Sophia leaned back on the plush sofa in Leo's Sydney hotel suite, scrolling through social media on her phone. The mood in the room was unusually tense. Leo stood by the large floor-to-ceiling window, hands shoved into his pockets as he gazed out at the city.
"Leo, you've been pacing for the last ten minutes," Sophia said without looking up. "Care to share what's on your mind?"
Leo turned to her, his expression sharp. "They've left."
Sophia arched a brow. "Who's 'they'?"
"Quinn and Michael," Leo said, his tone clipped. "They've headed back to the U.S. last night."
Sophia set her phone down, her smirk faint but amused. "Ah. I see. And now you're annoyed because you didn't see this coming?"
Leo's jaw tightened. "This isn't about being annoyed, Sophia. This is about control. Quinn thinks she can run off and strategize against me while I sit here and do nothing."
Sophia let out a soft chuckle. "You sound more worked up than usual, Leo. Don't tell me this little cat-and-mouse game is getting to you."
Leo glared at her, his voice low but firm. "This isn't a game. Michael Lennox is trying to undermine me, and Quinn is foolish enough to think he's on her side. I'm not going to let either of them win."
Sophia picked up her glass of wine, swirling it lazily. "Well, if they've gone back to the States, it only makes sense for us to head back too, doesn't it?"
Leo nodded curtly. "We're leaving tonight. I've already arranged for the jet."
Sophia leaned forward, setting her glass on the coffee table. "Fine by me. But don't think I'm flying all the way back just to sit on the sidelines while you wage your little war. I want in, Leo."
"You're already in, Sophia," Leo said, his voice steady. "You're a director at Langston Group and one of our top shareholders. That makes you a critical piece in all of this."
Sophia's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good. Because if we're going to take down Michael and put Quinn back in her place, I intend to enjoy every second of it."
Leo grabbed his jacket from the back of a chair. "Get ready. We've got a long day ahead of us once we land."
Sophia stood, smoothing the fabric of her tailored blazer. "Always ready, Leo. Let's go remind everyone why the Langston name carries weight."
The Langston Group private jet touched down at JFK Airport in the early hours of the morning. Leo and Sophia descended the steps, both looking as sharp and composed as ever despite the long flight.
"Where to first?" Sophia asked as they climbed into the waiting black SUV.
"The office," Leo replied without hesitation. "There's no time to waste."
Sophia smirked, settling into her seat. "I hope you're prepared for a fight. Quinn's no pushover, and Michael isn't either."
Leo's eyes darkened. "They won't win. They're playing on my turf now."
The SUV sped off, weaving through the quiet early morning streets of Manhattan. While Sophia mentally planned her next moves, Leo stared out the window, his mind racing with strategies.
Quinn woke up to the sound of her alarm, the faint light of dawn creeping through her curtains. She stretched before stepping into the en suite bathroom, where she took a quick but refreshing shower.
Dressing in a tailored white blouse and a beige pencil skirt, she paired her outfit with nude heels and minimal jewelry. She wanted to exude professionalism and confidence—traits she knew she needed to display more than ever with everything happening.
She made her way downstairs to the dining room, where the maids had already prepared breakfast. She sat down and ate quickly, her mind focused on the tasks ahead.
By 8 a.m., she was ready. Her guards opened the car door for her, and she slid into the backseat, her laptop and notes in hand. The convoy of vehicles moved smoothly through the city streets toward Quinn's Group headquarters.
As Quinn stepped out of the car, the sleek glass facade of Quinn's Group towered above her. Workers entering the building greeted her with polite nods, their respect evident.
Inside, Mia was already waiting for her at the entrance, holding her ever-present tablet.
"Good morning, ma'am," Mia said with a small smile.
"Good morning, Mia," Quinn replied warmly.
As they walked together toward the elevators, a few other employees greeted Quinn with professional enthusiasm. She returned their greetings before stepping into the elevator, accompanied by Mia, a few key staff members, and her bodyguards.
