398 Weekend in Sin City 14

At the entrance, Quentin said that he will join them in a bit, and he disappeared into the crowd.

Based on the 'U' shaped seat arrangements that encircled the elevated stage, they guessed that the event is a fashion show.

Brianna was excited. She loves fashion shows.

At first, Brianna was not sure why Quentin arranged for her, Liz, and Mia to change into couture gowns before they got here, but now she understands.

Their seats were in the front row that provided the best view, and they were served champagne before the hostess left their side with the words: "The show will start in a minute. Raise your hand if you need anything."

Brianna shifted in her seat while wondering where Quentin is. The seat next to her was the only vacant one.

Brianna recognized a number of faces from the fashion industry and several people in attendance were definitely at the board meeting of Reynolds Publishing on the last Monday which she attended and created a splash. Brianna would think that she is imagining that is them, but when their eyes met, the people smiled and greeted her with a nod, which definitely confirmed that they are familiar.

The lights dimmed and a woman stepped on the stage. She wore a long blue dress that fit her well and she had her black hair lifted into a messy bun that was decorated with blue pins that were sticking out and glistening under the spotlight where she was.

"Ladies and gentlemen!", she spoke in the microphone. "Thank you for joining us tonight. An impressive number of designers will be presenting their exclusive items for you to see. For any orders you decide to place tonight, you will get to pick one of the three charities to which 50% of proceeds will be allocated…"

The women spoke briefly about each of the charities before ending with: "After the show, there will be a party where you will be able to look closer at the designs that caught your eye. We hope you will enjoy the show!"

Loud music started blasting, and spotlights moved over the stage. A few seconds later, the first model emerged from behind the screen to strut the catwalk, and at the same time, Quentin sat next to Brianna.

Quentin was visibly excited and slightly out of breath.

He took her hand into his, their fingers interlaced, and he kissed the back of her palm.

"Did I miss anything?", Quentin asked Brianna.

Brianna smiled. "No. You are right on time."

Brianna loves fashion shows, and Quentin is part of the fashion industry, yet this is the first time they are attending a fashion show together. She wondered if these are perks of being Mrs. Quentin Reynolds. She definitely hopes so.

Max wondered if this was a good idea from Quentin's side. Isn't Quentin aware of his reputation as a model bedder? And there are lots of them right there, only a few steps away.

Sure, Max has many exes and since he started dating Liz, Max's path crossed with plenty of them, but Max didn't advertise it or bring Liz into an environment where they are concentrated like this. Max shook those thoughts away and hoped that Quentin knows what he is doing.

"Let me know if you like something…", Max said to Liz.

Liz nodded as she understood that Max offered her to buy the garments she likes. She was touched by the gesture and she kept to herself the response that she can buy whatever she wants. Liz is used to getting flowers from Max and him treating her well, but buying things like garments is new and she finds it unnecessary. Liz has many untouched outfits from Mrs. Willson (Tyler's mom) who is sending her latest designs occasionally as an apology for Tyler's bad behavior. 

Hunter and Mia didn't care much about the fashion show. Their bellies were full of good food, they were together, and that was enough for Mia and Hunter to be happy.

About one hour later, the music quieted down and the lady who announced the beginning of the show was back on the stage. "We hope you enjoyed the show. There is one more thing before the party starts...", she said with a big smile. She took a deep breath and said in a booming voice: "It is my honor to introduce our host for tonight, the CEO of Reynolds Publishing, Quentin Reynolds!"

The crowd clapped and Brianna was surprised to hear that Quentin is the host of this event. She assumed that he secured them the tickets, but this… was unexpected.

Brianna glanced at Liz, Max, Mia, and Hunter, and the four of them looked curiously at Quentin as well. It was obvious that no one knew about this part, or maybe their poker faces were that good.

Quentin stepped on the stage with a spring in his step and took the microphone.

"I want to thank all the designers who agreed to participate in this show on short notice and also to express my gratitude to all of you for attending this event. As you probably heard, Reynolds Publishing is expanding beyond publishing, and starting from Monday, we will be rebranded as Reynolds Media."

A big 'Reynolds Media' flashed on the wall behind Quentin, and the crowd burst into applause.

When they settled, Quentin continued: "In addition to maintaining current publications, Reynolds media will sponsor designers and have a permanent department for talent scouting which will nurture our own models…", he turned to the back and gestured toward the models that were lined up in two neat rows right below the 'Reynolds Media' sign. "You saw them debuting tonight as our employees. We will be investing more in our digital presence and morphing Reynolds media into a fashion staple. These changes are the result of the hardworking team of leaders who made this possible and who helped me in steering the company in the desired direction, and none of that would happen without our collaboration with Harper Investments. Please join me in welcoming to the stage Brianna Harper, senior director of Harper Investments…"

Quentin extended his arm toward Brianna, silently telling her to join him on the stage.

Brianna needed a moment to compose herself. She didn't expect this exposure. But people were clapping, and she plastered a smile on her face and moved toward the stage.

Quentin waited for Brianna next to the stairs and he clasped her hand with his while helping her come up.

"Do I need to say something?", Brianna asked only for Quentin to hear.

Quentin smiled. "No. But you can, if you wish…"

"Uhm… I am fine. Why am I here?"

"You will find out in a minute.", Quentin said mysteriously.

Quentin cleared his throat and in one hand he held the microphone, while with his other he held Brianna's hand.

"You know Miss Harper as our valuable business partner, and I want to take this opportunity to introduce her as my partner, my wife, Mrs. Quentin Reynolds."

After a wave of 'Ohs' and 'Ahs', the people clapped again.

The models behind them were also shocked by this revelation, and some were unable to conceal their disappointment.

Brianna was visibly uncomfortable. Why is he putting her on spot like that?

Quentin felt her uneasiness. He lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm.

"I want everyone to know who you are to me.", Quentin said.

Brianna was touched as another layer of defenses around her heart collapsed. She didn't realize that Quentin was aware of her insecurities. It seems that he knew her better than she thought.

Quentin's smile told her that he was not done.

"Since most of the executives of Reynolds Media are here, I believe that this is a good opportunity to share another information. My wife owns half of what I have, and that makes her the largest shareholder of Reynolds Media, next to me, with both of us owning 32% each."

Brianna's eyes widened in shock and she forgot that they are on the stage and that people are clapping around them. "What?"

Quentin smiled, obviously pleased with her reaction. "You own half of my stocks of Reynolds Media."

Brianna was in disbelief. "When did that happen?"

"I started the process on Monday afternoon, after our meeting with the shareholders and executives.", Quentin responded.

With him removing shareholders who supported his parents, he was buying their shares. On Wednesday, Quentin's father realized that they are short on money and he put a big chunk of his shares on the market which Quentin bought with Max's assistance. That is how Quentin ended up with 64% of the company.

"Monday?", Brianna breathed. "What would you do if I didn't accept to marry you?"

Quentin's smile widened and he caressed her cheek without breaking eye contact. "I would keep on asking until you said 'yes' because I will never give up on you, my fiery Goddess. I want you to know that no matter what my past carries, since we met, I am absolutely devoted to you. Stocks, money, apartments, cars… whatever I have, it's yours, and I am included in that package, now and forever. You bring colors into my life and I will not mess this up. I love you, Brianna Harper…"

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