Their Queen's Back - Chapter 35: Chapter 35

David shook his head. "Of course not. She jeopardized my interests and nearly cost me the SY Group deal. I had to concede 20% of the profits just to salvage it. She deserved what she got! What really intrigues me is—who could possibly have the power to bankrupt a company in mere hours?"
"Yes, Mr. Quinn."
Moments later, the assistant returned. "Mr. Quinn, I've got the information."
David looked at him, curiosity written all over his face. "Who was it?"
"It's Hughes Corporation," the assistant replied.
David's eyes widened in shock as he shot to his feet. "What did you just say?!"
David blurted out, "Hughes Corporation?!"
Richard? No way. He's nothing but a pretty face—completely useless otherwise.
He may look good, but that's all he's got; he's got nothing else going for him.
The assistant reported nervously, "Mr. Quinn, Hughes Corporation has acquired all shares of Quinn Holdings. The new president isn't Richard, but a woman called Ms. Sky. No one's actually seen her yet—apparently, she only just assumed the position this morning. But her assistant is—"
With years of business experience, David had never witnessed such rapid maneuvers. A growing unease settled in his chest—he could sense a storm was brewing.
The assistant swallowed hard. "Hughes Corporation... Ms. Sky... her assistant is Rowan."
David slammed his hand on the table, his face a mask of disbelief. "You mean that Rowan—the internationally renowned one?"
"Yes, Mr. Quinn, it's her. A few years ago, when we went abroad for negotiations, I had the chance to meet Rowan just once—an encounter I'll never forget," the assistant replied.
The impression was unforgettable. Everyone had assumed Rowan was a tough, masculine figure—they even prepared gifts meant for a man.
But when she appeared, out came a sweet yet edgy young woman with twin ponytails, casually biting a lollipop. Everyone was stunned the moment she showed up.
She walked right up to him, smiled, and greeted warmly, "Hello, I'm Rowan."
David took a deep breath, slowly sat down, and pinched the bridge of his nose. In a grave tone, he ordered, "Let it be known to everyone in the Quinns—no one is to offer Olivia any help, in any way."
Yes, Mr. Quinn.
Upon hearing the name Renault, David immediately grasped its implications.
Synergy International Group boasts three renowned assistants: Lauren, Rowan, and Samson. David had met Lauren and Rowan, but never Samson. Yet above them all stands the most enigmatic figure—Ms. Sky, the elusive top executive who has never made a public appearance.
With Rowan now at the helm of Hughes Corporation, there's no doubt that Synergy International Group is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
He had no idea what was happening at Hughes Corporation, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, with Synergy International Group's backing, it wouldn't be long before Hughes Corporation made a stunning comeback and regained its former glory.
At Olivia's behest, the companies that had cut ties with Hughes Corporation were completely stunned when they learned that the renowned Synergy International Group had partnered with Hughes.
They were consumed with bitter regret and desperate to restore their partnership with Hughes Corporation, but were too ashamed to approach them. Those who did try were flatly rejected, leaving them utterly humiliated.
They now utterly despise Olivia. If it hadn't been for her, they could have kept working with Hughes Corporation and reaped the rewards.
Overnight, Olivia became a public enemy. The Quinns' mansion was gone, forcing the entire household to cram into a shabby rental apartment.
Sophia sat in the car, shocked but overjoyed by the overwhelming news coverage. With a delighted laugh, she threw herself into Skye's arms.
"Sis, am I seeing this right?" she exclaimed. "Synergy International Group is partnering with our Hughes Corporation! You did this, didn't you?"
"My sister has always been amazing," Sophia thought.
Skye reached over and gently ruffled Sophia's hair, smiling softly. "Happy now?"
Sophia pouted playfully, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Sis, Hughes Corporation was Mom's legacy to you. It kept declining all these years—all because he was so incompetent. Now that it's finally back on track, of course I'm thrilled!"
It was obvious she was talking about Richard.
Hughes Corporation isn't named after Richard's "Hughes," but Skye's "Hughes."
"Who said Hughes Corporation is just mine?" Skye said. "It belongs to both of us."
They both held shares, but ten years ago, they were too young. When their mother Margaret passed away suddenly, everything was transferred to Skye's name to keep it safe.
Sophia shook her head and said innocently, "No, Hughes Corporation is yours. All I want is you, Sis."
Skye gently pinched her cheek affectionately. "Alright."
