Quinn spotted two familiar figures approaching her booth with purposeful strides: Jared and Liam.
The moment Quinn recognized them, her eyebrows furrowed dangerously.
Nearby, Alex felt his stomach drop like a stone. He'd been fantasizing about playing the heroic knight for Quinn earlier, imagining scenarios where he could win her admiration through brave actions.
But now? Now he stood frozen like prey caught in headlights.
People are like that sometimes—courageous in daydreams, cowards when reality strikes.
The expressions on Jared and Liam's faces only deepened the mystery. Both men wore polite, almost obsequious smiles that seemed completely out of character.
Liam spoke first, his tone carrying an unusual respect that made Quinn's skin crawl with suspicion.
"Miss Quinn, I must confess that earlier I was... shall we say, completely out of line. I owe you the most sincere apology, and I genuinely hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. To demonstrate our sincerity, we'd like to upgrade your booth to a five-thousand-square-foot premium location. Completely complimentary, of course."
Jared quickly joined in.
"Miss Quinn, I can be an absolute jackass sometimes—I'm fully aware of that character flaw. If you're still harboring anger, feel free to kick me to release some stress. Seriously. Though I'd hate for you to injure your foot on my thick skull, so perhaps Liam here could absorb the punishment for both our transgressions."
Before anyone could process this bizarre offer, Jared turned and delivered two solid kicks to Liam's shins with theatrical precision.
Liam winced visibly but remained silent, gritting his teeth as though they had rehearsed this entire performance beforehand.
And they probably had. A few bruises were negligible if it helped repair potentially career-ending damage.
Quinn and Alex stared in complete bewilderment.
Just moments ago, these men had been arrogant power-players throwing their weight around. Now they resembled humble servants offering tribute to appease an offended deity.
What could possibly cause such a dramatic transformation?
Quinn's thoughts drifted momentarily toward Jason, but she dismissed the connection. No way. That doesn't make sense.
They'd been polite to Jason earlier, certainly, but this level of groveling seemed excessive for mere courtesy.
Quinn remained silent, studying them with calculating eyes.
The longer she said nothing, the more visibly nervous Jared and Liam became. Finally, Liam gave Jared a subtle signal. Jared nodded understanding—and promptly kicked Liam again for good measure.
Quinn's frown deepened with irritation.
"Alright, enough of this ridiculous theater. I don't know what game you two are playing, but it's not amusing."
The two men exchanged meaningful glances. Perhaps she didn't understand whose reputation they were protecting.
After a tense pause, Liam confessed with obvious reluctance:
"Miss Quinn... this was actually at Mr. Jason's request. He specifically asked us to apologize to you personally. We simply wanted to demonstrate genuine sincerity. And perhaps... maybe you could put in a favorable word for us with him?"
Quinn blinked in genuine surprise. Jason?
No way. Does he really wield that kind of influence?
Alex felt equally thunderstruck. Just how much power does Jason actually possess?
To verify this unexpected revelation, Quinn quickly sent Jason a text message.
Quinn:Did you tell Jared and Liam to apologize to me?
Jason:They suddenly apologized to me first. I told them if they truly meant it, they should apologize to you as well.
Quinn:They're even offering me the five-thousand-square-foot center booth for free. Is it acceptable if I take it?
Jason:Sounds like they're genuinely serious about making amends. I don't see any problem with that.
Quinn:Are they... actually scared of you or something?
Jason:Scared? Hardly. Maybe they just looked in the mirror, realized how devastatingly charming I am, and decided to develop a conscience.
Quinn couldn't suppress a soft laugh despite herself.
Quinn:You really can compliment yourself that efficiently, can't you? But seriously... what exactly did you do to make them treat you this way?
Jason:Honestly? No idea. Maybe you should ask them directly.
Quinn glanced at Jared and Liam again but chose not to pursue the question. If Jason wasn't elaborating, there was probably significantly more to this story than any of them were willing to admit.
Jason had just finished his conversation with Quinn when Jared and Liam arrived at his location. They noticed Quinn smiling at her phone, clearly engaged in texting with Jason, and decided to wait respectfully rather than interrupt the exchange.
