The online uproar had reached a fever pitch.In the venue, many people were already pointing fingers at Quinn."Ms. Jowell, even if you're the president of Four Seasons Incorporated and wealthy, that doesn't give you the right to bully others like this!""Exactly! We're all right here! If they're this brazen now, what would happen if we weren't around? They'd trample over Logan!"Xavier frowned. What was wrong with these people? How could they display such hostility toward Nadia and Quinn when no evidence had emerged since the incident began?Xavier took Quinn's hand. "Let me handle this." His methods were always the quickest.However, Quinn shook her head. "No, Nads has worked too hard for this show. I won't let anyone ruin her efforts."Nadia's achievements today were all her own hard work, and nobody should be allowed to tarnish that."Logan, you claim Nadia plagiarized, but you have no evidence. However, I do have proof of your plagiarism."She had been fiddling with her p
"Am I being too kind to you? This is your design, you say? Go out there and tell everyone I plagiarized your work, then! Do you really think anyone would believe you? I like your work because I acknowledge your talent in design, so stop making a scene," Logan said in the video.The young lady was pushed to the ground. At that moment, the sky opened up, and it started to pour. She pounded her fists on the ground.She thought she had found love, but Logan had never cared for her at all. He had only wanted her design from the very start.How could someone be so cruel?A murmur of shock swept through the crowd.Logan accused Nadia of plagiarism, yet he had no evidence. But now, Logan's own guilt was undeniable."Do you all want to know what happened to the young lady who was deceived out of both her love and her designs?" Quinn asked.All eyes turned back to her, and she played another video.This time, it showed news of that young lady jumping off a building.Such a young, innoce
Logan continued to struggle on the ground, but the crowd merely watched him with cold indifference.This guy was truly despicable. He specifically targeted naive young women and ruined their lives. And those young women he deceived were truly talented.At that moment, the family of the lady who had taken her life rushed in after seeing the trending news."Logan Wallace, you murderer! You killed my daughter!"The lady's parents and relatives launched into a furious attack. They kicked and punched Logan as he lay on the ground.They had worked so hard to raise their daughter. Only they knew how much they spent on nurturing her talent for her to attend a design school.But now, thanks to this monster, she was gone before she could even shine.Others in the crowd looked on. Anyone could understand why the victim's family would react so violently.The spectators felt a collective sorrow for the young lady. How hopeless must she have felt to choose such a tragic end?Someone must ha
Nadia felt utterly exhausted after the whirlwind of the day. Thankfully, the outcome had been positive."Quinny, I'm so glad I had you by my side. If it weren't for you all, I would have completely broken down like that girl."The feeling of being wronged was terrible. Only those who had experienced the sense of powerlessness could truly understand.Quinn wrapped her arm around Nadia's shoulder."You wouldn't, Nads. You're always strong. Even without me, you would have handled this situation just fine."As Nadia's best friend, Quinn couldn't bear to see her go through such pain. She hoped Nadia would never have to experience that kind of suffering."It might not be all bad, though. At least your brand is getting a lot of attention now," Xavier chimed in. He was seeing it from a different angle."Great designer, you'd better prepare yourself. You're famous now," Quinn joked."By the way, Quinny, are you really going to invest in my brand?""Why would I joke about this? Just go
Listening to music and sipping on drinks was the perfect way to unwind, and Nadia loved this atmosphere.Quinn gave a quick glance at the stage, where the young singer had just looked their way. Their eyes met.Meanwhile, Nadia quickly fell silent. Xavier's intense gaze was somewhat intimidating.This really wasn't a big deal—many young women frequented this place."What do you think of him?" he asked Quinn. He was curious if she was also attracted to this type of guy.Quinn didn't bother responding to his pointless question. "Let's find a spot over there."She felt exhausted today and just wanted to relax with a drink. She did not want to think about anything else.She found a spot to sit down, and the other three joined her.Ian couldn't stop staring at the singer on stage. He didn't think he was any less attractive. Moreover, he could sing too."Nadia, do you like guys who can sing?" he asked suddenly.Nadia nodded enthusiastically. "His voice is amazing! Plus, who doesn't
Ian strummed a few chords on the guitar and quickly found his rhythm.It had been a while since he'd sung, but seeing Nadia gaze at the singer on stage sparked something in him.If she liked guys like that, then he could be one too. He wanted Nadia to notice him as a man, not just as a brotherly figure."This song is for you," he said, not mentioning Nadia's name, but her heart raced at his words.She had always known Ian was a great guy, charming even, but she never considered the possibility of them being together.Now, as he said that, her resolve began to waver. She clutched Quinn's hand tightly. "What do I do, Quinn? I feel like I'm losing control!"Her mind was racing with thoughts she felt she shouldn't entertain."Just go for it! Why deny yourself?"On stage, Ian had started singing. His good looks paired with his beautiful voice made him shine. He wasn't any worse than the singer earlier.Nadia felt as though his performance was meant just for her. She was utterly ent
Quinn shook her head. "No thanks." She didn't want to hear Xavier's confession. Things were fine the way they were."Forget it, then," Xavier huffed. He felt that she was really heartless. He wanted to sing for her, and she didn't even want that.Quinn was speechless.Wasn't he the one who asked? She was just being honest. That shouldn't be wrong. Why was he upset now? How could he be so petty?Quinn continued sipping her drink. Alcohol really did help her relax.In the bar, someone was celebrating a birthday, and they started singing the birthday song.Nadia nudged Quinn. "Quinny, your birthday is coming up soon. What are you planning to do? It's been ages since we celebrated together. I'm definitely celebrating with you this time."For the past five years, all Nadia could do on Quinn's birthday was make a phone call. Just thinking about it made her feel sad."I'm not doing anything special."Quinn was turning 20. She wasn't into celebrating birthdays anymore."How could you
"I'm going to the restroom," Nadia made an excuse to leave.Upon seeing this, Quinn followed. What was Nadia even thinking? If she didn't want Ian to go, she should just say it directly.Why make herself suffer alone?When Nadia came out of the restroom, she found Quinn already waiting. She was lazily leaning against the railing. That pose was as alluring as ever.However, many people didn't dare approach her. Now, Quinn had a complex vibe, and most people wouldn't dare provoke her.Nadia walked over and leaned on the railing beside her."What's wrong? Can't bear to see Ian leave? If you really can't, just tell him you like him. Wouldn't that solve everything?"If Nadia asked Ian to stay, he definitely wouldn't leave.Nadia shook her head."He's still young. His future holds endless possibilities. He's going back to take an exam. How can I stop him?"Ian was going for the exam for a research institute. That was the dream of so many people. How could she hold him back? To her,
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