"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
"You're incredible, Kimberly! How are you related to Quinn? Are you sisters perhaps?"They had the same surnames, so they had to be related somehow!Kimberly shot the busybody a dirty look and replied, "I'm not acquainted with her."She had never considered Quinn her sister, especially not now. She was now Gregory's daughter, and someone like Maurice didn't deserve to be her father."Oh, I see! You're amazing at experiments! Let's give it our all and make it into the research institute together!"Kimberly didn't even bother to respond to him anymore. Her admission to the research institute was virtually guaranteed, whereas his' was uncertain.Simon had a firm grasp of the fundamentals, and his performance throughout was impeccable."I'll go ahead, Quinny. If you're not sure how to do it, you can learn from watching me."As Quinny remained idle, Ian felt a knot in his stomach. These experiments were simple but required a strong grasp of the fundamentals. Given Quinn's tough life
At that moment, Quinn's experiment was still ongoing. She didn't even spare Kimberly a single glance. She simply ignored her."What do you think you're doing, Kimberly? Isn't it a bit rude of you to interrupt Quinny while she's still conducting her experiment?" Ian snapped.Ian was equally surprised. He had initially been quite skeptical of Quinn's abilities, understanding that the research institute was different from most places. It was a place reserved only for nothing but top-tier researchers.Although Quinn excelled in racing and business, Ian was doubtful whether she would be able to thrive in the academic environment of the research institute.Yet, at that moment, he changed his mind. It was possible that Quinn, much like himself, was trying to keep a low profile in the research institute!"Please step aside, Kimberly," Seymour said firmly. In any case, it was crucial to ensure fairness during the exams, or he wouldn't be able to justify his position as the invigilator of t
After all, at the end of the day, they were both allies and adversaries. It was a battlefield of ambition, where each fought victory at the expense of others. There was no time to feel sorry for others.They had to rely on their own hard work to pass the exams and gain admission to M Research Institute. If not, they would be the ones who would be left behind.As everyone else walked away, Kimberly and Simon stayed behind. Their gazes were locked on Quinn."You have some explaining to do, Quinn! What are you doing here? Why are you getting yourself involved with these experiments? What is your objective?" Kimberly demanded. She felt that the research institute was her last hope and she couldn't allow her chance to be jeopardized.Quinn casually unwrapped a piece of gum and popped it into her mouth. After chewing it a few times, she said, "It's none of your damn business."Having said that, Quinn and Ian left together.After they walked away, Ian couldn't contain his laughter. Quin
At the end of the day, no one ever cared about Teresa's feelings. They had always been like that. They only cared about their own interests."I'm planning on hosting a banquet before the official research institute's exam to introduce Kimberly as my daughter," Gregory stated firmly. He clearly did not intend to change his mind because of Teresa's feelings. He was merely informing her, not asking for her input."Go ahead and do as you please! It's clear that you don't care what I think anyway."Having said that, Teresa got up and left the place. All she wanted now was a drink. She wanted to get drunk enough so that she wouldn't have to think about all these things.Upon seeing her behave in such a way, Gregory remained completely unconcerned. Why should he care? It was Teresa's fault for giving birth to such a good-for-nothing child into the world.As the head of the Thorpe family, he felt obligated to secure the family's future. All he wanted was to groom the perfect heir for the
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