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
Xavier was not one for jokes. He meant what he said.If there were still issues with their reports tomorrow, they would truly have to pack up and leave. No one would be able to help them, either.Back in his office, Xavier continued tapping away on his phone. There were some problems at the borderlands that needed his guidance."Xav, are you not coming back? We all miss you.""I still have some things to handle in Dudore. You take care of things in the borderlands for now. If anything comes up that you can't manage, just call me. You've been with me long enough to handle things on your own. Don't always rely on me. Are you all trying to wear me out?"Xavier had already provided solutions during the shareholders' meeting. The rest was up to them."Alright, Xav, you can count on me. I won't let you down."Xavier's men respected him greatly. If it weren't for him, their days in the borderlands wouldn't be so easy. Hence, his men were all fiercely loyal to him.After wrapping up hi
Nadia's studio in Jipsfort was merely a personal workspace, so it wasn't very large.She had thought that her personal brand company in the pricey Dudore wouldn't be too big either, yet she hadn't expected Quinn to secure such a spacious place for her."Ms. Jowell, are you planning to spoil me? How much did this cost?""I already said I would invest in your brand. I've found the space for you. Now, the hiring is up to you," Quinn said.She had many other matters to attend to and couldn't help her every step of the way.Nadia hugged Quinn around the waist. "Got it. Don't worry. I'll handle everything else. What would I do without you, Quinny? I promise I'll work hard and earn a lot of money."She was determined not to let Quinn down."I believe in you. This is the work you love. Do it well, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just enjoy it.""Got it."In the afternoon, Nadia went to register her brand, which she named Sully. The name was a joint idea between her and Qu
Xavier led Quinn and Nadia into a private room. After they entered, Kimberly emerged from the shadows.She didn't know that Quinn was also in Dudore.Thinking about everything Quinn had done to her and Araminta, Kimberly gritted her teeth in anger.In the past, she couldn't compete with Quinn, but now things were different.This time, she had come to Dudore to find her biological father, Gregory Thorpe. At first, he didn't want to acknowledge her. His wife, a wealthy and powerful heiress, was very domineering.However, upon learning she was studying to enter M Research Institute, he changed his attitude. He promised he would clear all obstacles for her as long as she could get into M Research Institute.Today, Gregory had brought her to dine here. Kimberly hadn't expected to see Quinn."What are you looking at, Kimberly? If you're done eating, let's go. I've already made arrangements with the people at M Research Institute. You can start the closed training tomorrow.""I'm your
"Okay." Nadia immediately dropped the subject.The dishes were served quickly.Xavier had a bottle of top-quality red wine brought in. He opened the bottle and poured some for both of them."Nadia, congratulations on finally having your own brand." Xavier raised his glass.Nadia stood up, and her eyes were sparkling with joy. "I owe it all to Quinny. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been able to establish my personal brand at all. I love you so much, Quinny!"Quinn clinked glasses with her.They were the best of friends. Although they didn't share blood ties, they were closer than most sisters.After dinner, Nadia found an excuse to sneak away. She knew that Xavier and Quinn hadn't enjoyed some intimate time together for a while, and she didn't want to be a third wheel.She initially left to go to the restroom, then sent a text to Quinn."I've eaten my fill. I'm going out for a stroll alone. You two continue. Xavier is a good man. It'll be a waste to not sleep with him.
Seeing how cared for Quinn was frustrated Kimberly.Since arriving in Dudore, she had been trying to find opportunities to meet Gregory, which left her no time to contact Simon.He should be in Dudore by now. Kimberly wondered what he was doing.Unable to resist, she picked up her phone and dialed Simon's number. She kept telling herself not to lower her dignity, but in the end, she couldn't help it.However, the call couldn't go through. It seemed he had blocked her.To be honest, Simon was really ruthless. They had been together for five years! Was that nothing to him?"Simon, one day, I will make you kneel before me and beg for my forgiveness."In the future, with the Thorpe family backing her up, no one would be able to bully her anymore.Simon was indeed in Dudore and had already started his closed training.Right now, he didn't want to think about anything else. All he wanted was to pass this exam and get into M Research Institute. This was his only chance.The days in
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