Once they reached her office floor, Quinn paused before entering. "Mia, I need you to inform Mr. Anders to prepare a meeting with the department heads—key sales staff, marketing leads, logistics heads, and the customer relations lead. I want to discuss our plans for the fashion show, product launches, and store events."
"Understood, ma'am," Mia said, making a note on her tablet. "I'll head to Quinn's Mall now and ensure everything is set."
Quinn nodded. "Thank you. Keep me updated."
Mia left promptly, and Quinn entered her office to prepare for the meeting.
Fifteen minutes later, Quinn entered the conference room, where a group of department heads and team leads had gathered. As soon as she stepped inside, everyone stood, greeting her in unison.
"Good morning, Mrs. Langston," they said.
Quinn gave them a polite nod. "Good morning, everyone. Please, have a seat."
Once they were seated, she moved to the head of the table, her posture confident and poised.
"Let's get straight to business," she began, her tone steady. "In our last discussion, we talked about several key initiatives—specifically the fashion show, product launches, and store events. I'd like to hear updates on these and your thoughts on how we can make them even more impactful."
Mr. Anders, the branch manager, spoke first. "Regarding the fashion show, ma'am, we've secured potential venues and begun initial outreach to sponsors. However, we'll need to finalize the guest list and confirm participation from designers."
Quinn nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Let's prioritize high-profile designers and ensure the guest list includes influential figures in fashion and media. This show isn't just about showcasing our products—it's about solidifying our presence in the industry."
The marketing lead chimed in next. "For the product launches, we've been coordinating with the design team to develop a promotional campaign. We're focusing on digital platforms, influencer partnerships, and targeted ads to maximize reach."
"I like the direction," Quinn said. "But let's also include in-store events to create a more personal connection with our customers. People remember experiences."
The logistics head added, "We're streamlining supply chain operations to ensure we can handle the increased demand expected from the launches."
"Excellent," Quinn said. "Keep me updated on any potential delays or bottlenecks."
Finally, the customer relations lead spoke up. "We've gathered customer feedback from our recent surveys. Many customers have expressed interest in exclusive membership programs and early access to new collections."
Quinn's eyes lit up. "That's a fantastic idea. Let's explore creating a loyalty program—something that rewards our customers and makes them feel valued."
The room buzzed with quiet excitement as everyone took notes.
Quinn smiled faintly. "Based on your input, I've decided that the fashion show will take place in three weeks, and it will run for four nights. Each night will have a unique theme to keep it fresh and exciting. Let's make it unforgettable."
The team nodded enthusiastically, and Quinn concluded the meeting by assigning specific tasks to each department.
"Thank you all for your hard work," she said as the meeting ended. "Let's make this happen."
Michael arrived at Quinn's Group headquarters just as the sun began to dip toward the horizon. His sleek black car pulled up in front of the glass building, and he stepped out, dressed sharply in a tailored dark gray suit. He glanced at his watch as he entered the building, walking briskly toward the reception desk.
The receptionist greeted him with a professional smile. "Good evening, Mr. Lennox. Mrs. Langston is currently in a meeting. Would you like to wait in the lounge?"
Michael hesitated, but then nodded. "Yes, thank you."
As he was escorted to the lounge, he couldn't help but feel a little impatient. He hadn't spoken to Quinn since they'd landed back in the States, and her cryptic message about having a "plan" had left him intrigued—and a little worried.
Michael settled into one of the plush armchairs in the lounge, checking his phone to keep up with updates from Xavier and Darren about the state of his company. The financial damage caused by Leo's interference was staggering, but the thought of fighting back kept him grounded.
Two hours later, Quinn finally stepped out of the conference room, looking both exhausted and determined. She exchanged a few final words with Mia and some of the department heads before making her way back to her office.
When she opened the door, she froze for a moment, surprised to see Michael sitting on the sofa. He looked up from his phone, his sharp blue eyes softening when they met hers.
"Michael," she said, closing the door behind her and offering him a faint smile. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
Michael stood, slipping his phone into his pocket. "No problem. I know how these things go." He followed her to her desk as she set down her laptop and notes.
Quinn gestured toward the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, sit."
