After speaking, Paul turned and walked toward the door. The two security guards dragged Simon out of the office.


    Simon struggled and shouted loudly, "Ms. Scott, please give me one more chance! I swear I''ll do better!"


    Marissa pressed her lips into a tight line, her expression dark with anger. She gave no response.


    Only after Simon had been taken out did she speak, her voice cold.


    "Notify the staff. I''m calling for a meeting in ten minutes in the conference room. I will be announcing new appointments for the project manager and deputy manager roles."


    "Yes, Ms. Scott," Zeke replied.


    Under the direction of the newly appointed manager, the entire department worked overtime for a full week, racing against the clock to revise the proposal.


    Atst, they produced a version that satisfied Marissa.


    She brought the new project file to Jacobson Corporation in person.


    Since returning to the country, she had already visited the Jacobson Corporation headquarters several times.


    The new receptionist at the front desk, Maisy Preston, recognized her on sight. "Good afternoon, Ms. Scott," she greeted warmly.


    Marissa stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the 27th floor that sat just below the executive suite.


    Only the CEO''s private elevator led to the top level, so each time she came to meet Stephen, she had to wait for him in the reception lounge one floor below.


    As Marissa entered the elevator, Tessa walked through the main doors of Jacobson Corporation''s headquarters.


    She had finalized thewsuits


    entrusted to her by Jacobson Corporation and had brought thepleted legal documents in person for the legal representative''s signature andpany seal.


    Since the firm wasn''t far from Jacobson Corporation, Tessa had decided to make the trip herself.


    Tessa recalled that when Stephen


    hade to herw firm to sign contracts, he had brought thepany legal representative with him, but she hadn''t been introduced.


    Beforeing, she had called his assistant, Samson, but the call had gone unanswered. He was likely in a meeting and unable to pick up.


    When she reached the front desk, Maisy stopped her.


    "Miss, who are you here to see?"


    "I''m looking for Stephen Jacobson," Tessa replied.


    Maisy gave her a second look. Another one chasing after the boss?


    In the three months since joining Jacobson Corporation, Maisy had lost count of how many women had shown up iming ties to Stephen. She had grown numb to it.


    Assuming Tessa was just another love-struck hopeful, Maisy''s attitude turned dismissive.


    "Do you have an appointment?"


    Tessa shook her head. "No, but—"


    She was about to say she could call Stephen directly.


    Before she could finish, however, Maisy cut her off coldly. "No appointment, no


    entry. I suggest you leave."


    Tessa remained calm. "I know him."


    Maisy let out a mockingugh.


    "Everyone whoes here says that. My ears are getting sore from hearing the same excuse. I suggest you stop wasting your time Mr. Jacobsonsn it someone you can see just because you want to."