A Step To Remind them Who's in charge

Leo left the hospital in a storm of emotions, his jaw clenched and his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he drove to his hotel. His confrontation with Quinn had left him simmering with frustration, and he couldn't shake the image of Michael sitting beside her in her hospital room. 

As he pulled into the valet of his luxury hotel, he reached for his phone and dialed Sophia. 

"Leo," Sophia's smooth voice answered after a few rings, laced with her usual teasing tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this late-night call?" 

"I need a drink," Leo said curtly. "Meet me at the hotel bar. Now." 

Sophia chuckled, clearly amused by his tone. "Demanding, as always. Should I be flattered or concerned?" 

"Just get here, Sophia," Leo snapped, ending the call. 

Sophia smirked on her end, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. She reapplied her lipstick, grabbed her purse, and made her way to the bar. 

The hotel bar exuded sophistication, with its dim lighting, sleek leather seating, and a glowing display of top-shelf liquor behind the counter. Leo sat at a corner table, nursing a glass of whiskey. His tie was loosened, and his expression was a mix of anger and something he refused to name. 

Sophia arrived moments later, dressed in a fitted black dress that exuded elegance and allure. She spotted Leo immediately and approached with a teasing smile. 

"Now, now," she said as she slid into the seat across from him. "What's got Mr. Langston looking so stormy tonight?" 

Leo barely glanced at her, gesturing to the waiter. "A martini for her." 

Sophia arched an eyebrow. "Not even a hello? You're in a mood." 

Leo finally looked at her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Quinn." 

Sophia's smile faltered slightly before she recovered, her tone turning curious. "What about her? I thought you two were living in your usual separate worlds." 

"She's been spending time with Michael Lennox," Leo said, the name practically a growl. 

Sophia tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "Ah, the infamous Michael Lennox. Charming, successful, and, dare I say, easy on the eyes." 

Leo's jaw tightened, his grip on his glass firm. "This isn't a joke, Sophia." 

Sophia leaned back, crossing her legs gracefully. "So, what's the problem? Is it jealousy I hear in your voice?" 

Leo's glare was immediate. "No. It's not jealousy." 

Sophia chuckled softly. "Oh, really? Then why are you so worked up over her spending time with Michael? Isn't this what you wanted? An open marriage?" 

Leo scowled. "I don't care about their so-called friendship. But I'll be damned if I let them flirt with each other under my nose." 

Sophia's smirk deepened. "Ah, I see now. It's about control, isn't it? You don't like the idea of someone else encroaching on what's 'yours.'" 

"She's still my wife," Leo said coldly. "And Michael Lennox has no business trying to play the hero in her life." 

Sophia swirled her martini glass, watching him intently. "So, what's your plan, Leo? You're clearly not here just to complain." 

Leo leaned forward, his tone calculating. "If Michael and Quinn think they can one-up me, they're wrong. I've already taken the first step to remind them who's in charge." 

Sophia raised an intrigued eyebrow. "And what step is that?" 

Leo allowed himself a small, self-satisfied smile. "I made sure their next partnership deal fell through. The businessman they were planning to work with? He's now partnered with Langston Group." 

Sophia's laugh was low and melodic. "You're ruthless, Leo. I love it." 

"It's not about love, Sophia," Leo replied sharply. "It's about ensuring no one undermines me. Not Quinn. Not Michael." 

Sophia sipped her martini, her eyes gleaming. "Well, then. Here's to your victory." 

They clinked glasses, a silent toast to Leo's scheming.

The sun streamed through the windows of Quinn's suite at the Ritz-Carlton in Sydney. She was sitting at the dining table, scrolling through her phone, while Michael entered, freshly showered and dressed in a crisp navy blazer. 

"Morning," he said, grabbing a croissant from the breakfast spread. 

"Morning," Quinn replied with a small smile. "Michael, remember the businessman you said you'd introduce me to? I'd like to move forward with that." 

Michael paused mid-bite, nodding. "Right. His name's Richard Evans. He's the CEO of Apex Global Logistics. They're one of the largest shipping and logistics companies in the region." 

Quinn's eyes lit up. "Perfect. Can we set up a meeting with him?" 

Michael pulled out his phone and dialed his secretary, Daniel. "Hey, Daniel. I need you to set up a meeting with Richard Evans for today. Yes, for Quinn Langston. Thank you." 

After ending the call, he turned back to Quinn. "It's done. Daniel will confirm the time shortly." 

"Thank you, Michael," Quinn said sincerely. 

Michael grinned. "Anything for you, Quinn. Now, let's eat before the day runs away from us." 

Unbeknownst to Quinn and Michael, Leo had already contacted Richard Evans days before and secured a meeting. Richard was a tall, middle-aged man with graying hair and a sharp mind for business. 

In the Apex Global Logistics boardroom, Leo extended a hand to Richard as they concluded their discussion. 

"I'm confident this partnership will benefit both of us," Leo said smoothly. 

Richard smiled. "I agree. Langston Group's reputation precedes it. We're looking forward to working together." 

Leo smirked. "And I'm looking forward to ensuring you make the most out of this collaboration." 

Quinn and Michael arrived at Apex Global Logistics later that afternoon, Mia in tow with neatly organized folders and presentation materials. 

Richard greeted them politely but maintained a professional distance. 

The meeting began with Quinn presenting her proposal. Her delivery was polished and confident, outlining how her company could improve Apex Global's shipping efficiency and reduce costs by 20%. 

When she finished, Richard smiled apologetically. "Mrs. Langston, I have to say your proposal is impressive. However, I regret to inform you that we've already partnered with Langston Group for our shipping needs." 

Quinn's expression faltered, but she quickly recovered. "I understand, Mr. Evans. But I believe our approach offers unique advantages that Langston Group cannot provide." 

Richard nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate your confidence, Mrs. Langston. I'll keep your company in mind for future opportunities." 

Quinn wasn't ready to give up. "We're hosting a major fashion show and logistics showcase in a few months. I'd like to personally invite you to attend as my guest. It'll give you a better understanding of how we operate." 

Richard smiled. "I'd be happy to attend. Thank you for the invitation." 

As they left the meeting, Quinn's frustration was evident. 

"Langston Group," she muttered under her breath. "I should've known." 

Michael placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't let it get to you, Quinn. You handled it like a pro." 

Quinn sighed. "I'm not giving up. If Richard attends the event, we still have a shot." 

Michael grinned. "That's the Quinn Langston I know." 

Back at Leo's hotel suite, he and Sophia toasted their successful deal with Richard Evans. Sophia, ever the opportunist, snapped a photo of them clinking glasses and posted it online with the caption: 

"Power moves only. #BusinessPartners" 

As the photo began circulating, it was only a matter of time before Quinn saw it—fueling the fire for what was to come.