Because I love you, here is part two! Enjoy!

Mercedes adjusted her blazer as she strode into the conference room, her heels clicking against the polished floor, as she wanted to give off the air of being in charge. Though she had researched this Sam Evans man, she didn't look at his photo. She felt it gave you preconceived notions and wanted to know that man.

And since most men didn't want to answer to a strong woman, she didn't let them get in her way. She held her briefcase firmly in one hand, exuding confidence, though her mind momentarily faltered when her gaze landed on the man standing near the head of the table.

It's him.

Sam Evans turned at the sound of her entrance, his expression shifting to one of surprise and delight. "It's you," he said, his green eyes lighting up.

"Yes, it is." Mercedes fought to keep her tone professional as she approached him. Extending her hand, she motioned toward the chair at the head of the table. "Please, take a seat."

Sam sat, his expression still curious as Mercedes took her place at the table. Already seated to Sam's right, Quinn Fabray looked between them with a puzzled smile. "Wait, do you two know each other?"

Sam nodded, leaning back in his chair. "She's my new neighbor."

Mercedes cleared her throat, redirecting the focus to the task at hand. "Mr. Evans, we're thrilled to have you on board. Let's talk about what Fabray Management is going to do for you and your book."

Her professional demeanor shifted the atmosphere in the room. Hunter Clarington and Sebastian Smythe, seated further down the table, straightened in their chairs as Mercedes outlined their plan.

"We already have interest from over forty cities for readings and signings," Mercedes began, her tone smooth and confident. "We're talking press tours, interviews, book signings, and promotional events. Fabray Management believes in your talent and vision, so I will personally be with you every step of the way. Hunter and Sebastian will join in as needed to handle logistics."

Sam leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on her. "So, you'll be on the tours with me?"

Mercedes nodded. "Absolutely. Our goal is to make this book successful, which means having someone who understands your vision. I'll be there to ensure everything runs smoothly."

Quinn, who had been quiet for most of the exchange, suddenly perked up. "I'll be there too."

Mercedes blinked, her head snapping toward her best friend. "Since when?"

Quinn smirked, her eyes flicking to Sam. "Since now."

Sam glanced between the two women, an amused smile tugging at his lips. The tension in the room was palpable, but Mercedes quickly refocused.

"Moving on," she said, her tone sharp but polite. The cover design you submitted is perfect, so we won't make any significant changes. We might tweak a few things for marketing purposes, but I'll work directly with you."

Sam raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Why you?"

Before Mercedes could respond, Sebastian grinned from his seat. "Because Mercedes here is a triple threat. She double-majored in English and Business Management, which means she can sell and edit a book to perfection."

Quinn chimed in with a smile. "And she's creative, too. She has an eye for design."

Mercedes waved off the compliments, redirecting her attention to Sam. "The point is, we see greatness in you, Mr. Evans. You've done the hard work creating an incredible story, and we're going to make sure the world knows it."

Sam's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Well, if we're talking about cities, I'll need signings in Nashville and Louisville. That's where both sides of my family are."

Quinn's eyes lit up. "I'll make sure to be there. I'd love to meet your family."

Sam brushed off the comment with a polite smile, but Mercedes caught the faint arch of his eyebrow. Her own rose slightly in response, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

"As for the contract," Mercedes said, standing, "Hunter and Sebastian will go over it with you and address any concerns you might have. Once you're satisfied, we'll finalize everything."

She turned to Quinn. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

Quinn nodded, rising gracefully from her seat. Sam watched the two women curiously as they left the conference room, but Mercedes didn't offer an explanation.

Once inside Mercedes' office, she closed the door behind Quinn and turned, arms crossed and her expression sharp.

"What's going on with you and Sam?" Mercedes asked, her tone direct.

Quinn's lips curled into a dreamy smile, her eyes alight with excitement. "Sam is going to marry me."

Mercedes blinked, momentarily stunned. "I'm sorry, what?"

Quinn shrugged, her confidence radiating. "He doesn't know it yet, but we're meant to be together. It's obvious."

"Is it?" Mercedes asked, confused.

"Yes! Have you not seen that man? He is gorgeous, even with those dorky glasses. And yes, he is a lot dorkier than I am used to, but on his page, he has this shirtless picture and..."

"You cyberstalked him, Quinn? Girl, stop."

"Hey! I was doing research for my job, and what other choice did I have but look at all his photos. Did you know he was captain of the football team in high school? And. AND! He was prom king. That means we are destined to be together!"

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "Quinn… honey, didn't you say Biff was the love of your life? And he dumped you for being too aggressive?"

Quinn's smile faltered slightly, but she recovered with a breezy wave of her hand. "Biff was a mistake. Too uptight."

"And what about Brody? Wasn't he supposed to be your 'future'? Until he cheated on you with his yoga instructor?" Mercedes added, her tone calm but pointed.

Quinn huffed, brushing blonde hair over her shoulder. "Okay, yes, I've made mistakes. But Sam is different. I can feel it, Mercedes. He's not like them. He's the real deal."

Mercedes sighed, her arms falling to her sides as she softened her tone. "Quinn, you know I want you to be happy. You're my best friend, and you deserve someone amazing. But this is a business deal. At the end of the day, I can't let your personal feelings jeopardize the account. It's too important."

Quinn's expression hardened for a moment before it softened into a smile. "Relax, Mercedes. I'm not going to mess this up. I know how to balance work and… possibilities."

Mercedes gave her a skeptical look but held back her response.

Quinn took a step closer, her confidence returning. "You'll see, Mercedes. Sam Evans will be a household name at the end of all this. And I won't just be Quinn Fabray anymore—I'll be Quinn Evans."

