The research results for Mulligan Group and Destiny Tech were out. I printed the necessary documents and brought a cup of coffee to Luke's office."Mr. Walker, here's the guest list for today's Hengtong International Trade Exhibition, along with the research findings on Mulligan and Destiny," I said.International trade exhibitions were crucial platforms for companies to showcase products, seek new clients, and find partners. Luke's schedule was tight today. If the guest list didn't include businesses or individuals he was interested in, he'd likely cancel.I placed the documents on his desk and, seeing no further instructions, prepared to leave."JL Capital is partnering with Mulligan as the primary party," Luke said, taking a sip of coffee. "JL Capital's principle is to avoid arrogance in collaborations, but also not to be pushed around.""Do you think I overreacted this morning, Mr. Walker?"Destiny hadn't passed the risk assessment. If Mulligan still wanted to proceed, JL Cap
Mandy's flawless makeup and radiant skin made her look like a delicate doll, hiding any signs of the scheming woman who supposedly ousted her predecessor. Wendy once said that appearances can be deceiving, and her wisdom and experience made me consider her point.I mustered my focus and smiled politely in return. "Mrs. Muller.""Please, just call me Mandy. We're around the same age," she said warmly, urging me to have a seat.I sat across from her as Mandy handed me the menu. "Since it's our first meeting, order whatever you want."I declined the menu. "I'll have a Blue Mountain coffee, please.""Ah, I love Blue Mountain coffee too. It's unique with its smoothness, aroma, hint of sweetness, and touch of acidity in the aftertaste.""You're quite knowledgeable about coffee.""I used to be an executive assistant, so I dealt with a lot of coffee. Naturally, I know a bit more than most. It seems we have a lot in common."Mandy was observant. She noticed my cold and distant attitude
"Destiny Tech is poorly managed and has a bleak outlook. It wouldn't be wise for Mulligan to acquire it," I explained.JL Capital was known for its rigorous approach. With the research results out, Luke wouldn't assist Mulligan in acquiring Destiny."I don't care about the condition of Destiny Tech. I just want to ensure Mulligan successfully acquires it," Mandy stated."Why?" I inquired."You don't need to know the reason." Mandy examined her fresh manicure. "Mr. Walker used to surround himself with only male workers. You've recently gone through a failed marriage and faced rejection from several companies before landing at JL Capital. I don't need to spell out why."Mandy's words carried implications."Please be direct," I requested."We're all smart people. Why make things uncomfortable by stating the obvious?""I'm sorry, but this intelligent person doesn't understand your meaning."Mandy and her driver were indeed similar!I pretended not to understand."Ms. Middleton,
I had only seen Francis Muller on TV and in magazines and newspapers before. He was always elegantly dressed in a suit and exuded a refined demeanor, despite his infidelity and divorce. At thirty-five, his handsome appearance seemed to buy him a lot of leniency. Thanks to effective PR, Mulligan Group's reputation didn't suffer from his scandals. Instead of being grateful and restraining himself, he continued with his reckless behavior!People like him are the reason why the industry gets a bad reputation, with misunderstood relationships between CEOs and their female secretaries or assistants.A thought crossed my mind, similar to what Wendy had suggested before: anonymously exposing some business elites online. The comment section would be very entertaining.Seeing my reaction, Francis's smile grew more amused. He crossed his legs, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. "You're quite the innocent one, aren't you? Interested in working for Mulligan?""Mr. Muller, are you here to discu
"Your actions would deserve those two slaps even if she were just a janitor at JL Capital," Luke said in a deep, resonant voice that sent shivers down my spine. His image in my mind grew even more impressive, and he seemed to radiate a dazzling light.In that moment, I felt a sense of pride and honor being an employee of JL Capital.My attention was solely focused on Luke, and I had forgotten that he still held my right hand."Mr. Walker, does this mean you're no longer interested in partnering with Mulligan?" Francis cautiously ventured."If you maintain this attitude, then there's no point in discussing any partnership." Luke turned to Zac, who had just returned with the surveillance footage. "Show him out.""Yes, Mr. Walker." Zac, having seen the footage, looked at Francis with disdain and gestured toward the door. "Mr. Muller, this way, please.""Mr. Walker, I was out of line just now. I shouldn't have behaved that way toward your assistant."JL Capital is a major player in
"Wendy, you're so brave! I applaud you!""In Johnsonville, there's no one who can make me suffer yet! Not slapping her twice was me showing restraint.""Wendy, you're awesome!""Hearing you say that, it makes sense why Francis and Mandy are together—they're two peas in a pod.""A pair of oddballs.""Luke didn't take the opportunity to exploit him and help Mulligan acquire Destiny—his professionalism is top-notch.""JL Capital's reputation in the investment banking circle is well-deserved.""Look at you, all proud. Now tell me, how was Mr. Walker's hand? Was it broad and strong, warm and secure?""I was so shocked by his actions that I didn't have the mental capacity to notice anything else."I didn't particularly notice if his hand was broad and strong or warm. But the moment Luke appeared in the reception room, I felt a deep sense of security. Maybe that's what Wendy meant by a sense of safety?"No worries, Jen. You'll have another chance to fully appreciate it next time."
"Did Calvin ask you to help with my workload?" I asked.Bryan and Zac just smiled without answering."If I hadn't brought it up today, were you planning to keep covering for me? I should have kept slacking off and let you two run yourselves ragged, unable to balance work and life!"Since joining JL Capital, I had experienced kindness from many people, which only strengthened my resolve to work hard.News of JL Capital's refusal to help Mulligan acquire Destiny spread quickly through the industry.Francis Muller came to the company several times, but Luke declined to meet him, citing a busy schedule. Soon, other investment banks were courting Francis.Francis had his pride. No matter how powerful JL Capital was, if they didn't want to work with Mulligan, he wouldn't beg. A week later, he signed a contract with Balance Capital.Mandy, eager to gloat about achieving her goal, sought me out.I was standing outside the company, waiting for a taxi when she had her driver pull up in f
Under the dim neon lights, Luke stood tall and composed, one hand in his pocket, showing no signs of irritation despite the damage to his car. Although the Bentley Continental was primarily at fault for the rear-end collision, I felt no sympathy for Mandy. In fact, I wished the collision had been more severe to cause her more harm."We'll see what the traffic police have to say about fault!" Mandy snapped, covering her forehead and seething with anger. "I know you're panicking inside. Telling me this is just to comfort yourself!"If Mandy was familiar with high society, she should have recognized Luke. Did she really think Mulligan's power could overshadow JL Capital?I later found out that during the crash, Mandy's eyes were bruised and she couldn't see Luke clearly at all."Ma'am, the other car is a Bentley Continental," her driver whispered, trying to calm her down as she continued to curse."So what if it's a Bentley? I have one parked in my villa's garage too!" Mandy retorted