"Who the Hell Are You?"

After we hashed out the details, we planned to head back immediately, but we were completely drained. We decided to crash for the night instead. Noah Mitchell booked us the best suite in Springfield. It wasn’t exactly up to the standards of the ones in the capital, but it was clean and comfortable. After a day of travel, we were exhausted and fell asleep the moment our heads hit the pillows.

The next day, Noah drove us to Northport. Having learned our lesson from the last trip, we were smart enough to take motion sickness pills ahead of time, so the ride was much easier. We caught a one o'clock flight and finally started our journey home.

The last two days felt like a fever dream. Sometimes, you just have to dive into things head-first without overthinking. That’s life—do what you want, and leave no regrets!

The next two months were a whirlwind. We were slammed, working ourselves to the bone. From the office renovations and purchasing supplies to setting up the infrastructure, we had to be involved in every single detail. Finally, after two months, the place began to take shape. Watching the company we’d built from the ground up, we felt a surge of adrenaline and limitless drive. It seemed like the future we’d been dreaming of wasn’t just a fantasy after all.

One day, Remi handed Evangeline a card. "Here, there's eighty thousand dollars on this."

Evangeline looked at her, speechless. "Remi, I have money!"

"I know you have money, but I want to contribute, too."

Seeing Remi’s determined expression, Evangeline didn't refuse. The overhead costs would be heavy, and every cent would count.

"From now on, this is our first-born baby. We have to run it together!"

"Deal!"

And just like that, our little company was born, with our first flagship location housed right in the original studio. Remi and Evangeline unanimously voted to appoint Noah as the CEO.

"No way! I haven't put anything into this," Noah protested.

"Look, big guy, you put your brains into this, and that’s the most valuable asset we’ve got," Remi said, patting his shoulder.

After working together for two months, the three of us were close enough that we didn't need to stand on ceremony.

"Exactly," Evangeline added. "A strong manager is the only way this company grows. Remi and I don’t have a clue about the technical side—you’re the only one who can handle it."

"Don’t be modest. We’re all getting paid, so stop being so formal."

"Alright, fine."

"Tomorrow we officially move into the new office building, so tonight, we’re hitting the town! We aren't going home until we're drunk!"

"Let’s do it!"

The whole team headed to The Neon Lounge and grabbed a massive private booth. Everyone from the studio was there.

Jemma Riley was the first to raise her glass. "To the launch of QX! Here’s to eating steak and living the high life with our two bosses! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Everyone drank in high spirits, feeling unstoppable.

The two men who had been waiting in the booth next door were itching for the party to end. They hadn't seen their women in nearly three months—god help anyone who tries to keep a woman who refuses to come home. They sat there like pathetic, abandoned puppies, waiting until two in the morning for the party to wrap up.

Once the crowd cleared out, they stormed into the booth. The two girls were slumped on the couch, buzzed and disoriented, with Noah sitting stiffly beside them.

Marcellus and Damian strode over to their respective women, ready to whisk them away.

Noah stood up, glaring at them. "Who are you two? What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Evangeline blinked, struggling to focus her eyes. When she realized who it was, she giggled at Noah. "Senior, let me introduce you… this is my hubby!"

Marcellus shot Noah a sidelong glance, then scooped Evangeline into his arms, his body language making it clear exactly who she belonged to.

Noah looked confused; he’d been working with Evangeline for three months and hadn't heard a single whisper about her being married. He turned his attention to Damian. "And who are you?"

Damian raised an eyebrow, looking smug. "Now, can we take them home?"

"Naturally."

The two men carried their women out to their cars.

Nestled in Marcellus's arms, Evangeline draped her arms around his waist and cooed, "Marcellus, I missed you so much~"

"Still had time to think of me, huh?" Knowing how hard she’d been working, his heart softened; he couldn't bring himself to be angry.

"Of course! The moment I was free, you were the first thing on my mind!"

