Disclaimer: I don't own them except for the kids!

The Perfect Temptation: Epilogue

Celesta Baker Jordan Cross lay across her canopied bed, idly flipping the channels. Her third husband was out golfing as usual. Her hair, still a bright red, thanks to monthly trips to the salon to keep it that way, contrasted with the cream satin pillows propped behind her. Perfectly manicured red nails clicked on the plastic as she tried to find something to watch. With a pouting sigh she finally chose the stock reports channel. She had stock in Winner Corp. "Let's see how I'm doing," she said as she watched the CEO, Quatre Winner take the stage.

The wind ruffled the silvery blond locks of Quatre's hair as he stood out on the podium in front of his building in the Sank Kingdom. His dark blue suit brought out the blue in his eyes, making them look more intense and his hair gleam. "Today, I called you all here to announce a change in leadership of the Winner Corporation. I have spent many, many years improving this company so it has far exceeded my expectations, and if my father was alive today, and his. I have had control since the day I turned sixteen, it is time to pass the responsibility onto the next generation," he said, his voice strong and clear. His aquamarine eyes crinkled at the corners as he looked towards the cameras filming in the back of the courtyard. "And as according to my father's wishes, and now my own, the company will remain in control of the family." He looked out of the corner of his eye towards his four children sitting in the front row. "And now, I would like to introduce my eldest son, Damien, as the next CEO of Winner Corporation," he said as he moved aside, nodding towards his son…and Angelina, who sat next to him, his hand linked with hers.

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Celesta sat up a little and scrutinized the son. She pushed the button, enlarging the view of the son of Quatre Winner. A smile touched her lips. "Handsome, smart, rich, and young, just the way I like them. He could be an interesting person to meet," she mused, having missed the flash of copper to his right.

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Damien felt the squeeze of Angelina's hand as he stood. He smiled at her and gave her a quick wink before walking towards the center of the platform. His own dark blue suit matched his father's except for the bright blue shirt and matching silk tie. He shook his father's hand, smiling again, as he took his place in front of the lectern. The wind mussed his brushed hair, putting it back into it's usual disarray. "Thank you, dad," he said, nodding his head in the direction of his parents, his father, holding onto his mother's hand now. He straightened and faced the crowd in front of him. He did not like press conferences; Vaughn did much better with public speaking. Clearing his throat, he glanced back at Angelina. She gave him a reassuring smile, making him feel more confident. "As my father announced, I have accepted the position of CEO of Winner Corporation. Under my leadership and supervision, things will done as they always have, but we will diversify in markets that we are not known for. One major area I will likely improve upon, will be the manufacture of mobilized suits to better deal with the daily maintenance on the outer walls of the colonies," he began, his voice growing stronger and louder as he relaxed.

Angelina let a smile play about her lips as she watched him talk. He had paced around his room that morning, worrying about how it was going to go. She had been reassuring him all morning, trying to calm down his nerves before he had to go and speak. She had felt his hand tighten on hers when it had come time for him to stand. He had practiced his speech for her, enough times for her to know it by heart, and so far, he was doing quite well. Her fingers smoothed over the simple aquamarine band that circled her ring finger on her left hand. It was a promise ring, but she knew in her heart that he loved her. He had blushed and stuttered when he had given it to her this morning. Her hair was styled, courtesy of Veronica, who was sitting on Vaughn's left, holding his hand, rather tightly. She smiled, glad that things had worked out for the two of them. Her eyes went back to Damien; she bowed her head a little. "I hope dad is watching this. I called him this morning and told him that we would be on at noon… and I wonder if my mom is watching? I bet she wouldn't believe what she's seeing…the bitch didn't think I could have a Winner fall in love with me, like I am with him," she thought as a smirk touched her lips.  Her eyes rose to him again, proud that she was sitting there as his girlfriend.

Damien looked down at his speech on top of the lectern. He was going to announce the designer of the new suits to be used on the colonies' walls. However, she didn't even know it yet. He had told his father about knowing Angelina's capabilities, and wanting her to design the new suits. He had agreed after a talk with the Lady. And now, he wanted to tell her. "And to update the new suits, we will have the pleasure to announce their new designer. She is here with us today, Miss Angelina Baker."

She looked up, startled, her eyes widening several degrees.

"Go on, get your butt up there, Angie," Vaughn whispered in her ear

Angelina stood up, her legs shaking as she walked across the stage towards him. She kept her eyes trained on his. She barely felt the warmth of his hands close around hers. "Damien, what are you…?"

Damien smiled as the silvery eyes searched his. He gave her hands a squeeze. "Don't worry. I've already cleared this with the Lady and our dads'. It'll be good for you. I want you to do it. You have a unique talent and you are allowed to show some of it off."

She felt his thumbs stroke her pulse points, calming her a little. "He did this for me. I can't believe he did this. How much persuasion did he have to use to get the Lady, my father, his, and the rest of them to agree to this? But he's giving me my chance to do something good with my talents. I don't want to hide them anymore, like I don't hide from him anymore." "Thank you, Damien," she whispered, and then to the shock of the crowd, and the delight of Vaughn and Mira, and some of the other kids, she kissed him.

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Celesta nearly fell off the bed at the sight of her daughter, kissing the oldest Winner heir. "How did she…? When did she…? …ANGELINA!"

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Quatre smiled and brought Cathy's hand up for a kiss. He smiled at her and returned it to her lap, their fingers, still interlocked.

Damien wrapped his arms around her and enjoyed her spontaneity. "I love you," he whispered against her soft lips.

Shocked again, she looked up at him. "You love me?"

He flushed and gave her a lopsided grin. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"Damien, I love you too!" She brought his lips back for another kiss making the crowd and the press cheer even louder.

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed this story! Stay tuned for the upcoming conclusion "I Will Never Be the Same" and the upcoming stories featuring the Merquise brothers and their bouts in the ring of romance. XOXO!!!