Chapter 5 She says you don't deserve to!

Jacob and Quinn not getting along?

That was Tristan's first thought.

"Quinn, I really think Miss Lopez is a perfect fit as the featured guest for this year's gala. Her image and aura-"

Quinn interrupted, her tone cold and unyielding.

"If she doesn't follow the rules, then she's not a good fit."

Tristan froze mid-sentence, momentarily speechless.

The room grew awkwardly silent for a beat, beads of sweat forming on Tristan's forehead.

If there was a crack in the floor, he would've gladly crawled into it to escape.

Jacob broke the tension with an easy drawl.

"Tristan, just do as Quinn says."

Tristan stammered, "Uh, sure. Got it."

Quinn nodded slightly at Jacob. "Mr. Simmons, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Adjusting his posture, Jacob smirked faintly.

"Go ahead."

As soon as Quinn exited, Tristan exhaled deeply and wiped his brow.

"Mr. Simmons, what about Miss Lopez?"

Jacob leaned back, one leg casually crossed over the other, a cigarette dangling loosely from his lips.

"Isn't this a planning department issue? Why are you asking me?"

Tristan swallowed his words, utterly stuck.

Back in her office, Quinn's phone buzzed. She answered.

"Sawyer, what's up?"

Her best friend's lively voice came through.

"Where are you?"

"At work. Why?"

Sawyer let out a dramatic sigh.

"So... I heard your man cheated again?"

Sawyer continued, her tone dripping with mockery.

"Seriously, Quinn, his cheating rate is like southern crops-three harvests a year, no breaks in between."

Ignoring the jab, Quinn skimmed through the headlines, relieved to find no Simmons-related scandals.

"Weren't you out of town? You back already?"

"Just got back. Exhausted. I slept the whole day and still feel jet-lagged."

"Go back to sleep, then."

"Nah, I'm done sleeping. Let's go out tonight."

Quinn clicked her mouse idly. "Where?"

"DK. Drinks on me. Tonight, we're going hard."

Quinn chuckled.

"If you're buying, I'm worried you'll tell the bartender to water down the booze."

"Hey! Who do you take me for?" Sawyer shot back, mock indignant.

That evening, Quinn arrived at DK. As she parked her car and reached for the seatbelt, a loud bang startled her. The jolt pushed her forward slightly.

Before she could step out to inspect the damage, someone knocked on her car window.

Turning, she spotted Remi Lopez outside-sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a face twisted with fury.

Sighing, Quinn opened the door and stepped out.

Though Remi wore heels that gave her a boost, Quinn's natural height left her towering slightly over the actress.

"What gives you the right to replace me?" Remi snapped, her anger barely contained.

Quinn's expression remained calm as she looked down at her. "Miss Lopez, I know you have a problem with me, but let me make one thing clear-I never mix business with personal matters."

Remi's eyes blazed.

"So you're saying I do?"

Quinn's tone didn't waver.

"Based on your behavior, yes."

The tension between them crackled like static, neither willing to back down. Just then, a figure darted in, stepping protectively in front of Quinn.

"Back off," the man said firmly.

Quinn peered around him and recognized the familiar stance. "Owen?"

"Yeah."

Owen Kelly-Quinn's other best friend and her go-to male ally. He was dressed just as conspicuously as Remi, with a baseball cap, sunglasses, and even a black face mask.

Remi sneered.

"Oh, look who it is-Owen. Three years in showbiz and you're still nowhere near the top. I'd have packed it in by now if I were you."

Owen tugged his sunglasses down just enough to show his eyes, his tone mocking.

"Still better than you, Miss Lopez. At least I'm not chasing after a married man."

Remi's face turned crimson.

"What did you just say?"

"You heard me," Owen said, smirking as he started unzipping his jacket.

"Go ahead. Touch me. I'll scream harassment so loud, everyone will see the real you. The world's darling, huh? Let's see if you're an angel or a devil."

Every word dripped with mischief, and his grin only made it worse.

Remi was shaking with rage, her complexion shifting between red and pale. Finally, she jabbed a finger in Quinn's direction. "You'll pay for this. It's not over!"

Quinn stepped out from behind Owen, her hands casually tucked in her coat pockets. "You're right-it's not. The repair bill for my car is $10,000. Don't forget to transfer it over."

"Crazy!" Remi snapped before stomping off.

Quinn watched her leave, then turned to Owen.

"Why are you here so early? Where's Sawyer?"

Owen shivered dramatically, pulling his jacket tighter.

"On her way. That lazy bum's always the last to show up."

Quinn smirked.

"Look who's talking. You're here early for once."

"Watch your mouth," Owen grumbled, following her toward the entrance of DK.

"Does Jacob know how sharp your tongue is?"

Without missing a beat, Quinn shot back, "Why does he need to know? Does he deserve to?"

Unbeknownst to her, the "undeserving" Jacob stood not far behind, cigarette glowing faintly in the evening light.

A small group of his friends surrounded him, one of them laughing loudly.

"Jacob, did you hear that? She says you don't deserve to!"