QUINN'S POV"It's been a week since I started this new job, and I'm still trying to get the hang of it. Balancing work and school is no joke. Thankfully, my assistant, Alex, was my lifesaver. He's been super helpful and easy to work with, assisting me with everything I needed to know.But then there's Miss Clara. She's always popping up, asking for this and that. It's like she's trying to remind me that I'm under her thumb. Newsflash, Clara: Just because I decided to work doesn't mean I'm stupid. I scoffed, watching her walk away from my office.I've managed to ignore her twice today, and it felt amazing. She should just stick to her own territory and leave me alone. I'm not afraid of her or her condescending attitude.And as for Bryan, ha! If she thinks he's the prize, I'll show her what I'm capable of. I'll snatch him away before she even says Jack. She has no idea who she's trying to mess with.I refocused on my work, scrolling through the documents on my computer screen. I was resp
Jasper let out a triumphant yell. “YES ! Finally”I laughed as he pulled the car away from the curb, driving and all excited.He looked like a puppy who had been given a bucket of chicken bones to consume and couldn't wait to do so. It was cute.Soon as we arrived at his place …… I was struck by the grandeur. It was a magnificent building as well.“Welcome home," Jasper announced with a smile. "You’re free to stop by anytime” he turned around to help me out of the car. My cold feet touched the cold ground. "Hold on here", he signaled one of his staff. They quickly brought a pair of flip-flops for me.Glancing at my watch, I realized it was already past six. "He wouldn’t even care if I stayed past my time at work", my subconscious scoffed and I quickly put the thought behind me.Not going to lie. The fact that Bryan wasn’t speaking to me, kind of had an impact on me. But it was an impact I was willing to let go off.Jasper handed me a glass, the strong scent of the liquor wafted out. I
MATT'S POV:I stood outside Jasper's office, my heart racing with anticipation. I hated coming here, hated the feeling of being under Jasper's assessment. But I had no choice.I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Jasper looked up from his desk, his piercing eyes made my skin crawl."Ah, Matt. Right on time," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.I felt a shiver run down my spine. I hated the way he made me feel - like a pawn in his game."Yes, sir," I replied, trying to keep my tone even.He gestured for me to come closer. I hesitated for a moment before walking towards the desk."What do you need me to do, sir?" I asked.He leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I have a little task for you, Matt. One that requires your ability""I want you to take care of a little problem with one of my business associates," he continued. "He's been getting a bit too big for his britches, if you know what I mean."I nodded. "I understand, sir.""I knew I could
QUINN'S POVAs Jasper's car drives into Bryan’s estate, the security guards, already familiar with him, nodded in recognition, allowing us to pass. We finally came to a stop in a quiet corner, away from the main entrance.I turned to Jasper, “I’ll be fine from here."He let out a huge sigh, his eyes scanning the environment. “I didn’t know he was making you stay here.”“It’s no big deal Jas," I said, trying to downplay the situation."And the car? Again, I've never seen you drive it." He inquired and I grew short of words."Honestly, Jasper...I don't know where it is, Bryan got me a new one and that was all I saw about it."He stared at me for a while, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I see, Well, no matter. You'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the finest things in life. I'll make sure of that."I mumbled a little "I'm sorry" before staring down at my watch. "I really should get going though. It’s getting late."Jasper opened his arms, inviting me for a hug, and I leaned in. He he
I walked into the café, fresh from my morning classes, as I scanned the room for Matt. And there he was, already seated, right on time.I made my way over, and he stood up to greet me with a warm hug."It's harder to see you lately, Quinn," he said, holding me at arm's length.I nodded sympathetically and took a seat."What can I get you to drink?" he asked."I'll have a caramel latte, please," I replied.Matt ordered for us, and as we waited for our drinks. I asked him, after noticing he wasn't going to speak. "How's work been treating you?"His expression turned grim, and he shook his head vigorously. "That's actually why I wanted to meet with you. I hope I didn't scare you by being so forward?""No, you didn't," I replied, my voice laced with concern."I just got worried. Is everything okay? Is it Eva?" I asked, my mind wandering.He paused for a moment, staring intently at me. "No, Quinn. What I'm about to say, I wouldn't want you to question me," he added, his eyes scanning the su
BRYAN'S POVAfter the big fight that ended with her slapping me, I decided to give her some space. I figured she needed time to calm down and think things through. But what I didn't know was that she had already moved on and started spending time with Jasper.I have to admit, I was caught off guard when I found out. I had one of my guys follow her car, and when he sent me the pictures, I couldn't believe my eyes. There she was, laughing and smiling with Jasper. It was like a punch to the gut.Since then, I've been keeping an eye on her from afar. I want to know what she's up to and who she's spending her time with. So when I found out, she had another hanging out with him.I personally assigned that project to her desk today. I don't care about protocol, I'm her boss, and I can do what I want. And I know she wouldn't try to get out of it.I become lenient and Jasper tries to play on my intelligence? I scoffed. I'm not going to let that happen.Just then, my phone buzzed, breaking my th