Michael sat, leaning back slightly, his demeanor casual but attentive. "Alright, Quinn. You've had me waiting on pins and needles since your message. What's the plan? What do you need from me?"
Quinn glanced at the door to make sure it was shut before moving closer to him. She hesitated for a second, lowering her voice as she leaned in toward him. Then, she whispered something into his ear.
Michael's expression shifted from curiosity to shock as her words registered. He pulled back slightly, his brows furrowing. "Quinn, are you serious?"
"I'm sure," Quinn said firmly, her voice steady and unwavering. "It's the only way to turn the tables."
Michael leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked at her intently. "Quinn, if we do this, it's going to escalate things with Leo. Are you prepared for that?"
Quinn met his gaze, her chin lifting slightly in defiance. "I've spent years being under Leo's control, Michael. It's time I take that control back. If Leo wants a war, he'll get one."
Michael studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a slow breath and nodded. "Alright. If this is what you want, I'm in. But just know—this won't be easy."
"I'm not looking for easy," Quinn replied with a faint smile. "I'm looking for results."
They spent the next hour going over the details of her plan, discussing the risks and the potential fallout. Michael occasionally voiced his concerns, but Quinn's resolve never wavered. By the time he stood to leave, the tension in the room had eased slightly, replaced by a mutual understanding.
"Quinn," Michael said as he reached the door, his voice softer now. "Whatever happens, you have my support. Always."
Quinn smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "Thank you, Michael. That means more than you know."
With that, Michael left, and Quinn sat back in her chair, letting out a deep breath. She glanced at the clock, realizing it was much later than she'd thought. Gathering her things, she prepared to head home.
It was nearly midnight when Quinn arrived at the Langston mansion. The house was quiet, the lights in the grand foyer dimmed. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor as she made her way inside, her guards following a respectful distance behind.
Maria, the head maid, greeted her near the staircase. "Welcome home, ma'am."
"Thank you, Maria," Quinn said with a faint smile.
She was about to ascend the staircase when she noticed Leo sitting in the living room, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looked up as soon as she entered, his dark eyes narrowing.
Quinn hesitated for a moment before deciding to ignore him. She turned and began walking toward the stairs.
"Quinn," Leo's voice called out sharply.
She froze, her shoulders tensing, but she didn't turn around.
"Quinn!" he called again, louder this time.
She sighed, turning slowly to face him. "What do you want, Leo?"
Leo stood, setting his glass down on the coffee table with a loud *clink*. He strode toward her, his expression stormy.
"Where were you?" he demanded.
Quinn arched an eyebrow, her voice calm but cold. "It's none of your business."
That response seemed to ignite something in him. He grabbed her arm roughly, pulling her closer.
Quinn winced in pain, her free hand instinctively moving to his chest to push him away. "Leo, you're hurting me!" she snapped.
But Leo didn't loosen his grip. Instead, he leaned in, his voice low and furious. "Were you with Michael? Huh? Were you out enjoying his company while you ignored your responsibilities as my wife?"
Quinn glared at him, her own anger flaring. "What I do and who I'm with is none of your concern. You lost the right to question me when you decided this marriage was nothing more than a business deal."
Leo's grip tightened, and his voice rose. "Listen carefully, Quinn. You are my wife. You bear the Langston name. That means you don't get to go around with other men, acting like you're free to do whatever you want. You're mine. Do you hear me? You're mine!"
Quinn's eyes burned with fury as she yanked her arm free from his grip. "Yours?!" she spat, her voice trembling with rage. "You only remember I'm your wife when it suits you. You've done nothing but push me away, Leo. You don't get to act possessive now."
For a moment, they stood inches apart, the air between them crackling with tension.
Finally, Leo stepped back, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "Remember this, Quinn," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You're my wife. And I won't tolerate being humiliated by you or anyone else."
Without waiting for her response, he turned and stalked upstairs, leaving her standing in the middle of the foyer, her chest heaving with anger and hurt.
Quinn stared after him, her mind racing. But instead of breaking down, she squared her shoulders, her resolve hardening.
"Two can play this game, Leo," she whispered to herself before heading upstairs to her room.