An Unexpected Companion

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Quinn stirred awake, her mind immediately alert. She stretched slightly and rose from bed, the anticipation of her journey sparking a sense of purpose. 

After a refreshing shower, she stood before her wardrobe, carefully selecting her outfit for the day. She chose a short, off-shoulder blue gown that hugged her figure elegantly and paired it with sleek black heels and a matching handbag. Her makeup was light but polished, and she left her hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders. Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her phone and descended the grand staircase. 

In the dining room, Quinn's breakfast was already set: a simple spread of fruit, toast, and coffee. She ate quickly, her mind already on the tasks ahead. 

As she sipped her coffee, she called Mia, her efficient secretary. 

"Good morning, Mia," Quinn said, her tone brisk. "Is everything ready for the trip?" 

"Yes, ma'am," Mia replied confidently. "Your flight is confirmed, documents are in order, and I'll be waiting for you at the airport." 

"Good. Meet me there in twenty minutes," Quinn instructed before hanging up. 

Quinn finished her coffee, placed her napkin neatly on the table, and stood. Her bodyguards were already waiting at the front entrance, and one of them opened the door for her as she stepped out. 

"Good morning, ma'am," the lead guard greeted. 

"Good morning," Quinn replied with a small nod. 

Her driver stood by the car, holding the door open. As she settled into the back seat, he turned to her. "Where to, ma'am?" 

"The airport," Quinn said simply, glancing at her phone as the car smoothly pulled out of the driveway. 

Minutes later, they arrived at the private terminal of the airport. The sleek architecture of the terminal gleamed in the sunlight, a reminder of the luxury she had grown accustomed to but rarely appreciated anymore. 

Mia stood waiting just outside the entrance, her usual calm demeanor intact. As Quinn's car pulled up, her bodyguard opened the door, extending a hand to help her out. 

"Good morning, ma'am," Mia greeted, her tablet in hand. 

"Good morning, Mia. Let's move quickly," Quinn replied as the bodyguards retrieved her luggage and carried it toward the boarding gate. 

Quinn and Mia walked side by side through the terminal, discussing last-minute details. 

"Have you confirmed the agenda with Elena's team in Sydney?" Quinn asked. 

"Yes, ma'am. The first meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The rest of the itinerary is in your email," Mia said efficiently. 

Quinn nodded in approval, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors. As they neared the boarding area, Quinn pulled out her phone and composed a quick message to Leo. 

Quinn: "I'm off for a business trip."

She stared at the screen for a moment before turning off her phone and slipping it into her bag. 

Just as she was about to step onto the plane, she heard someone calling her name. 

"Quinn!" 

She froze, her brows knitting in confusion, and turned to see Michael Lennox jogging toward her, a wide smile on his face. His bodyguards trailed behind, dragging his luggage. 

Michael caught up with her, slightly out of breath but still grinning. "You look surprised," he said, his tone teasing. 

"Michael?" Quinn's voice was laced with confusion. "What are you doing here? Are you going on a business trip too?" 

"Nope," Michael replied casually, brushing off his jacket. "I figured you'd need some help, so I decided to tag along." 

Quinn blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "You... decided to come with me?" 

"Exactly," Michael said, his grin widening. "I mean, who else is going to keep you company on a long flight and make sure you don't overthink everything during your meetings?" 

Quinn's chest tightened slightly, an unexpected wave of emotion washing over her. She glanced at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "I don't know what to say. Thank you, Michael. Really." 

Michael shrugged. "What are friends for?" 

They stood there for a moment, the hum of the terminal around them, before Mia gently reminded them, "Ma'am, we need to board now." 

"Right," Quinn said, snapping back to the present. "Let's go." 

The private jet was a testament to modern luxury, with plush leather seats, polished wood accents, and soft lighting. Quinn settled into her seat by the window, while Michael took the one beside her. 

As the plane began to taxi, Michael leaned back, stretching his legs. "You know, this is much nicer than commercial flights. I could get used to this." 

Quinn chuckled softly. "It has its perks." 