Revealing Quinn. She was back.Her eyes widened with shock, as though she stumbled upon something she couldn’t believe."What did you just say? You placed a bet on me?…" She asked as she moved forward."Ugh?" Quinn repeated, her voice trembling with anger and hurt. "You used me as a tool in your game?"Her eyes moved between Jasper and me, as if searching for answers. But I could see the accusation and betrayal already written all over her face."How could you, Jasper?" she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "How could you do this to me?"Jasper's smirk disappeared. He took a step back, realizing he had been overheard. "Quinn, let me explain—" he started.But she wasn't having it. She cut him off, her voice rising in anger. "What am I to you? Some kind of prize to be won?"The room fell silent. I knew I had to say something, but I didn't know where to start.She wiped the tears that were threatening to fall." I came to pick up my phone" she announced. The phone was right on
QUINN'S POVI pulled into the driveway, my heart still heavy with emotions. I had nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to. Eva's house was my only refuge, and my sanctuary.I grabbed the spare key from underneath the mat and let myself in. The silence was deafening. Eva was always home, always waiting for me with a warm smile and a listening ear.But today, the house was empty.I walked through the rooms, calling out for her, but I got no response. I checked the kitchen, the living room, even the backyard. She was nowhere to be found.I realized that she was probably at the club, working her shift. I just hadn't been lucky enough to catch her at home today. I felt a wave of disappointment hit me, but I knew I could try to reach her later, or she could turn up soon, with a reasonable explanation and a warm hug.But until then, I was alone.I wandered around the empty house, feeling lost and angry. I had never felt so disconnected from everything and everyone. The silence itself was w
I took a deep breath, then proceeded to break loose from Bryan's grip. Surprisingly, he didn't resist, but he had this weird questioning look on his face, wondering what I was up to.I had been silent for too long, and now was the time to set the record straight."Ladies and gentlemen," I began, her voice clear and confident. "I know you are expecting a statement about my relationship with Bryan Braxton, and I'm happy to set the record straight." I paused, taking a moment to collect my thoughts."First and foremost, I'm not debunking the allegations made by my family. However, without further evidence on that. I'd rather not make any comments.I paused to stare at Bryan. His eyes were blazing with fury, his jaw clenched, but he quickly masked that away with a small smile when he met my eyes."We should get going" he ordered, snatching my hands, but I shook him off."No let me speak! For the last time, Bryan and I were not in a consensual relationship. He coerced me into signing a marr
I couldn’t break free from Bryan's grasp and, before I knew it, I was kissing him back. It was suffocating to some extent, but none of us wanted to break the tie that we created.Again, my subconscious yelled at me, trying to shake me of the trance-like state I was in. This isn't the reason you’re here, Quinn.She was right.I started to make an attempt to push him off, but it was too late. I heard a loud ripping sound of fabric. He had just torn my dress, exposing my skin to the cold air. Bryan’s hands flew to my back as he undid my bra. Then his lips moved to my neck. In one instance, I threw my head backward, giving him all the access he needed.His hands moved to my core, his fingers rubbing against it gently, sending shock through me. I knew I was lost. I gasped at the effect. My eyes met his gaze and he looked completely blown. His pupils were so dilated as he watched me moan.His lips moved to my boobs aggressively as he sucked on one of them, giving me a light bite. I cried o
I woke up to an empty bed, my hands searching for any sign of Bryan. I had been so exhausted the night before, after showering and collapsing onto the bed. My body had been screaming for rest, and I had finally given in.As I lay there, I had felt Bryan come in later that night. He had pulled me closer to him, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight. I had felt a sense of safety and security in his arms, and I had finally been able to drift off to sleep.But now, as I woke up to an empty bed, I felt a pang of disappointment. I had been hoping that Bryan would still be there, that we could spend the morning together.As I searched the bed for any sign of Bryan, my hands suddenly stopped moving. I looked up to see Bryan standing in front of me, a smile on his face."Good morning," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.I opened my eyes in shock, springing up from the bed. "Bryan!" I exclaimed, my heart racing with surprise.Bryan only laughed, his eyes crinkling at the cor
