Quinn truly wanted to keep a low profile, but her circumstances wouldn't allow it.Gwendolyn and Lisa were both left in a state of shock when they saw the gifts.What kind of friends did she have that sent gifts like diamonds and antiques? These were items that even a lot of wealth couldn't buy.What had Quinn been up to all these years? What kind of people had she gotten to know?"Quinny, I…" Lisa was genuinely worried but didn't know how to voice her concerns.Gwendolyn wore an expression of disbelief.Having seen her fair share of grandeur, she recalled the many people who had sent her gifts during her own birthday celebrations in the Gatrell family's heyday. Those gifts had been precious too, but they paled in comparison to what Quinn had received today.Quinn casually set the gifts aside and hugged Lisa. "Don't worry, Mom. My friends are all great people. They took good care of me while I was at the borderlands, and I've helped them out a lot too.""Okay."Dinner consiste
"Quinny, I know you youngsters love to have fun. You can go out and enjoy yourselves! You don't have to stay here with us," Lisa said. She was genuinely happy today.With a pout, Quinn hugged Lisa. "Mom, are you trying to get rid of me? I don't want to go anywhere. I just want to stay home and be with you."What could possibly be more meaningful than that?"I know you're a dutiful daughter, but you're only 20, Quinny! Go out and have fun! I want you to be your true self and enjoy life."Lisa didn't want Quinn to give up anything because of her."I know you have things to handle at Dudore. Just go! Come back to see me whenever you can. Your grandma and I will be right here waiting for you."Quinn had taken care of everything in Jipsfort. Lately, she had been fielding calls from Dudore, where there seemed to be something needing her attention."All I want is for you to take good care of yourself and stay safe. That's all."Five years had given Quinn many secrets. Since she didn't
Yes, Xavier still hadn't given Quinn his birthday gift for her. Everyone else had already presented theirs, but his remained.Quinn had planned to celebrate with Lisa, but since Lisa had gone to bed early, he could still give Quinn the gift."It's ready." Xavier's confident smile curved his lips. Quinn had received many precious gifts, so rare items were no longer a novelty.Seeing him so self-assured, Nadia chose not to say anything further. She genuinely hoped Quinny could find happiness, even if it was brief and wouldn't last forever.At that moment, Quinn came down, wearing an alluring dress.The form-fitting fabric accentuated her perfect figure, which had always been impeccable. In such a dress, she was simply irresistible.Xavier's gaze was locked on her. He adored this side of her. She always knew what styles suited her best."You look stunning," Nadia couldn't help but exclaim.Quinn had a natural knack for fashion. She could pull off anything while maintaining her uni
"Quinny, I love how fierce you are," Nadia said.After sitting at the chill bar for a while, she found an excuse to leave. Now, only Quinn and Xavier remained.Xavier felt that Nadia was really smart. He owed her one for this. He definitely needed to repay her someday."Let's go! This place isn't fun. Let's go somewhere else." Xavier stood up and reached out his hand to her.Quinn took his hand, allowing him to pull her up."Where are we going this late?" she asked."To see a meteor shower!" There was a meteor shower tonight, and many people were heading out to catch a glimpse."Meteor shower?""Yep."Xavier had everything prepared in advance. That was why he hadn't drunk anything at the bar. He needed to drive.He opened the car door and helped her into the passenger seat.He didn't give Quinn a chance to refuse. They had to see the meteor shower tonight.News reports had claimed that a once-in-a-century meteor shower would take place, and many people were out to enjoy it.
People often couldn't help but do something thrilling in moments like this. The people around Quinn and Xavier were already kissing anyway.Quinn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.Xavier felt a surge of happiness. As he expected, no woman could resist a romantic man. There was no doubt that he had looked deeply romantic while singing.At that very moment, as they kissed, the meteor shower lit up the sky."Wow!""How beautiful!""Quick, make a wish! I hope to strike it rich overnight!""I wish I could lose weight!"Upon hearing the voices around them, Xavier let go of Quinn but held her close in his arms. They both looked up at the sky. It was truly the biggest meteor shower of the century.Xavier tightened his embrace.He made a wish too, one that was connected to Quinn. He hoped that she would always be by his side in the days to come."Aren't you going to make a wish?" he asked Quinn.Didn't all women believe in this kind of thing?"I'll make my own
Xavier thrust into Quinn again and again. The sensations became overwhelming, prompting her to bite down on his shoulder.Her bite was laced with a sense of vengeance.Xavier couldn't help but let out a groan, and he felt his manhood swell even more beneath her.Quinn felt like she was about to pass out. This man…"Alright, I'll take it slow," Xavier coaxed her gently. He was well aware that she had a temper.If he pushed her too far, he'd be left alone in the cold tonight. He didn't want to be kicked out.Perhaps this was human nature. Being in a tent and knowing others were outside created a sense of forbidden thrill. That feeling amplified every sensation in their bodies.That night, Quinn was caught between torment and pleasure. She was at a loss for how to define their relationship.Once Xavier got started, he didn't hold back at all. He had forgotten all about his earlier promises.When they were done, he even helped her clean up."Xavier, this was your motive from the
The wind on the mountain was strong. Even though Quinn wore a shirt, she still felt cold.Xavier parted his trench coat and pulled her into his arms, using his body heat to warm her up.The scene was incredibly beautiful.In the dawn light, the skyline gradually brightened with a hint of golden hues. It looked like a magnificent canvas painted with an artist's golden brush.At that moment, the whole world seemed to freeze, with only the golden sunlight flowing and spreading, illuminating every corner.This was not merely the process of a sunrise. It was a feast for both the eyes and the soul, leaving an unforgettable impression.Quinn's morning grumpiness was slowly consumed by the stunning view before her.She quietly took in everything. As expected, watching the sunrise from Protrie Highway was truly a visual feast."Isn't it worth it?" Xavier whispered in her ear.Quinn nodded. "Yeah, it's worth it."Soon, the sun rose completely, giving the mountaintop a unique charm in t
The man realized he stood no chance against Xavier, so it was better to walk away. People should have a sense of self-awareness.Xavier sat down next to Quinn. Soon, their ravioli arrived, along with a poached egg.Xavier placed the poached egg on one of the plates of ravioli before handing it over."Do you like poached eggs?""Yeah, this place makes really good poached eggs. I used to come here with Nadia to eat ravioli all the time, and we always added a poached egg. You should try it.""I don't like eggs."Xavier's least favorite food was eggs. He always thought they had a taste reminiscent of chicken manure.Xavier had ordered Quinn a small plate of ravioli, but even that was too much for her to finish. Naturally, he took care of the leftovers.After all, wasting food was a shameful act. It simply shouldn't be done.After finishing the ravioli, Xavier took Quinn's hand and led her out of the café.The place was far too crowded. One wrong move and they might bump into some
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