Quinn truly stirred Nadia's heart with every smile and frown."Alright, it's getting late. You should rest early. You just arrived. There's no need to rush your personal brand," Quinn said to Nadia."I know. Don't worry. I'll handle my brand myself. I'll let you know if I need anything. You just focus on your own work."Nadia understood that Quinn was a busy person. Quinn had rushed to Dudore because there were pressing matters to attend to.Nadia absolutely wouldn't hold her back."Many people want to work with you, but honestly, I still suggest you do it alone. That way, you'll have complete control over your brand," Quinn advised.Having that kind of authority was crucial.She continued, "You don't need to worry about money. I'm loaded." So, Nadia didn't have to think about anything else; she just needed to do what she loved.Nadia hugged her. "I mean it. We should just get married. Men aren't worth it." She was truly her best friend."Alright." Quinn smiled back.After th
"I'm not going. If he wants to go on blind dates, he can do it himself. I'm not going," Xavier said.He had never been a compliant child.No matter what he did, as long as he was accountable to himself, he didn't care what others thought.Especially not that father of his, with whom he shared no feelings."Fine. Do as you wish." Lydia couldn't interfere with the Patterson family matters.In the Patterson family, patriarchal values were especially strong. They hardly gave women any decision-making power."Mom, if you're unhappy, you don't have to deal with them." Most of the people in the Patterson family were not worth her respect."I know." Lydia still had feelings for Xavier's father, Marc Patterson. Otherwise, she wouldn't have put up with so much.But unfortunately, she loved him, while he didn't love her in the same way.As expected, Marc called Xavier as soon as he learned Xavier was back."Xavier, are you just going to abandon Lightcloud Corporation? Do you still want i
Lydia didn't want to talk anymore. It was sometimes impossible to communicate with someone like Marc. It left her feeling quite speechless."What are you implying? You don't want to see me either?" Marc asked. He was clearly displeased. He hadn't seen her in a while.She was always restless and flying around the world."Yeah, I don't want to see you." Without another word, Lydia hung up the phone.After that, she went to find Xavier. "Alright, take a good rest. Or you can go back to your place. Your dad might come by later."Every time this father and son met, it was like they were facing off against sworn enemies. The tension in the air was simply too volatile."Okay, I'll go." Xavier stood up. He was ready to leave."Xavier, I'll support whatever decision you make," Lydia said.As he was born into a family like that, Xavier couldn't choose many things in his life. But he had never been one to follow others."I know. By the way, tell him not to look for my girl. If he does, I
Daphne knew all too well what kind of person Darius was—someone she couldn't afford to provoke."Oh, you say you're under Xavier's protection? Then call him to save you now! I bet you just have wishful thinking. Daphne, does Xavier even know you like him?" Darius taunted.Daphne felt a sharp pain in her chest.Some words hurt precisely because they were true.Suddenly furious, Daphne grabbed the bottle next to her and smashed it over Darius' head.Darius was already in a foul mood, and now he was being attacked. He grabbed Daphne by the throat and slapped her hard across the face.The commotion drew the attention of others in the bar.Seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, someone immediately called Xavier.Everyone knew that Daphne was the sister of one of Xavier's friends and that Xavier had been looking out for her.If anything serious happened, it could lead to a storm of trouble.Sensing the tension, the bar owner quickly sent someone to intervene."Are you
One of Xavier's men said, “Since you have so many opinions, go tell Xav yourself.”“I don’t have the guts,” Daphne's fanboy replied.“If you don’t have the guts, then keep your mouth shut. Don't you know what kind of person Xav is? If Daphne likes him, that’s her business. It has nothing to do with him. Xav has never liked her.”The fanboy had no comeback."Just focus on doing your own job and stay out of the rest."The fanboy could only nod. Later, he called Daphne to fill her in on the situation.After hearing about it, Daphne felt a deep pang of hurt. Did that mean he didn’t want her around? But she absolutely refused to leave.Once she left, she’d have no chance at all.Perhaps that woman was just a fleeting interest for Xavier.Daphne could wait. After all, she had already waited so long. She didn’t mind waiting a few more years.However, Daphne soon received a call from Xavier. He instructed her to come to Lightcloud Corporation.It had been a while since he had last v
Lesley had never seen such a smile on Xavier's face before—one that was filled with happiness and made people envious."No, not yet. I'm still trying to win her over," Xavier said."What? There's actually someone you have to put effort into winning over?" Lesley was shocked.Weren't all the women practically lining up to marry Xavier? A man like him was every woman's dream."Yes, and to be honest, it's quite hard." But no matter how difficult it was, Xavier still felt happy about it.After that, Lesley went out to handle the documents with problems.Some of the issues were deliberately created, and it was clear that Darius was the one behind them. Darius had been restless lately. He was constantly trying to create various problems.Xavier called Quinn, but she didn't pick up the first time.He couldn't help but frown.Based on her usual routine, she should be awake by now. Why didn't she answer his call? He didn't think he'd done anything wrong.Just then, the intercom rang.
Xavier remained seated behind his desk while leaning back lazily.However, Darius was already trembling.When Xavier wasn't around, he dared to say whatever he wanted.But now that Xavier was sitting right there, a single cold glance from him was enough to make Darius' legs tremble, even without a word.He had suffered too many losses before, and his body had developed an instinctual fear.It was something he couldn't control."Xavier, last night was really a misunderstanding. I know she's under your protection. I was just joking with her."Darius didn't want to appear so cowardly, but the fear was instinctive.He turned to Daphne. "Daphne, I was just joking last night, right? Look, you even smashed my head, and I just let it slide."Daphne felt utterly miserable.Was this Xavier's last time helping her? But she really didn't want to leave."Xavier, we're still brothers, no matter what. Don't take it too far.""Are you done talking? Don't you know who she is? Now tell me, w
A few years ago, Daphne lost her only brother, Craig Lancaster.Over the years, she did develop romantic feelings for Xavier, but she always kept her feelings hidden to stay by his side.Now, even that wasn't allowed?"You know I've never been a patient person. I always mean what I say. From now on, if you need anything, you can go to the others. They'll help you," Xavier said frankly.He wouldn't completely ignore her, but he wouldn't keep her by his side anymore either."Xav…" Daphne's tears kept falling.Xavier called Lesley through the intercom. "Lesley, escort Ms. Lancaster out.""This way, please, Ms. Lancaster," Lesley said respectfully.Judging by Daphne's expression, it seemed her confession had failed. Xavier was indeed hard to attain.To be honest, many admired him, but not everyone could win the heart of a man like him.Lesley couldn't help but wonder what kind of woman Xavier would eventually marry. Just what kind of woman would be worthy of him?Daphne was esco
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