"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
Xavier returned with a glass of warm water. He gently helped Quinn sit up and fed her.His attentiveness was truly remarkable.Quinn gulped down the warm water and felt much more comfortable afterward."Do you want more?" he asked.Without looking at him, Quinn shook her head. Xavier was still completely naked.She pulled the blanket over him. Though summer was coming to an end, the nights could still be chilly with autumn approaching.Xavier placed the glass on the bedside table. After lying down, he wrapped his arms around her. "Go to sleep. It's still early."Quinn's sleep hadn't been great, but she slept soundly whenever she was with him.She leaned against him comfortably and soon fell back asleep.The next day, Quinn needed to visit M Research Institute, but this time she was going as a student. Her goal was to root out all the moles.M Research Institute was something she had worked hard to establish. It was meant to support Cryona's technological development, yet now
Since Quinn wasn't certain that the people around her were friends or foes, she couldn't reveal her true identity just yet.M Research Institute was located within a military zone in Dudore, a site under national protection.After all, the research conducted there was extremely valuable.A strong nation relied on technological advancement, and there was a significant push for this in the current climate.The institute was home to top talents. Of course, the country was determined to safeguard them.Xavier couldn't drive into the facility and could only drop Quinn off outside."Will I not see you for a few days?" he asked. He knew that the newer students were all undergoing closed training.During this period, they couldn't leave the premises."Yeah, closed training is really important. Let's not contact each other for now.""Okay, I'll try not to bother you." Quinn didn't mind separation. It was always Xavier who couldn't let go.With that, Quinn entered the institute.Edgar
"Let me introduce everyone. This is Kimberly Jowell. She'll be joining you all for training from now on." Patrick went on for a while. He gave a lengthy introduction."Alright, I won't take up any more of your training time. Keep it up, everyone. Kimberly, make sure to give it your all, and don't disappoint me or your dad."Patrick was in the same faction as Gregory. They naturally hoped their own people could secure a place in M Research Institute.Only then could they gradually gain control over it."Don't worry, Mr. Jensen. I'll work hard and won't let you down," Kimberly responded confidently. She believed she would eventually secure a spot in M Research Institute.Gregory patted her shoulder. "Do your best. Once the closed training ends, I'll host a party to introduce you to everyone, so they'll know you are my daughter.""Alright."Patrick and Gregory left together."She's actually here," Ian remarked with a hint of amusement upon seeing Kimberly.How could someone like
Without giving Simon another chance to speak, Ian took Quinn with him.Quinn had entered as a student to uncover the moles within the research institute. Having Ian as her cover was quite convenient.She didn't say much and followed Ian out of the room.The closed training curriculum was elementary for Quinn. So, once they arrived at the lab, she found a spot and started playing a game. She left Ian to train on his own.Seeing her so nonchalant, Ian was at a loss.Was Quinn really here to take the exam? Her attitude seemed far from serious."Quinny, did you come here of your own will? No one forced you, right?" he asked.Quinn's eyes remained fixed on her screen. She had already wiped out all her opponents in the game. Her character stood alone while exuding an air of invincibility."Who could force me? Don't worry about me. Just focus on your training."The lab wasn't just for Ian. Other students used it too. Noticing her laid-back attitude, some of them shook their heads but
Noticing that Quinn seemed to have no appetite, Ian became concerned. "Quinny, do you not like these dishes? If you don't, I can get you something else.""No, it's fine. I just don't have an appetite," Quinn replied.Ever since her stomach issues began, she hadn't had much interest in food. "Don't tell Xavier about this."Ian felt awkward. Quinn truly knew Xavier well."Actually, if you don't like the food here, Xav could have meals sent in for you."With Xavier's status in Dudore, that wouldn't be difficult at all."That's not necessary."Quinn took a few bites but ultimately couldn't finish her meal. She knew she shouldn't waste food, but she genuinely couldn't eat more."Take your time. I'm going back," she told Ian.During the closed training, all students stayed in the institute's dorms. The accommodations were as luxurious as a five-star hotel.Edgar had arranged a private room for her.This morning, the only high-ranking person she had seen was Patrick. She hadn't had
"I had some things to attend to."Alright, I'll be taking a nap now."After hanging up the phone, Quinn lay in bed and fell asleep for about half an hour before waking up.They had an elimination exam scheduled for the afternoon.Although Kimberly had only just arrived today, she was already an old hand at this kind of exam. As soon as it began, she was the first to step up."I'll go first, Mr. Reid! I only arrived today due to personal reasons, so many have formed opinions about me. I want to prove to everyone that I truly have what it takes to get into the research institute," Kimberly stated resolutely.She couldn't figure out why Quinn decided to show up here—on the same day, no less.However, with Patrick and Gregory personally escorting her here today, it was inevitable that rumors would circulate. Although she had used connections to get into the research institute, she didn't want to be seen that way. She wanted to prove herself with her abilities.Although she might no