Sophia pressed on eagerly, "Sis, do you know the CEO of Synergy International Group? Why would they want to partner with us?"
Lauren, driving up front, thought to herself, 'If you knew your sister Skye was actually the CEO of Synergy International Group, you'd be so shocked you wouldn't sleep for weeks.'
Skye chose not to reveal her true identity. Being the CEO of Synergy International Group brought power and prestige, but also carried hidden dangers.
Skye would guide Sophia step by step, nurturing her growth until she could stand on her own. Only then would she reveal everything to her.
I know the CEO of Synergy International Group—we're sort of friends, though not that close. She helped me out this time.
Sophia exclaimed, "Wow, Sis, you're amazing! That's the CEO of Synergy International Group—no one's ever seen her! I heard she always sends her three assistants to represent her, and they're all super attractive!"
Lauren, who was driving, couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in delight when she heard this.
"Miss Sophia sure knows how to sweet-talk," she thought to herself.
Nothing worth mentioning. By the way, Sophia, how's work treating you these days?
At the mention of this, Sophia slumped against her sister's shoulder, all her energy drained.
"Ugh, don't even ask," Sophia sighed.
Skye looked at her with a mix of confusion and concern. "What's wrong, Sophia?"
Is Anna being too demanding? Well, she really is. But as Deputy Manager of the Investment Department at Synergy International Group, she's exceptionally capable and razor-sharp.
Sophia launched into an energetic rant about her boss, Anna Yates.
"Sis, you have no idea—she's a total tyrant! She hounds me every single day. My report had just the tiniest, tiniest mistake—"
Sophia emphasized her point by gesturing with her fingers, "like, this small!" making it clear she wasn't exaggerating.
Lauren listened quietly, thinking to herself, "Well, Anna, looks like someone's finally brave enough to complain about you."
Skye gave a faint smile and ruffled her hair affectionately, like petting a cat.
Sophia continued complaining, "Even if I make the tiniest mistake, she'll lecture me for half an hour and won't let me go until everything's absolutely perfect. I'm really struggling here!"
Skye asked gently, "Sophia, don't you like her?"
Sophia hesitated briefly, then shook her head. "No, Sis. Sure, she's strict, but she's truly exceptional. My coworkers all say she's a legendary mentor, and I'm honestly just grateful she's willing to guide me. I really want to be as outstanding as she is—a real powerhouse in the business world."
Lauren was genuinely surprised by how quickly Sophia saw through the situation—she really was sharp and perceptive.
Skye smiled and said softly, "I believe in you, sis."
Sophia continued scrolling through her phone when a piece of news left her utterly stunned. "Quinn Holdings has gone bankrupt?"
"Wait... it's now part of Hughes Corporation?"
"Sis, sis, pinch me! Am I dreaming? Quinn Holdings really went bankrupt!"
Skye said, "No need to pinch yourself. Quinn Holdings really is bankrupt."
Sophia stared at Skye with her wide, almond-shaped eyes and blurted out, "Sis, you did this, didn't you?"
Other than her sister, she couldn't imagine anyone else who would strike the Quinns so ruthlessly—and she knew her sister did it to stand up for her.
"It was me," Skye admitted.
"Did you do this for me?" Sophia asked softly, her voice tinged with both guilt and gratitude.
Skye simply replied, "Yes."
Sophia lowered her head, a blissful smile playing on her lips as she instinctively tightened her grip on Skye's arm and nestled closer.
Upon returning home, Skye and Sophia were informed by the butler that Linda had been locked up for a full day and night—and had collapsed from exhaustion.
At Richard's earnest plea, Skye agreed to let Linda out—but only on the condition that she fully acknowledge her wrongdoing, submit a 1,000-word self-reflection, and guarantee such incidents would never recur.
Richard shifted uneasily. He was well aware of how stubborn Linda could be.
There was no way she could ever meet such a demand.
"Skye, I'm afraid this might not be quite right. After all, she's your stepmother and an elder in the family. Asking her to write a self-reflection... doesn't that seem a bit much to you?"
Skye's eyes darkened as an icy aura radiated from her. She put her chopsticks down with a sharp, decisive clink.
Father, if I hear you call her my stepmother one more time, you can pack your bags and leave this house. I have only one mother—Margaret.
Richard didn't dare say another word. Silently, he placed some food in Sophia's bowl, and she quietly accepted it.