Kara was terrified. Araminta was ruthless, and she felt completely powerless against her."She won't find out. You're safe here. The security at this villa is top-notch," Maurice reassured her.Araminta couldn't find anything, but Quinn easily discovered and saw the incriminating photos. She handed them back with a cool expression."Send these to Ms. Axtell," Quinn said casually.Men were always like this. If they betrayed their lovers once, they would betray them again.Araminta could never have imagined that the secretary she had arranged for Maurice would end up in his bed."Consider it done, Ms. Quinn." Edgar had returned from Dudore. With the exam arrangements nearly completed, he had come to Jipsfort to assist Quinn with the final touches.He personally delivered the photos to Jowell Villa.When Araminta saw the photos, she smashed several expensive antiques in the living room. She broke down completely.She had always been Maurice's first love. How could he do this to h
"If your mom didn't care about money, why would she have abandoned your dad when he was poor and come back to seduce him only after he became wealthy with my mom's help?" Quinn's words were like a slap to Araminta's face.Araminta was deeply humiliated, and the words hit Maurice hard as well.After all, it was true that Araminta had left him because he was poor. In the end, she only cared about his money. If he didn't have money, would she have come back to him?"Quinn, I know you don't like me, but you can't just slander me like this!" Araminta tried to play the victim."Araminta, you don't need to act in front of me. Do you really forget what you did and how you seduced him?""Maurice, are you just going to let your daughter slander me like this?""Maybe he doesn't care about me, but he probably won't care about your daughter soon either. Do you know why? Oh, right, you probably don't know yet. Kara's pregnant with a son!"Maurice was stunned. He hadn't expected Quinn to know
Kimberly couldn't understand. She had worked so hard, yet she still couldn't have a happy family."Kimberly, you must get into the M Research Institute," Araminta said sternly.Only if Kimberly got accepted into M Research Institute would Maurice change his mind."As for that little bastard, I have plenty of ways to ensure he never comes to this world." After all, it was just a lump of flesh. She could handle it, couldn't she?"I got it, Mom. Don't worry. I'll work hard." If getting into M Research Institute was the only way to change everything, then she would do it.…Since it was the weekend, Quinn didn't have much on her agenda.Nadia had been struggling with her inspiration lately, so Quinn decided to visit her at the studio.After a night of heavy drinking, Nadia was out of sorts all day. She scribbled aimlessly on her drawing paper, only to crumple it all up and toss it away in frustration.Just as she was about to explode from frustration, Quinn arrived with Nadia's fa
"Thank you so much, Quinny!" Nadia exclaimed. She planted a loud kiss on Quinn's cheek. "Since you're here, why don't you try on this outfit I just finished? It's designed entirely based on your measurements.""Sure." Quinn followed Nadia to the dressing room to change.Meanwhile, Xavier and Victor bumped into each other at the studio entrance. Seeing Victor, Xavier couldn't help but frown.What was this man doing here? Why did he seem to be everywhere?Seeing Xavier's expression, Victor grew even more smug. Who would've thought that the ruler of the borderlands would be jealous of him?It made Victor feel like he really was someone of significance."What are you doing here?" Xavier asked bluntly."Quinny invited me, of course. With my fantastic physique, isn't being a model the perfect role for me?"Xavier gave Victor a disdainful once-over. "You call that a good physique? You must be seriously mistaken about what that means."Victor chuckled. "You're just jealous that I have
Nadia really hoped she could succeed."No way." Xavier cut in before Quinn could respond."Why not? Quinny, can you bear to see my dreams shattered before they even start?" Nadia's voice was filled with desperation."I said no," Xavier insisted. He didn't want other men to see Quinn in such a stunning outfit. If she became a model, she'd attract too much attention from others.Quinn, though not particularly interested in modeling, felt guilty for turning down Nadia given her pitiable expression. "If you can't find a model, I'll step in to help.""That's great!" Nadia exclaimed. She threw her arms around Quinn in a grateful hug. "Is there anything about the dress that doesn't fit? If so, I can make adjustments."This dress was tailored according to Quinn's measurements, but she seemed to have lost a bit of weight recently."It's perfect as is. I'll go change now." The gown was handmade and precious.Quinn headed to the dressing room.Meanwhile, Victor suddenly complained of a s
Quinn was upfront with Nadia. "I called for you, but Xavier came in instead.""Xavier seems like the type with a strong desire. Can you handle that?"Nadia had never been in a relationship, but she enjoyed reading smutty books. She had plenty of theories but no practical experience.Quinn honestly didn't know how to respond. Nadia always managed to surprise her with her bold statements."Quinny, the books say it's really great. How do you feel about it? I'm in my 20s now, and I want to find someone to try it with."As people reached a certain age, desires became more apparent, and women were no exception."Do you have someone you like?" Quinn asked when she noticed her shy expression. It was clear Nadia had a crush."Yes, but he doesn't know I like him." Nadia blushed at the mention of her crush. She was conflicted. She wanted him to know but also feared it."Who is it? Do I know him?"Over the past five years, Quinn had no idea who Nadia had been around. Nadia was such a wond
But what did that really prove?Maurice loved Araminta. In the end, the result was still the same. He could betray his wife for his first love, and he'd also abandon her for another woman.Maybe it was just in some men's nature to prefer novelty over familiarity.Nadia knew that Quinn didn't believe in love, especially after being betrayed by her own father and Simon. It was indeed cruel.But some things could only be left to time. Time could prove everything. Until the final verdict was given, no one knew exactly how things would turn out.That was just how life was.Xavier and Victor emerged from the changing rooms. The two models, once dressed in Nadia's designs, really elevated the look of her clothes.Xavier walked up to Quinn. "How do I look?"It was his first time wearing this type of outfit. He usually favored black shirts. Today, however, he wore a green shirt paired with a well-tailored suit. The green gave Xavier a whole new look."It looks good," Quinn said honestl
Xavier was in a great mood. He was humming a song as he drove. His voice was deep and sensual, and the song he was humming was one that used to be Quinn's ringtone. She knew it well.His baritone was perfect for it. He easily matched the original artist.It was rush hour, and the traffic was heavy. When someone tried to cut in, Xavier didn't give an inch. The other driver got frustrated and started cursing.Xavier stopped the car, got out, and walked over.The sight of Xavier's tall, intimidating figure startled the other driver. "I-I…""Who are you cursing at? You think cutting in line gives you the right?" Xavier had no patience for people who didn't follow the rules."I'm sorry." The other driver immediately apologized, even though he had a lady in the passenger seat he was trying to impress. But in front of Xavier's imposing presence, he chickened out."Let's go, Xavier." Quinn was a little hungry. She wasn't the type to snack often, but she couldn't stand being hungry."Yo
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