"Will it really be better? Do you know what the borderlands are like? It's such a harsh, savage place! "Think about how you banished a beautiful 15-year-old there five years ago! You weren't thinking of giving her a chance to make it out of there!" Nadia was infuriated."Don't bother trying to talk sense into a monster, Nads. He won't understand you," Quinn said. Maurice was barely a human."I'm your fucking father, Quinn!" Maurice was angry now. Lisa and Quinn would always be reminders of his humiliation. How could he possibly allow them to remain in Jipsfort?When he had banished them to the borderlands, he had intended for them to languish there so they would never return. In fact, it would have been perfect if they had died there. He hadn't expected Quinn to be fortunate enough to make it back alive, though."You'll never get my shares, Maurice. As for the ones you currently hold, know that I'll get them back bit by bit." Quinn knew what Maurice cared about the most. Taki
Ian was dumbfounded now. So Quinn was Xavier's future wife? That meant he had yet to win Quinn over, right?Ian had been by Xavier's side for years. He had never seen Xavier care about a woman so much.Xavier gestured for Quinn to leave with him. "Let's go, Quinn!"Quinn held Nadia's hand as they left."What's going on here, Xav? Weren't you dealing with something in the borderlands? How did you end up in Jipsfort?" Ian asked."How are things in Dudore?" Instead of answering, Xavier asked him a question. He had deliberately stayed away from Dudore to see whether certain people had learned to stay put."Everything's as you expected, Xav." They were all humans, but there were still differences between each individual. Those people didn't stand a chance against Xavier."How are your preparations for the exam going?" Ian wasn't a member of the main Patterson family. By right, he wasn't eligible to participate in the research institute's exam. But with Xavier around, everything was p
"Xavier is quite a great guy, Quinny. I think you should give him a shot. Go ahead and sleep with him!" Nadia said. Then, she got into the cab.Quinn only turned back to Xavier once the cab was out of sight. He was leaning against the sports car and waiting for her.Just then, a bold young lady approached him, wanting to hit on him."Hi, can we exchange numbers?" She blushed. "Do me a favor, please. I made a bet with my friend, and I'll lose if I can't get your number.""What does that have to do with me?" Xavier's attitude was frosty.The young lady, Julia Tate, was the campus belle at her university. She had always been the one men pursued, so this was her first time trying to hit on someone. She hadn't expected to fail so spectacularly."Shove off. You're in my way." Xavier was getting pissed."I just want to get your number. I swear I won't disturb you in the future," Julia said."Fuck off." Xavier had lost his patience now. Wasn't she already disturbing him?She looked at
Quinn's reaction was blunt. She swung a fist at Xavier's face. He reacted quickly and caught it, taking the opportunity to pull her into his arms. Her body was soft and supple, fitting perfectly in his embrace. Xavier had always been proud of his self-control—it was one of the reasons he had gotten where he was now. Countless women had tried to fall into his bed over the years, but he had kicked them out without even batting an eye.Now, however, he found that he didn't want to control himself around Quinn. He wanted her and was desperate for her to know how much he desired her."You're shameless," Quinn said."What if I were to tell you that I'm only like this around you?" Xavier asked. He continued seriously, "How about we give this a shot, Quinn?""And how do you propose we do that? Like this?" She leaned close and bit his Adam's apple.In that instant, Xavier wanted to ravage her. She seemed determined to egg him on and even licked his Adam's apple. The veins on his hands
If Xavier liked something, he would make it clear. If he didn't, that was equally obvious.Quinn was frustrated and couldn't help her urge to smoke. "Give me a cigarette."Xavier took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and took a few deep drags. He was struggling to control himself. Every cell in his body was screaming to take her down.After all, Quinn was a woman he had been with before. His body could still recall the experience and how she had affected him. Yet, he didn't want to force her. He was a proud man, and what he wanted was her consent.After a few puffs, he finally offered the cigarette to Quinn.Her long hair was draped over her shoulders. Her alluring, long legs were crossed, and her graceful neck was captivating. With one hand resting on the coffee table, she held the cigarette in the other and exhaled a plume of smoke.The sight of her smoking had its own unique charm. Especially those soft lips. Xavier really wanted to kiss them. "Quinn, can I kiss you?"
Maurice left to take a shower, leaving only Kimberly and Araminta in the living room. "Mom, you're amazing. Dad listens to you completely."Previously, Kimberly had been very jealous of Quinn. After all, Quinn had taken Maurice away from her. Even though Kimberly was also his daughter, her life had been much more difficult.Meanwhile, Quinn had been the princess of Jipsfort, free to act as she pleased; no one dared to criticize her.Back then, Kimberly had had to force herself to be friends with Quinn. Every moment she had spent with Quinn had felt like torture.But now, things had changed. The man Quinn liked had become Kimberly's fiancé, and she was about to join M Research Institute, making her object of everyone's envy. Maurice was her dad alone, and Four Seasons Incorporated would be hers too.Quinn would never be able to take away what rightfully belonged to her."Kimberly, you're my daughter, and you're already exceptional. Learn to control your emotions, and you'll be ver
Simon continued, "Four Seasons Incorporated is controlled by your dad and Araminta now. If you want to take it back, I can help you, as long as you stay with me."Simon couldn't bring himself to say "mistress". He didn't want to disgrace his feelings."You should know that I'm the only one who can help you in Jipsfort. Think about it, okay? Besides, you love me too, right? What's a little sacrifice for our love?"He believed that women always prioritized love. For their love, what was a little sacrifice?"If you're worried about Kimberly, we can see each other behind her back." The more Simon thought about it, the more he felt like this was a brilliant idea.Quinn scoffed at his words.Maurice was already despicable, and Simon, despite his youth, was already aspiring to have women draped on both arms."Simon, I must have been blind back then. Have you said enough? Keep dreaming. You can have everything in your dreams."As Quinn was about to make a move, Simon couldn't hold back
"Simon, do you have a death wish?" As Simon was in a panic, Xavier lifted him up and shoved him against the railing by the river.Behind him was the surging river, and in front of him stood the menacing man."I'll give you money! Whatever amount you want!" Simon blurted out. "I'll give you enough money so you'll never have to go to the borderlands again."Xavier chuckled, finding it amusing that someone was trying to offer him money. "Money, huh?""Yes, yes." Simon nodded frantically. He couldn't die here. He was the heir to the Xandor family and a first-year postgraduate student at M Research Institute. His future was bright. He couldn't die at the hands of this thug!"How much are you thinking of offering? Let's see if it's enough to tempt me."Simon was too terrified to notice the sarcasm in Xavier's tone and the mocking look in his eyes."How about five million dollars? I'll give you five million and won't hold you accountable for breaking my hand. Just stay away from Quin
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