"Such a good girl." Marcellus reached out to stroke her flushed cheeks. He had missed the feeling of her skin so much.

Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps just sheer exhaustion, but she tucked herself against his chest and drifted off to sleep. Marcellus held her closer, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her hair.

Meanwhile, Remi, who couldn't hold her liquor, was a handful. She chattered incessantly the entire car ride. Damian just watched the animated girl with a burning gaze. Remi eventually noticed his intensity and fell silent, meeting his eyes.

The atmosphere shifted instantly, turning heavy and electric. Her face was flushed, and her eyes, wide and innocent like a fawn’s, stayed locked on his. Damian felt his mouth go dry. He couldn't resist, leaning in to kiss those bright, sparkling eyes.

"Remi, you're so beautiful~"

Encouraged by the compliment, Remi squirmed like a shy child. That single movement almost killed him, hitting the softest, most vulnerable spot in his heart.

As soon as they reached the apartment, he couldn't wait any longer. Their lips collided, the kiss hungry and desperate, releasing three months of pent-up longing. The taste of alcohol lingered between them, making Remi’s head spin even more, her legs feeling like jelly.

Damian scooped the limp, breathless woman into his arms and strode toward the bedroom. The kiss deepened, long and heated, until he couldn't take the friction anymore. He asked in a pained, shaky voice, "Remi, can I?"

Remi opened her eyes, reflecting the same hunger she saw in his. She didn't fight her own heart; she gave a tiny, subtle nod.

The moment he got the green light, he moved with the intensity of a beast finally breaking free from its cage.

The previous months of hard work had set a biological clock in Remi. By six in the morning, she was awake with the first light of dawn. But why did her head hurt? Why did her body ache? And... *there*... that hurt too!

She propped herself up, rubbing her temples as a series of R-rated memories flooded back. She peeked at the man sleeping soundly beside her, flushing bright red. *Well... he didn't look much better.* The fresh scratch marks on his back were a testament to how wild the night had been.

Feeling her shift, Damian mumbled, his voice raspy, "Why are you up?"

"The ribbon-cutting ceremony is at eight. I have to go." She groaned, holding her waist as she forced herself out of bed.

Damian apologized, his voice thick with guilt. "I'm sorry, Remi." He pulled her back, massaging the small of her back. Being a doctor, he knew exactly which pressure points to hit; the soreness began to dissipate almost immediately.

Remi stretched, feeling the relief, and grinned. "Not bad, masseur. I’ll hire you again next time!"

Damian gave her a playful swat on the butt. "You brat!"

"Okay, I really have to run." She scrambled out of bed, but stopped dead in her tracks halfway to the bathroom.

"What's wrong?"

Remi turned back, looking miserable. "I don’t have anything to wear."

Damian reached over and popped open the closet door, tilting his chin toward it with a look that begged for praise.

"Whoa—where did all these women’s clothes come from?"

"Ever since you left last time, I’ve been stocking up on... everything."

Remi sprinted into the bathroom, discovering a full set of toiletries and makeup waiting for her.

"Damian, you're actually decent~"

"Damn right I am!" Damian puffed his chest out, looking like he was ready to fly.

Time was short. They rushed through their morning routines and sprinted to the company. Everyone was already there, waiting for the auspicious hour.

Remi and Noah stood on either side, gripping the red silk ribbon. The host’s booming voice filled the air.

"May this opening lead to prosperity! May business flourish, friends gather, and success follow every endeavor. With unity in our hearts, we step into a bright future. Congratulations on the grand opening of QX! May your success be limitless and your wealth abundant!"

As the final words echoed, Evangeline snipped the ribbon. Confetti cannons blasted, and the crowd erupted into applause.

Evangeline’s parents stood nearby, eyes wet with tears, watching their daughter with nothing but pride. The air was thick with the warmth of friends and family, and the future had never looked brighter.

[{"zh": "QX", "en": "QX", "type": "Brand"}]