Sean Quinn turned around. His gaze, as deep as the sea, flickered when he saw Stella Lockwood dressed in vibrant sportswear. He was astonished. 'How does this young woman know my schedule so perfectly?' It was as if she had a mole planted by his side. Where he was going, what time he would arrive—she knew everything, down to the last detail.
But he was certain their first formal interaction had been just yesterday at Orchid Vale Academy. For her to find him here today was too strange. Other than a few of his closest associates, no one knew he liked to work out here.
He watched coldly as the two sisters approached. Serena Lockwood was holding her phone, and it looked like she was filming.
His bodyguard, Philip Lefevre, immediately stepped in front of Stella Lockwood and said coldly, "I'm sorry, Miss. If you wish to see my employer, please make an appointment in advance. Anyone without an appointment is asked to leave. Thank you for your cooperation."
Sean Quinn turned his head away, acting as if he hadn't seen her.
But Stella Lockwood was not one to be so easily dissuaded. She gazed eagerly at Sean Quinn, who stood just a few steps away. He was wearing a black and white tracksuit that gave off a hint of youthful energy. He was typically a worldly and sophisticated man, accustomed to being inscrutable, so this was the first time she had ever seen him look so vibrant and young.
"Mr. Quinn, can you spare a moment to hear me out?" she called out, ignoring the bodyguard.
Sean Quinn ignored her.
Stella Lockwood continued to state her purpose in a loud voice. "Mr. Quinn, I'm here today on behalf of the production team for Me and the Big Boss to invite you to join the project.
"I know this is presumptuous, but the show's target audience is viewers aged sixteen to fifty. The Quinn Group already invests a significant amount in advertising each year. This time, if you agree to participate, Me and the Big Boss can help you cultivate a positive public image while also promoting your group's latest jewelry collection to a nationwide audience. For The Quinn Group, it's all upside and no downside…
"More importantly, once sales for this jewelry collection take off, you'll be guaranteed to win your bet with the head of Vertex Global. Then, you can secure the exclusive jewelry supply contract with Aridia… That way, you'll create another sales miracle this year, and it will become a celebrated success story in the business world…"
Stella Lockwood had always been timid and reserved, a woman of few words who avoided conflict whenever possible. But today, she not only revealed an articulate and sharp-witted side, but she also divulged matters that left Sean Quinn utterly shocked.
'The bet, the exclusive supply contract with Aridia… Other than the highest levels of company leadership, no one on the outside should know about these things. How could she, a woman who's only involved in the entertainment industry, know such confidential information?'
He found his gaze drawn to this newly articulate young woman. The timidity was gone from her expression. Her eyes now blazed with a determined light, making her seem so much more alive than the Stella Lockwood he had met before.
"I'm sorry, Miss Lockwood, please leave…" Philip Lefevre said, dutifully trying to usher her away.
Sean Quinn walked over and coolly scrutinized her, this woman who seemed to be growing more dazzling by the moment. He motioned for Philip Lefevre to stand down. "I know about Me and the Big Boss," he said slowly. "It's a decent project. But if I wanted a partner, I could easily find an A-list celebrity. Do you think you're qualified? Young lady, before you came here, did you stop to consider your own standing?"
Stella Lockwood's heart tightened at his question. He was right. If Sean Quinn really wanted to be on the show, all he had to do was say the word to any major star, and he could generate massive buzz. It would not only boost the show's ratings but also help promote The Quinn Group's products.
But no matter how he chose a partner, the choice would never fall to a low-tier starlet like her, Stella Lockwood.
'In fact, he could have been even more venomous. He could have just said it: *Stella Lockwood, who the hell do you think you are, wanting to share the stage with me? What a pipe dream.*'