"Speaking of perks," Michael said, turning to face her, "what's the plan when we land? Are you going straight into meetings, or do we have some time to explore Sydney?" 

Quinn raised an eyebrow. "*We*?" 

"Of course," Michael said with mock indignation. "You didn't think I came all this way just to sit around, did you?" 

Quinn laughed despite herself. "The first meeting is tomorrow morning, so I suppose we have some time today. But don't think I'll be your tour guide." 

Michael smirked. "That's fine. I'll handle the sightseeing. You can just follow along." 

They lapsed into a comfortable silence as the plane ascended into the clouds. Michael glanced at her and asked, "So, how are you really feeling about this trip? Nervous?" 

Quinn hesitated for a moment before replying. "Not nervous, exactly. Just... focused. This deal is important, and I want everything to go perfectly." 

"It will," Michael said with quiet confidence. "If anyone can pull it off, it's you." 

Quinn looked at him, touched by his unwavering support. "Thanks, Michael. That means a lot." 

"Anytime," he said, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Wake me up when we land." 

Quinn smiled, shaking her head slightly. For the first time in weeks, she felt a sense of lightness she hadn't realized she'd been missing. 

The private jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac of Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport, the sunlight glinting off its polished surface. From her seat by the window, Quinn gazed at the sprawling cityscape in the distance. The iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge were faintly visible, their grandeur marking the beginning of her new opportunity. 

Michael, sitting beside her, leaned closer. "Welcome to Sydney," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Not bad for a first impression, huh?" 

Quinn smiled. "It's beautiful. Let's hope the rest of the trip goes just as smoothly." 

As the plane came to a stop, Mia stood from her seat across the aisle, gathering her things with practiced efficiency. Michael's secretary, Darren, did the same, already reviewing notes on his tablet. 

"We're all set to disembark," Mia informed Quinn. 

"Good," Quinn replied, smoothing her hair and standing. "Let's make this trip count." 

At the private terminal, the airport staff greeted them warmly, and their luggage was promptly unloaded by bodyguards. Darren double-checked the itinerary on his phone, while Mia coordinated with the hotel concierge via a quick phone call. 

Once their cars arrived, the group piled in: Quinn and Michael sat in the first car, while Mia, Darren, and the bodyguards followed in the second. 

The drive to The Ritz-Carlton was scenic, with palm trees lining the streets and the sparkling harbor occasionally peeking through gaps in the skyline. 

"This is already shaping up to be one of the better business trips I've been on," Michael said, looking out the window. 

Quinn glanced at him, amused. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. But don't get too comfortable—there's still work to be done." 

Michael grinned. "Work? Who said anything about work? I'm here to support you, not stress myself out." 

Quinn rolled her eyes playfully. "Some support." 

The Ritz-Carlton's entrance was a vision of understated luxury. The concierge and staff welcomed them with practiced warmth, their every move designed to make guests feel at home. 

"Mrs. Langston, Mr. Lennox," the concierge greeted as they stepped inside. "Welcome to The Ritz-Carlton. We've prepared your suites on the top floor with panoramic views of the harbor." 

Michael raised an eyebrow at Quinn. "Top floor? You really know how to travel in style." 

Quinn smirked. "I don't settle for anything less." 

Mia and Darren handled the check-in process while Quinn and Michael admired the lobby's design: intricate chandeliers, marble floors, and modern art pieces that blended seamlessly into the sophisticated decoration. 

Their group was soon escorted to the elevators, where the hotel manager personally led them to their suites. 

Quinn's suite was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Sydney Harbor. A king-sized bed with crisp white linens dominated the room, and the attached living area featured plush seating and a sleek desk. 

As she unpacked, Mia knocked and entered. "Everything's in place for tomorrow, ma'am. I've confirmed the meeting time and sent over the itinerary." 

"Perfect," Quinn said, hanging her blazer in the wardrobe. "Thank you, Mia. Now, let's head down for dinner." 