lSoon the driver arrived, and I got in, my mind still reeling from the event that had just happened.I pulled out my phone and started to dial Bryan's number. I was going to confront him but hung up on second thought.Maybe I should go to Eva, except that I didn't want to disturb her either. Besides, I'm not sure if she's ready to talk to me yet.I needed a distraction, something to channel this anger and frustration into. I spotted a small art studio nearby and quickly asked the driver to stop. I made my way inside. The smell of paint enveloping me, and calming my racing thoughts. It looked like a paint and sip recreational center, but it seemed quiet today.I settled in at a stand, picking up a brush and dipping it into a bright shade of blue. As I began to paint, I felt my tension slowly began to ease, replaced by a sense of calmness and focus.Just as I was getting lost in the creative process, my phone buzzed again. I hesitated, wondering if it was worth it. But as I looked ove
As I spotted her, I caught her eyes and nodded subtly towards the backyard. She nodded back in understanding as we both slipped away from the crowd.Once we were outside, Eva turned to me, her expression serious. "I've been waiting for you to resume work for the longest," she said as her eyes scanned me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.I let out a small laugh, trying to downplay the severity of my injuries. "I'm better, Eva. Just a few bruises here and scratches."But she wasn't buying it. She rolled her eyes, and took a step closer to me. "Are you ready then to tell me what's happening? Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice firm.I tried to brush it off, resorting to the same excuse I had given them earlier. "I had already told you guys, I got into a fight..." But Eva wasn't having it.She cut me off mid-sentence. "Na-uh. You can tell that crap to Quinn, not me, Matt. I'm not daft!" She crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with annoyance.I raised my right hand in t
"Sir?" she called, poking her head into the room.I turned my attention towards her. "Yes? You can come in."She stepped inside, with a discreet envelope in her hand. "A courier just dropped this off, sir. It's marked 'urgent' and 'personal'."My eyes narrowed slightly as I took the envelope from her hand. It had my name typed on the front, but there was no indication of who had sent it or what it might contain."Thank you. That's all for now." I announced, dismissing her. She nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.I scanned the contents of the envelope, my expression darkened. "This is highly unacceptable. No, I wouldn't let her walk away from the agreement so easily."I picked up my phone and dialed my lawyer. "I need you to come to my office, right now.""Is everything okay, Mr Braxton?" His calm tone replied along the line."Well, if you get here now, you'll figure that out." I dropped the call.-----------------I spent the remaining few minutes pa
BRYAN'S POVI leaned back in my chair with my fingers entwined together as I stared out of the window. My mind, rummaging through different directions, each one even more calculating than the last."What's the point of having power if you can't control the ones who mattered?" I muttered to myself. "Very few people matter to me and I should be able to control them if so."Just then, there was a knock on my door. It was my secretary."Sir?" she called, poking her head into the room.I turned my attention towards her. "Yes? You can come in."She stepped inside, with a discreet envelope in her hand. "A courier just dropped this off, sir. It's marked 'urgent' and 'personal'."My eyes narrowed slightly as I took the envelope from her hand. It had my name typed on the front, but there was no indication of who had sent it or what it might contain."Thank you. That's all for now." I announced, dismissing her. She nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.I scanned t
MATT'S POVI navigated through the crowded hallway of Eclipse, scanning the area for Eva. We needed to talk, and I'd been waiting for a chance to grab her attention.As I spotted her, I caught her eyes and nodded subtly towards the backyard. She nodded back in understanding as we both slipped away from the crowd.Once we were outside, Eva turned to me, her expression serious. "I've been waiting for you to resume work for the longest," she said as her eyes scanned me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.I let out a small laugh, trying to downplay the severity of my injuries. "I'm better, Eva. Just a few bruises here and scratches."But she wasn't buying it. She rolled her eyes, and took a step closer to me. "Are you ready then to tell me what's happening? Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice firm.I tried to brush it off, resorting to the same excuse I had given them earlier. "I had already told you guys, I got into a fight..." But Eva wasn't having it.She cut me off m
I stood outside the sleek, modern building, checking the address on the piece of paper for what felt like the hundredth time. This was it – the office of Mrs. Stone, Jasper's lawyer.I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress and mentally preparing myself for the meeting.As I pushed open the door, I stepped into an elegant lobby. The receptionist looked up from behind the desk, smiling politely."Can I help you?" she asked."I'm here to see Mrs. Stone," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I have an appointment."The receptionist nodded, typing something into her computer. "Of course, Mrs. Stone is expecting you. Please, take a seat, and I'll let her know you're here."I sat down in one of the plush chairs, flipping through a magazine I saw on the desk to distract myself. I came for something important – something that could change my entire life.After a few minutes, the receptionist called out to me. "Mrs. Stone will see you now."I stood up, taking a deep breath as I followed