since they were going to take revenge, Quinn had already ensured they knew the Faulkner family's whereabouts.The current head of the Faulkner family, Edison Faulkner, was responsible for what happened to Edgar. He was also Frank's father.Edison had a dinner engagement that night at a high-end clubhouse in Dudore.Though once a prestigious family, the Faulkner family had been struggling in recent years, but Edison was unwilling to accept that decline.He was determined to send Frank to the research institute, hoping that would restore the family's status. Tonight's dinner was meant to entertain higher-ups from the institute.As the glasses clinked and laughter filled the air, the door to the private room swung open unexpectedly.Edison frowned. Who was the blind fool who chose to enter at this hour? He already had people guarding the door."Who is it? I specifically said no one is allowed to enter!" Edison snapped.The higher-ups from the institute also wore grim expressions.
"Kid, you should just go face your punishment," Quinn said, declining."Come on, miss. Help me out here!" the young man pleaded."I can't help you. You can go now."The young man looked disappointed, but since Quinn had clearly rejected him, he had no choice but to leave."That poor guy," Nadia joked.Xavier, however, didn't share her sentiment. "I think Quinny handled it well. If she gave just anyone her number, she'd be in trouble someday."Besides, it wasn't like their game had anything to do with her. Why should she comply?They sat in the bar for over an hour.Quinn had something to attend to, so she took Nadia home first."Where are you going? Do you need my help?" Nadia asked. Although she wasn't good at fighting, she was willing to lend a hand."Just get some rest. It's nothing major. I'll handle it and be back before you know it," Quinn replied."Are you sure you'll be back tonight?" Nadia glanced at Xavier. She knew he couldn't leave her alone."Go home. Just make
"Nada, this fish is delicious. You should try it," Quinn said, passing the dish over.Nadia took a piece and nodded in approval. "This place really has great flavor. We should come here again."With both of them being people who didn't particularly enjoy cooking, they would probably end up eating out frequently."If you like it, I can have them deliver to your house. I'll get the manager to give you a business card later," Xavier offered.This restaurant didn't just have excellent food. The hygiene and service were top-notch as well."Really? I thought such a high-end restaurant wouldn't do deliveries.""They do," Xavier said. It was just a matter of asking anyway.After dinner, Nadia wanted to unwind a bit. Since arriving in Dudore, she hadn't had the chance to visit a bar, and Dudore was known for its nightlife.Now that she was here, she naturally had to experience it for herself."Quinny, are you heading back to the research institute tonight? If not, let's go to a bar for
Lisa's tone was especially gentle. After nearly three months of treatment, her condition had improved significantly.Gradually, she was becoming the serene Lisa she once was.Once the call ended, Quinn gazed out the window, oblivious to the fact that Xavier was still holding her hand.Xavier was holding her hand with one hand and gripping the steering wheel with the other. It wasn't until they reached the restaurant that he finally let go.He dropped Quinn and Nadia at the restaurant entrance while he went to find parking. The parking area was quite far, so he didn't ask them to come along.As he drove off, Quinn and Nadia waited at the entrance."Quinny, it's great to see Lisa coming back to herself," Nadia said with a smile.Although the past five years had been challenging, it was comforting to see everything getting better.Quinn felt a wave of joy as she reflected on Lisa's remarkable recovery. Given how bad Lisa had been before, it brought her immense happiness to see her
Nadia opened the car door and hopped in.Quinn wanted to join her at the back, but she declined. "Just sit in the front. It's a hassle switching around."Xavier smiled at this. Nadia, indeed, knew how to read the situation.She returned his smile.Xavier was a big shot, after all. Of course, she had to be wise."How's the hiring going? Do you need my help?" Quinn turned to Nadia."Don't worry. I've already hired three people. Since Sully is just starting out, I want to take it slow. I don't want to hire too many at once.""Alright, I'll leave it to you, then." Quinn was just the investor. She wouldn't interfere too much with how Nadia chose to run things."By the way, Quinny, how's everything at the research institute? You need to be cautious around those who hurt Edgar," Nadia said with a hint of worry."I know. Don't worry. There's no need to be concerned about them."Nadia shook her head. "Quinny, this is Dudore. You should be careful." People here would do anything for pr
Kimberly was also present. Noticing Simon's concern for Quinn made her fists clench unconsciously.She had her own plans to go out today. Gregory was going to introduce her to a big shot. He was slowly coming to recognize her potential and would provide her with all his resources."Simon, you know I'm not Maurice's daughter. I'm Gregory's daughter. Gregory Thorpe from the Thorpe family of Dudore. You're aware of that, right?" Kimberly spoke with pride.Simon looked into her eyes. "So what?""My dad is introducing me to a big shot today. Do you want to come? If you agree to get back with me now, I'll overlook everything that happened before.""No, thanks. I really don't need that. You go ahead," Simon replied firmly.In the past, it had always been Shania pushing him. Yet deep down, he wanted to stand on his own. It might seem naive, but he wanted to give it a try.Seeing him try to walk away, Kimberly grabbed his hand. "Simon, don't you want to get your mom out soon?"Why was h