Mercedes pinched the bridge of her nose, a mixture of exasperation and disbelief washing over her. "Let's focus on getting through this campaign first, alright?"

Quinn laughed lightly, brushing past her toward the door. "Oh, don't worry. Everything's going to fall into place. You'll see."

As Quinn left the office, Mercedes let out a long breath, shaking her head. This was going to be far more complicated than she had anticipated.

Mercedes returned to the conference room, stepping inside as Hunter and Bas stood, looking pleased.

"How's it going in here?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over the table.

Hunter grinned, holding up the signed contract. "Great. Everything's squared away. Sam signed, and we're good to go."

Mercedes nodded, satisfied. "Perfect."

Hunter checked his watch, then glanced at Bas. "We've got that meeting with Jan in ten, remember? Another one of Mercedes' stellar clients."

Bas smirked, gathering his things. "Right. Wouldn't want to keep her waiting."

The two left the room, leaving Sam and Mercedes alone.

Sam leaned back in his chair, watching her tidying the papers on the table. "So, how soon do you think we'll get started?"

Mercedes glanced up. "Since this week's short because of Thanksgiving, we'll hit the ground running on Monday. Until then, enjoy your holiday. Rest up."

Sam nodded, seeming thoughtful. Then his expression turned more serious. "Do you really think I can make it? That I can be a success?"

Mercedes straightened, meeting his gaze. "If you have the drive, I can make you a household name, Sam.

Men, women, teens—they'll love your stories. But it's going to take hard work, and you've got to trust me."

Her words seemed to light something in him, a slow smile spreading across his face. "That means a lot. Thanks for believing in me."

As she adjusted her stack of papers, her pen slid off the table and onto the floor. Mercedes bent down to pick it up, but Sam crouched down before she could reach it, grabbing it first. Their hands brushed, and she froze, feeling the warmth of his fingers against hers.

When she glanced up, their eyes met, and time seemed to pause. His green eyes were warm and searching, a faint hint of curiosity and something deeper shining through.

For a moment, neither of them moved. The air felt charged, heavy with unspoken words. Mercedes' breath caught in her throat, and she found herself unable to look away.

Then, snapping herself out of it, she pulled her hand back and straightened. "Thank you," she said softly, taking the pen from him.

Sam's lips curved into a smile, a touch of playfulness returning. "Anytime."

Mercedes turned back to the table, her movements brisk, as if trying to shake off the lingering tension. "Just remember," she said, her tone turning professional again, "I don't waste my time on people I don't believe in."

Sam chuckled, leaning against the edge of the table. "Good to know. So, does that mean I've got a shot at winning you over?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile. "Goodbye, Mr. Evans."

She moved toward the door, her heart beating a little faster than usual.

Sam laughed softly behind her, shaking his head in amusement as she left the room.

At the same time, outside the conference room, Quinn stood just beyond the glass wall, her arms crossed as she stared intently at Sam. Her icy blue eyes gleamed with determination as if she could will him to turn and acknowledge her presence.

Beside her, Tina Cohen-Chang lingered silently, adjusting her oversized black-framed glasses.

Tina dressed entirely in dark hues—black turtleneck, black pencil skirt, black flats. Even her accessories, from her stud earrings to the leather folio in her hands, adhered to the theme. She always dressed this way when working for Quinn, not wanting to clash with the brighter, more vibrant palette Quinn often chose.

Finally, Tina broke the silence, her voice soft and hesitant. "Quinn, your dad asked to see you. He said it's important."

Quinn didn't respond immediately; her focus locked on Sam, who was laughing at something Mercedes said. Her jaw tightened.

"I'll go in a minute," she said dismissively, her voice sharp and clipped.

Tina shifted her weight, watching Quinn with an intensity that bordered on reverence. Her eyes darted back and forth between Quinn's face and the conference room, a flicker of unease in her expression.

"You think you and Sam are meant to be, don't you?" Tina finally ventured, her tone filled with an odd mix of curiosity and admiration.

Quinn turned to her, her lips curving into a small, self-assured smile. "Of course we are. He's everything I've ever wanted, and I'm everything he needs. It's obvious."

Tina nodded eagerly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Totally. I mean, who wouldn't want you? You're Quinn Fabray—beautiful, brilliant, perfect."

Quinn's smile widened, and she reached out to adjust Tina's glasses, her fingers brushing lightly against her cheek. Tina froze, her face going scarlet.

"Thank you, Tina," Quinn said sweetly, her voice dripping with condescension.

However, it went unnoticed by Tina as it practically glowed under the attention. "You're welcome," she whispered.

Quinn's gaze returned to the glass. Her expression darkened as her eyes settled on Mercedes, who was saying something that made Sam grin.

"Do you think Mercedes is flirting with him?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual.

Tina blinked, startled by the question. "I mean…maybe?" she said carefully. "She's always so...friendly. Too friendly, if you ask me." Her voice dropped lower. "But don't worry, Quinn. You're way out of her league. Sam will see that soon enough."

Quinn's lips pressed into a thin line. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against her crossed arms. "I'll fight for what's mine. And Sam won't even remember her name by the time this is over."

Tina's dark eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "That's exactly right, Quinn. You always win. Mercedes doesn't stand a chance against you. I mean, who does?"

Quinn turned to Tina, her smile predatory. "You're a good assistant, Tina. Keep that loyalty up, and you'll go far."

Tina flushed again, beaming. "Thank you, Quinn. I'll do whatever it takes to help you."

"Good," Quinn said crisply, turning on her heel. "Now, let's go see what my father wants."

Tina followed her down the hall like a shadow, clutching her folio tightly against her chest and basking in the afterglow of Quinn's praise.

As they walked, Tina's mind raced. She'd do whatever it took to help Quinn win Sam—even if it meant taking down Mercedes herself.