Michael joined them in the restaurant shortly after, Darren trailing behind with his ever-present tablet. The restaurant, "Horizon's Edge," was a fine-dining masterpiece, with dim lighting that cast a golden glow over the elegantly set tables. 

"I could get used to this," Michael said as he settled into his chair. 

Quinn smirked. "You've said that twice now. You really need to expand your vocabulary." 

"I'll work on that," Michael replied, picking up the menu. "But only after I try whatever the chef recommends." 

They ordered a selection of local dishes, including grilled barramundi and kangaroo fillets, paired with Australian wines. The conversation over dinner was light but filled with laughter, a brief respite from the work awaiting them. 

Quinn woke early, dressed sharply in a white blazer and trousers, her makeup and hair immaculate. She joined Michael, Mia, and Darren in the conference room provided by the hotel for a final review of their presentation. 

"Let's run through it one more time," Quinn said, standing by the screen. "Mia, are the shipment logistics slides ready?" 

"Yes, ma'am," Mia replied, projecting the slides onto the screen. "I've updated them with the most recent data." 

Michael tapped his pen against the table. "I'll handle the market potential section. We need to make it clear how this partnership benefits their expansion goals." 

"Agreed," Quinn said. "And I'll lead with our cost-efficiency strategy. If we nail those two points, we'll have them." 

For the next hour, they practiced their delivery, fine-tuned the details, and anticipated potential questions. 

"Remember," Quinn said, glancing at Michael, "stick to the facts. No unnecessary theatrics." 

Michael grinned. "Facts are my specialty." 

The meeting was held at Global Trade Partners' sleek corporate office, a modern building with glass walls that offered sweeping views of the city. 

Elena Hayes, the director, greeted them warmly. "Mrs. Langston, Mr. Lennox—it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Please, come in." 

"Thank you for having us," Quinn replied, her tone confident yet gracious. 

They entered the boardroom, where a group of executives awaited. After introductions, Quinn began the presentation. 

"Thank you for this opportunity," she began, her voice steady and professional. "Our proposal focuses on cost-efficient logistics, streamlined operations, and long-term market expansion. Let me walk you through the details." 

Quinn explained their logistics plan in detail, using slides to highlight the reduced shipping costs and faster delivery timelines. Michael followed with insights into market growth, emphasizing how the partnership could help Global Trade Partners penetrate untapped regions. 

When they finished, Elena leaned back in her chair, smiling. "That was impressive. Your plan addresses every concern we had, and the potential for growth is undeniable. We're thrilled to move forward with this partnership." 

Quinn's heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Elena. We're excited to work together and make this a success." 

The group spent the next hour finalizing details, including shipment schedules and contract terms. 

Back at The Ritz-Carlton, the group gathered at the rooftop bar to celebrate. The view of the harbor at sunset was breathtaking, the city lights beginning to twinkle. 

Michael raised a glass of champagne. "To success—and to Quinn, for making it happen." 

Quinn laughed, clinking her glass against his. "To teamwork. I couldn't have done it without all of you." 

The evening was filled with laughter, lighthearted stories, and a sense of accomplishment that lingered long after the glasses were empty. 

Meanwhile, back at the Langston Group, Leo was buried in meetings and paperwork. Exhausted, he retreated to his private suite adjacent to his office, where he had a small bed and kitchenette. 

The next morning, he returned home for a brief break. As he entered, he asked the maid, "Where's Quinn?" 

The maid hesitated. "I'm not sure, sir. She packed some luggage yesterday and left. She hasn't returned." 

Leo frowned. "Packed luggage? Alright, thank you." 

He went to his room to shower, intending to call her afterward. As he dressed, he noticed her message from the day before: 

Quinn: "I'm off for a business trip." 

His jaw tightened as he dialed her number. The line rang, but she didn't answer. 

Back in Sydney, Quinn saw Leo's name flash on her phone. Her heart sank momentarily, but she powered off the device. 

"I'm not letting this ruin my mood," she murmured. 

Michael approached with a fresh drink in hand. "Everything alright?" 

Quinn smiled and took the glass. "It's perfect. Let's get back to celebrating."