When Quinn saw Xavier finally stand up, she rose as well. She was ready to show him out.But before she could, he pulled her into his arms. "Can't I stay here with you?" The whole reason he had come here today was to spend the night."No." Quinn's rejection was as serious as ever.Xavier was momentarily speechless before leaning down to kiss her. He kissed her again and again. He was clearly trying to seduce her.And he didn't shy away from admitting it.He had always been this way—relentless until he got what he wanted.But Quinn was equally principled. Even though she had gone breathless from his kisses, she held firm and refused to budge.It was as if they were locked in a stalemate.Xavier could be incredibly shameless sometimes. If he wanted to entice someone, his methods were downright torturous.Quinn trembled from his teasing."I'm not staying the night. I'll leave after a bit. It wouldn't be good if I walked out of your room now and someone saw me. I'll wait until ev
Xavier genuinely enjoyed drying Quinn's hair. To him, it felt like a deeply intimate act. His fingers could freely roam through her long hair as though their lives were intertwined.She might have wanted to keep her distance, but he wasn't about to let go.Once her hair was dry, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed. "Don't worry. I won't try anything tonight."They were in the research institute, and he respected her boundaries here.After tucking her in, Xavier lay down beside her, though he didn't cover himself with a blanket. "I'll leave once you're asleep. I keep my promises."Even though he'd been stubborn about staying all night, now that he'd said he'd go, he meant it.He hugged her along with the blanket. "Go to sleep." He knew she had trouble sleeping, so he just wanted to be there."Okay." This time, Quinn didn't argue. She was exhausted and quickly drifted off.When he was sure she was deeply asleep, Xavier kissed her forehead gently before carefully getting
Quinn headed to the cafeteria first. The research institute had brought in a five-star chef, so every type of breakfast imaginable was available.During the closed training period, no one was allowed to leave the institute.Just as she sat down, Freya appeared with her tray of food and took a seat in front of her. "Don't worry, Quinn. Frank won't bother you again."I told him you had connections, and he backed off. But you really shouldn't bother with him anymore. People like him are just… not worth it."Freya genuinely disliked Frank, even though they were from the same family."You don't need to worry about that," Quinn said coldly. If Frank wanted to come looking for her, so be it."We're not friends, Freya." Quinn was blunt.Freya nodded. "I understand. We don't have to be friends, but does that make us enemies?"She could tell Quinn was hiding her true strength. She didn't want to make an enemy of someone so powerful.Quinn didn't answer.She'd known from the start that
Most of the others were glad to see Quinn's apparent lack of motivation. The less engaged she seemed, the better it was for them.With her out of the way, that meant one less competitor, which was ideal for those eager to secure a spot at the research institute.After his phone call, Ian felt much better.Noticing Quinn's relaxed state, he couldn't help but offer, "Quinny, we have an exam this afternoon. Let's practice together.""No need. I'm already prepared," Quinn replied.Ian was rendered speechless.Was she so sure? He hadn't seen her make a single move all morning. She just came in and found herself a cozy spot to sit."Yeah, I'm ready," Quinn assured him.She was there to observe the other participants. She might look like she was playing on her phone, but she was quietly evaluating each candidate.Since she'd be handpicking five of them herself, it was essential to pay close attention. Her role as a student was merely a cover to hide her actual identity.There were a
Seymour watched Quinn's performance and shook his head in disappointment. With such a showing, she wouldn't make it to the end.Patrick's concerns were completely unfounded. Regardless of who had placed her in the institute, she was destined to fall short.Kimberly felt relieved as well. Ever since Quinn returned, she had felt overshadowed. She was almost traumatized by the experience.But now, she was determined to crush Quinn.Meanwhile, Simon had performed well today. He had matched Kimberly's level and successfully passed the exam.When the exam concluded, five more candidates were eliminated.Quinn packed her things, as she planned to visit the Faulkner family that evening. But before she could leave, she was stopped by one of the eliminated young men.She raised an eyebrow."Quinn, you seem indifferent about getting into the research institute. Since you don't care, could you let me have your spot? I really need this opportunity," he pleaded, clearly agitated.Ian frowne
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
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
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