Archie still felt uneasy."To be honest, we're in the middle of a major deal with Patterson Group, so funds are a bit tight right now. But don't worry. This amount is nothing we can't handle. When the time is right, I can introduce you to the Pattersons," Shania said enticingly.Archie's interest was piqued. If he could secure a partnership with the Pattersons, it would be like winning the lottery. Who wouldn't want that?"Alright then, I'll give you one week, Ms. Xandor."Meanwhile, Shania's aggressive purchase of Four Seasons Incorporated stocks was stirring up discontent among the shareholders within Xandor Group.Many of them felt she was betting too much on a risky venture, especially given Quinn's formidable skills. It was clear that Shania had locked horns with her.A few shareholders voiced their concerns, but Shania flew into a rage. "Xandor Group belongs to the Xandor family! I make the decisions here, not you!"No matter what the others said, Shania was determined. Sh
It wasn't until now that Shania realized she had been played."Mrs. Xandor, your only way out now is to sell the Four Seasons Incorporated stocks. But with the amount you hold, I doubt you'll find a buyer with enough cash any time soon," Quinn said smoothly.Shania was frustrated, but she couldn't show it. "Just you wait. I'll get Four Seasons Incorporated, no matter what.""Bold words. Then let's see who takes down who first." With that, Quinn ended the call.Tomorrow, when the market opened, she was determined to push Xandor Group to rock bottom. Only then would Shania truly be cornered on all fronts.Xavier had been beside Quinn the whole time. He observed how she maneuvered through the situation.As she hung up the phone, he walked over and clinked his glass against hers. "Well done."Her plan had been executed flawlessly. Even Xavier had to admit it was brilliant. Step by step, Quinn had outwitted Shania, who was clearly no match for her.Quinn leaned back against the couc
Only after using up his last bit of strength did Xavier finally hold Quinn and drift off to sleep.The next morning, Quinn felt as if her back was about to break.Xavier gently massaged her back. "Was I too rough?"Quinn didn't respond.Once he was in bed, he seemed to throw caution to the wind. Well, that was normal for a man like him.Whatever he did, he did his best. Quinn couldn't find anything to complain about in bed."Are you angry? Don't be. I'll go easier next time," he said, though he often found it hard to control himself once he got caught up in the moment.Quinn rolled her eyes at him. She wasn't going to fall for his sweet talk. If she did, it would be quite foolish.As Xavier continued to massage her, he started getting aroused again. Though she didn't do anything, he just couldn't help himself around her. She was simply too tempting.He kissed her on the lips, and their kisses became more heated.Just as things were about to escalate, Quinn pushed him away and
Ian suddenly felt his heart racing. He placed his hand over his chest while trying to calm himself.At that moment, Nadia released his arm."Let's go. Lisa is making breakfast. I'll go help her." Although Nadia didn't like cooking, she could manage helping out.Looking at the spot where she had grabbed him, Ian felt a bit awkward.Xavier watched them leave. Then he went back to his room to shower and change, though he had already showered the night before. However, his lingering desire needed to be treated with a cold shower.Quinn and Xavier came out of their rooms about the same time.Quinn was dressed casually in a black tracksuit with her long hair loose. Her natural beauty shone through without any makeup. Such was the charm of a top beauty.Xavier's hair was still wet. He wore a black shirt with only the bottom two buttons fastened. His sexy chest was exposed.Quinn frowned at the sight.Lisa was around. Was this outfit appropriate?She walked up to him and fastened his
"Quinny, I can't stay home forever. And I just want to visit and see how things are. Don't worry. I can control myself," Lisa said."Alright, I'll go with you," Quinn agreed. It was only natural for Lisa to want to see the fruits of her labor.Lisa's eyes turned red.She truly wanted to live like a normal person. She was tired of the current situation.Lisa prepared a simple breakfast, but Quinn enjoyed it immensely. She missed Lisa's cooking.For the first time in five years, Quinn had a chance to eat Lisa's breakfast again.Seeing Quinn's eyes mist up, Nadia couldn't help but shed tears. Quinn had endured so much."Thank you, Mom. This is the best breakfast I've had in the past five years.""I'll make it for you again in the future."Lisa was the heiress of the Gatrell family, but she had taken cooking lessons to please Maurice. She had hoped to win him over. Yet, it ended in such a way. How could she not resent him?She really wanted to confront Maurice and ask him why he
"Will this really work? Won't it just provoke them more?" Winona was confused by all this chaos. She only wanted to save Maurice.Araminta was growing impatient. "Today is the best opportunity. If we miss it, we'll never get another chance. Think about it.""But Araminta, I..."Didn't everyone say Lisa had gone mad? Winona was hesitant to face someone a lunatic. Last time, Lisa hadn't given her any respect at all."I've done everything I can. If you don't want to care about Maurice anymore, then I'll leave Jipsfort with Kimberly. I no longer want to be involved with your family affairs.""Fine, I'll go. Don't be angry. I'll go now."Winona went straight to the top floor of Four Seasons Incorporated. Araminta had suggested she jump.But once there, Winona's legs started shaking uncontrollably. It was too high for her; she had a fear of heights.Soon, someone on the top floor spotted Winona, and Araminta had contacted a bunch of reporters.Upon hearing about this, Luna rushed to
But Araminta and Winona shouldn't think about harming Lisa or Quinn.Jacob arrived with negotiation experts and dozens of police officers. Seeing the scale of the situation, Winona became even more anxious.She had only wanted to threaten Quinn, but things had escalated to this extent.Before going to the top floor, Jacob met with Quinn first. When he arrived, Quinn greeted him with a nod."Don't worry, Ms. Jowell. Leave this to me. I'll get her down safely.""Thank you, Officer Zimmerman.""There's no need to be so formal."Quinn was truly capable. He might need her help in the future, so it was best to establish a good relationship now.Jacob and the negotiation experts headed upstairs. Seeing the police, Winona became even more frantic."Don't come any closer! I want to see Quinn and Lisa. I only need them. The rest of you, stay away."Why were the police here? Had she done something wrong? Were they here to arrest her?"Don't be nervous, Mrs. Jowell Senior. We're here to
"I don't have a father. I've had no father since the day he hurt my mom five years ago," Quinn said coldly. "You want to jump? Go ahead, jump right now!"Winona was rendered speechless. She never expected Quinn to say something like that.The negotiation expert glanced at Jacob, but since Jacob didn't speak, he stayed silent as well.He could tell Winona had no real intention of jumping. Plus, they were fully prepared below. Even if she did jump, she wouldn't die."You're really heartless, Quinn! How can you treat me like this? I'm your grandmother! You're utterly inhumane!" Winona cried. "What did I ever do to deserve a granddaughter like you? You're truly a disaster for our family!""If you insult her one more time, I'll throw you off myself, whether you want to jump or not," Xavier suddenly interjected.How could Winona speak so harshly?Winona was visibly intimidated by his imposing presence."Do you want me to release all the evidence of your son's crimes to the reporters
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