They really weren't close.
According to her memories from a past life, she had only met Sean Quinn twice by the time she was twenty-one.
The first time was in an airport lounge. She had been bullied by an actress with more clout than her and had hidden in the restroom to cry. He happened to see her when she came out.
In front of the sinks, the strange man had insulted her out of the blue. "What a waste of that universally adored, pretty face. You're just an empty vase. If you cry this easily, you shouldn't be acting..."
The second time was on a show's set. She'd been pushed, gotten injured, and delayed the production schedule. But she endured the injustice of being blamed by the entire crew, never mentioning that someone had pushed her. He happened to be visiting a friend on set and saw her get hurt. He just stood to the side. It would have been one thing if he just didn't help, but he even sneered, "I've never seen anyone so stupid..."
Today was the third time.
"We... aren't... that close!" she replied, forcing a smile.
"Fine. Then tell me, where did you get my personal number?"
'Damn it. That was the one thing I was afraid he'd ask, and of course he did.'
"Uh, I... I had someone... look it up..." she answered, biting the bullet.
Sean Quinn's eyes darkened, turning incredibly dangerous—like a wolf that had been starving for days. His voice grew even colder as he sneered, "This is my personal number. Besides a handful of my closest friends, no outsiders know it. So, which one of my friends do you know who would dare give my personal number to a complete stranger...?"
'What? Is this number really that exclusive?'
'That's weird, then. In her past life, why would this man who couldn't stand the sight of her give her a number this private?'
"I... I can't explain..."
The truth was, no one in her social circle had any connection to Sean Quinn. It was unlikely that even the wife of her company's owner was qualified to have it. She couldn't keep up the lie.
"Morton, show her out..." Sean Quinn's expression soured as he picked up his teacup, ready to kick her out.
"Yes, sir..." Morton replied, then gestured to Stella Lockwood. "Miss Lockwood, please leave... Mr. Quinn doesn't speak with people who lack sincerity..."
Stella Lockwood took a deep breath. She was frantic, but she wasn't ready to give up. "Mr. Quinn, could you please look at my presentation first? I have a project called *Me and the Big Boss*, and I'm here to sincerely invite you to be my partner. You could use the show to promote the upcoming collection from Princess Eternal Jewelry, a subsidiary of The Quinn Group, and I could pass my company's performance evaluation..."
"Mr. Quinn, everyone has low points in their life. Right now, I'm at the lowest point of my career. If I can't land this project, I might never get the chance to act again... I signed a ten-year contract with Veridian Media Corporation. Once they decide to ice me out, my life will be ruined by the time my contract is up... I've heard that you're a generous donor at charity galas and that you've sponsored students in need. I'm asking you to help me, too... Save my career... Please, I'm begging you..."
With that, she gave a deep bow.
But Sean Quinn was utterly indifferent, tossing out, "You're not cut out to be an actress. Changing careers sooner rather than later wouldn't be a bad thing for you. Morton, show Miss Lockwood out..."
He picked up a book and began to read.
"Mr. Quinn—" Stella Lockwood tried to continue, but Morton violently grabbed her by the collar and manhandled her out the door. "Miss Lockwood, you're a public figure. Let's not make this ugly for everyone... Please go. My employer's time is more precious than gold. You, truly, cannot afford it..."
BANG. The door slammed shut.
Stella Lockwood's first invitation ended in failure.