By the time Sophie Quinn stepped back into her apartment, it was already close to 11 p.m.
Normally, she followed a strict schedule. Her life revolved around structure—wake up early, work diligently, return home no later than 10, and spend the remaining time tackling reports or hospital decisions. She rarely indulged in nightlife or social events, not because she disliked them, but because her ambitions left little room for distraction.
But over the past two nights, something had changed.
For the first time in years, she found herself willingly staying out late—not at business meetings or professional banquets—but enjoying herself… with Rayden Wolfe.
And what surprised her most was that she didn't feel exhausted.
In fact, she felt refreshed.
There was laughter, casual conversation, comfort. A kind of connection that was rare in her structured world.
Their bond had grown quickly. It wasn't exactly romance—not yet—but it certainly wasn't mere friendship either. They were circling the edges of something more, hovering in that sweet, uncertain space between two labels.
"Is this... what falling in love feels like?" Sophie whispered to herself, cheeks flushed as she set her handbag down.
She shook the thought away and reached for her phone. Several missed messages glowed on the screen—all from Rachel Liu, her best friend.
Rachel Liu:
Qinggege, I'm flying back to Daxia to see you! Are you excited?
Rachel Liu:
Hello? Why haven't you replied yet?
Rachel Liu:
Don't tell me you're buried in hospital work again?
Rachel Liu:
What exactly is keeping you this busy?
Rachel Liu:
Hello?? Are you ghosting me?
Sophie smiled softly. Rachel had been her closest confidante since childhood. From elementary school through university, they had stuck together like glue—true sisters in everything but blood.
She immediately tapped out a reply.
Sophie Quinn:
I'm here!
The reply came almost instantly.
Rachel Liu:
Finally! I thought you disappeared again! What have you been up to these past two days?
Sophie Quinn:
I was out with a friend!
Rachel Liu:
A friend? You never go out at night. This "friend"… better not be male. And on two consecutive nights? Spill it!
Rachel Liu:
Wait—are you seeing someone?! Sophie Quinn, how dare you hide this from me?! Is there no place for me in your heart anymore?! [crying mushroom.jpg]
Sophie burst out laughing. Classic Rachel. Dramatic, intuitive, and incapable of missing even the tiniest clue.
Sophie Quinn:
Stop with the drama. If you keep that up, I'm muting you. [angry.jpg]
Rachel Liu:
Fine, fine. Just tell me who he is and I'll stop crying!
Sophie Quinn:
…
Rachel Liu:
Look, I'm only asking because I care. You've never dated, and you're too career-focused. If you end up falling for a smooth-talking scumbag, I won't be able to forgive myself!
Sophie Quinn:
As if you have experience. You've never dated either.
Rachel Liu:
…That's not the point!
Rachel Liu:
I've read over 300 romance novels, binge-watched every dating drama known to woman, and analyzed every male character trope. I'm a walking romance encyclopedia! My eyes can detect scumbags at 100 meters. Trust me—I've got your back.
Rachel Liu:
Come on, sis. Don't kill me with suspense!
Sophie took a deep breath and decided to tell the truth.
Sophie Quinn:
Fine. His name is Rayden Wolfe. He's 20. We've only known each other for two days, so we're just friends—for now. It hasn't reached the dating stage yet.
Rachel Liu:
Wait… Rayden Wolfe? Are you telling me the man you're spending time with is the Rayden Wolfe? As in, heir of the Wolfe Group? That notorious rich kid who parties, gambles, and changes girlfriends like socks?
Sophie winced. She expected this reaction.
Sophie Quinn:
Yes, it's him. But he's not what people say.
Rachel Liu:
Sophie! Have you lost your mind?! This guy has a reputation as the prince of nightclubs! The tabloids practically run a weekly column on his scandals! You can't seriously believe he's changed.
Sophie's reply came more firmly this time.
Sophie Quinn:
He's not like the rumors. I know he has a flashy image, and yes, he's a bit playful, but deep down… he's responsible, kind, and incredibly considerate. I've seen a different side of him.
Sophie Quinn:
When I'm with him, I feel at ease. He listens. He respects me. And for once, I feel like I'm not being seen as a CEO, but just… a woman.
There was a long pause before Rachel replied.
Rachel Liu:
Girl. You've been love-struck.
Rachel Liu:
His "gentle" and "considerate" behavior? That's just his opening act. He probably rehearses this stuff before bed.
Rachel Liu:
And once he gets what he wants… he'll disappear faster than a stock during a market crash. Protect yourself!
Rachel Liu:
Please—dump him before it's too late!
But no matter how her best friend protested, Sophie remained calm.
She trusted her instincts.
And her instincts told her that Rayden Wolfe—despite his past, despite his playboy reputation—was someone worth believing in.
Sophie Quinn:
I appreciate your concern, Rachel. But this is my choice. I'll figure out my feelings on my own. It's late now—good night!
Meanwhile, across the ocean in a luxury apartment in the Lighthouse Nation, Rachel Liu flopped onto her bed in frustration.
"My sister has completely fallen for him!" she cried out. "No matter what I say, she won't listen. What's so great about that smug playboy?"
She sat up suddenly, her eyes blazing.
"That's it. I'm going home. I need to see this guy for myself and expose him before my sister gets hurt!"
Just as she reached for her suitcase, her gaze fell on an old envelope tucked beside her bookshelf.
It was an invitation—ornate, formal, and nearly forgotten.
Her fingers paused.
"…Maybe this is a sign," she muttered, eyes narrowing.
Back in Mohaven City…
The next two days passed in a blur.
Rayden visited Caleb Chen at the hospital once a day—if only to check whether the protagonist was still in bed. Much to his satisfaction, Caleb remained immobile, his recovery slow and painful.
Afterward, Rayden would head to Quinn Medical to meet Sophie.
They'd dine at fine restaurants, stroll under city lights, or occasionally catch a show or exhibit.
Both were clearly enjoying each other's company. The awkwardness had faded, replaced with comfort and familiarity. The bond between them grew stronger with every passing moment.
If their relationship was a flame before, it was now a steadily burning fire—warm, unspoken, waiting for the moment someone would strike down that last layer of hesitation.
But then—everything shifted.
One afternoon, as Rayden lounged in the estate garden, sipping tea, his family's butler approached with a refined woman in tow.
"Master Rayden," the butler said respectfully, "your father believes it's time you began involving yourself in the Wolfe Group's affairs. As such, he's assigned you a secretary."
The woman beside him nodded. She was elegant and poised, dressed in a charcoal blazer and pencil skirt, exuding competence.
"She's a graduate of Harvard Business School, with a master's in corporate management. She also has two years of experience at a top Wall Street investment firm. Her name is Victoria Hayes. She will assist you with any business matters moving forward."
Rayden blinked.
Secretary? Harvard? Wall Street?
This wasn't a helper—this was a walking résumé.
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
Things were about to get interesting again.
______________________________________
Visit patreon to read more chapters
patreon.com/Haremania