The rooftop bar of the Ritz-Carlton Sydney was alive with laughter and the clinking of glasses. The group—Quinn, Michael, Mia, Darren, and their bodyguards—sat at a private table, enjoying a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbor illuminated by the city lights.
"To the deal of the year!" Michael said, raising his glass. "And to Quinn, the mastermind behind it all."
Quinn chuckled, clinking her glass against his. "It's a team win, Michael. But thank you."
Mia leaned in. "Ma'am, with the deal finalized and shipments scheduled to begin next month, we could head back to the U.S. tomorrow if you'd like."
Michael raised a hand, feigning protest. "What? Leave so soon? We've barely had a chance to enjoy Sydney."
Darren nodded, a rare smile crossing his face. "He's not wrong. This city has a lot to offer, and we've earned a break."
Quinn hesitated, glancing at her glass. The idea of staying longer was appealing—she hadn't had the chance to truly relax in months.
Mia spoke cautiously. "Ma'am, staying a few extra days wouldn't interfere with our next project. Everything's under control."
Quinn took a deep breath, a small smile forming. "Alright. Let's stay for the week. But only if we make the most of it."
The group cheered, toasting to the decision.
The week was a whirlwind of activities. They visited the Sydney Opera House, took a yacht tour of the harbor, and explored the lush landscapes of the Blue Mountains. At Bondi Beach, the group relaxed on the golden sands, snapping photos to remember the trip.
One particularly candid moment was captured by Mia: Quinn, wearing a breezy white dress, laughing as Michael whispered something in her ear. The photo radiated warmth and camaraderie.
"That one's going on my socials," Quinn said with a grin as she typed a caption:
*"Work hard, play harder. #AustraliaAdventures #VictoryLap"*
The post included shots of the Opera House, the Blue Mountains, and her moment with Michael.
Back in New York, Leo sat in his office, his focus slipping as exhaustion crept in. His phone buzzed on the desk.
Notification: "Quinn Langston just posted a new photo."
Curious, he opened the app. The post loaded, and his expression darkened as he scrolled through the images. The photo of Quinn and Michael at Bondi Beach lingered on his screen.
"She's in Australia," he muttered, the words tinged with disbelief and irritation.
His jaw tightened as he read the caption. *Victory Lap?* he thought bitterly.
Slamming his phone onto the desk, he pressed the intercom. "Austin, get in here."
Moments later, his secretary entered, his expression cautious. "Yes, Mr. Langston?"
Leo leaned forward, his tone sharp. "Find out exactly where Quinn is staying in Sydney. I want every detail."
Austin hesitated. "Based on her post, she's likely at The Ritz-Carlton. Would you like me to confirm?"
"Do it. And book my jet," Leo ordered.
"Yes, sir," Austin replied before hurrying out.
The next morning, Leo's jet landed in Sydney, and he wasted no time heading to The Ritz-Carlton. Upon arriving, he inquired about Quinn's location and was directed to a restaurant where the group was having breakfast.
As Leo entered, his eyes immediately locked onto Quinn. She was seated beside Michael, laughing as he leaned in to whisper something.
"Quinn!" Leo's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
The table fell silent as everyone turned to look at him. Quinn's smile faded, replaced by a look of calm composure.
"Leo," she said, setting down her coffee. "What are you doing here?"
Leo strode toward her, his irritation evident. "I should be asking you that. You've been ignoring my calls and messages, and now I find you here, cozying up to him." He gestured toward Michael.
Quinn's posture straightened. "I've been busy finalizing a deal—a deal that's already signed, by the way."
"And you didn't think to involve me?" Leo shot back, his tone rising.
Quinn's voice was cool. "This was my project, Leo. You've made it clear you're not interested in my work."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "Don't twist this. You're using business as an excuse to spend time with him."
Quinn's gaze turned icy. Lowering her voice, she said, "Didn't you ask for an open marriage?"
Leo froze, momentarily stunned.
"This is different," he said, his voice lowering but filled with anger. "You're my wife. The first lady of the Langston family. You don't have the right—"
"To what?" Quinn interrupted, her voice cutting through the tension. "To live my life? Don't call me your wife when you've done everything to undermine that role."
The room was silent as Quinn stood, her expression resolute. "I'm done with this conversation."
She turned and walked away, her bodyguards falling into step behind her.
As Michael rose to follow Quinn, Leo grabbed his arm.
"You and I need to talk," Leo said, his tone dangerous.
Michael turned, calm but firm. "What is it, Leo?"
Leo's jaw tightened. "Stay away from my wife."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Your wife? The one you've ignored for months? Maybe if you treated her better, she wouldn't need someone else's support."
Leo stepped closer, his voice low. "You think you can come between us? You're nothing more than a distraction."
Michael smirked, though his eyes held steel. "I'm not the one who came here out of desperation. You're losing her, Leo. And it's your own fault."
The tension crackled between them as they stood toe-to-toe.
Finally, Michael stepped back. "If you want her, Leo, start acting like you deserve her."
With that, Michael turned and walked away, leaving Leo standing alone.
Back in her suite, Quinn leaned against the door, her emotions swirling. A knock broke her thoughts, and Michael stepped inside.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Quinn nodded, though her voice wavered. "I'm fine. Just... tired of the drama."
Michael gave her a reassuring smile. "You're stronger than this, Quinn. Don't let him pull you back."
Quinn managed a small smile. "Thank you, Michael. For everything."
"Always," he replied.