After Quinn completed her messaging, Josh stepped forward deferentially.
"Miss Quinn, the premium booth space is fully prepared. Would you prefer to relocate immediately?"
Quinn nodded, her tone deliberately cool and distant. Josh's earlier arrogance had left an unpleasant impression, so she felt no compulsion to make his current situation comfortable.
Besides, with Jason's apparent backing, she had nothing to worry about. These two clearly had no desire to offend him.
Soon, Jared and Liam were personally supervising Quinn's booth relocation from its obscure corner position to the premium center location. Almost instantly, foot traffic around her display doubled, then tripled—people who had barely acknowledged her existence before now stopped to observe with genuine interest.
Not long ago, Josh had been the one treating her dismissively. Now he was humbly arranging everything like a dedicated personal assistant.
The dramatic reversal put Quinn in an exceptionally good mood. The feeling of wielding that kind of influence... it's intoxicating.
[System Notification]
Quinn: Favorability +15
Meanwhile, across the exhibition hall, Alex observed everything unfolding with growing despair. His own modest booth remained abandoned in its corner location, empty and thoroughly ignored.
As Quinn's display commanded attention across the entire show floor, Alex felt waves of loneliness crashing over him like a relentless tide.
The distance between him and Quinn wasn't just expanding—it was becoming an unbridgeable canyon.
And the reason was crystal clear: Jason.
Alex couldn't even summon the courage to attempt competition.
Once Quinn's booth was properly established, Jared and Liam hurried back to Jason's position. When they witnessed his approving nod, both men finally exhaled in relief.
Just then, a distinguished middle-aged man with a receding hairline approached confidently. His impeccably tailored suit radiated wealth, and his bearing suggested someone accustomed to receiving immediate respect.
"Mr. Jason, pleasure to meet you," the man said with warm professionalism. "Name's Lucas. I witnessed you acquiring not one but two exceptional vehicles today. I'll admit, it made me quite envious. I operate the Regal Motors Club—I'm wondering if you might be interested in joining our organization?"
Anyone familiar with the name would immediately understand: this wasn't some ordinary automotive enthusiast group.
These exclusive clubs served as gathering places for legitimate power players. Business moguls, investment titans, real estate magnates—individuals who utilized limited-edition vehicles as both hobby and status symbol.
Some people even purchased expensive automobiles solely to gain access to these influential circles.
Jared quietly provided context: "This is Mr. Lucas. Major real estate developer. Drives a customized Maybach. Significant player in the local business community."
Jason responded casually, "Is there a membership fee involved? And do members gain access to limited-edition models?"
Lucas chuckled with genuine amusement. "For ordinary applicants, certainly there are fees. But for someone of your caliber? No charge whatsoever. And yes—limited editions, early releases, exclusive previews... whatever you desire. Our members share information and provide mutual assistance."
What Lucas didn't voice was obvious: most people joined to exploit the network connections. Jason himself would become part of that valuable network.
Jason smiled approvingly. "Count me in, then."
Lucas immediately added Jason to his WhatsApp contacts, then invited him into the Regal Motors Club group chat.
As the group administrator, Lucas posted a welcome announcement:
Lucas:Everyone, please extend a warm welcome to Jason, proud new owner of two magnificent luxury vehicles. Trust me—this gentleman is someone you definitely want to know.
The respectful tone immediately captured everyone's attention within the exclusive group.
"Whoa, who is this Jason guy?"
"Lucas never communicates like this unless dealing with serious VIP status."
"If he's genuinely impressed, this person must possess substantial wealth."
Meanwhile, both Alex and Quinn received the same group notification simultaneously.
The Regal Motors Club maintained notoriously exclusive membership standards. Alex and Quinn had only gained access through personal connections—and even then, they remained small fish swimming among apex predators.
Witnessing Lucas's announcement left them both absolutely stunned.
Lucas, the same man who barely acknowledged most new members, was personally welcoming Jason with that level of reverence?
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