On the shareholders'' meeting day, the expansive conference room was packed to capacity.


    Serena had just wrapped up her work with Amber Group''s project, and she arrived ten minutes early.


    At Jansen Group, she only held the title of assistant general manager, so she was seated far down the long table in the lowest-ranking position.


    Meanwhile, Zach, the guest of honor, sat right beside Howard.


    From across the table, Zach''s gaze lingered on Serena. Unable to resist, he spoke up. "Ms. Jansen, since when did you sit at the foot of the table?"


    Howard said, "me the ipetence of the staff. Since Mr. Foster insists, hurry up and prepare a seat for Serena beside him."


    Nathan hurried toply.


    Serena had intended to stay low-key, to listen and leave without drawing attention.


    However, she was forced into the seat next to Zach. Her expression turned grim.


    Zach said, "I promised you wouldn''t be slighted again."


    Serena fell silent.


    Sitting next to him was the real slight.


    She considered snapping back but decided against it. There was no point giving this arrogant man the impression that she still cared.


    The meeting officially began.


    The early agenda items proceeded without incident as they were just standard reports and proposals. As discussions turned informal, the reality of a family-run corporation became apparent.


    Most of Jansen Group''s shareholders were rtives, and they spoke with blunt familiarity.


    Sarah''s uncle, Phil Jansen, who was particrly close to her, suddenly spoke up.


    "Serena is our assistant general manager, isn''t she? Yet,tely, she''s never at headquarters. Instead, she''s diverting our resources to Amber Group. This seems like a tant neglect of duty."


    Upon hearing his words, the room fell silent.


    Serena nced at the man, then smiled.


    "So, let me get this straight. I lost a few million dors on a Jansen Group project, and no one said a word. But I loaned a few chairs and tables to Amber Group, and suddenly, I''m a criminal?"


    Phil stiffened, momentarily speechless. Instinctively, he turned to Sarah for help.


    Sarah wasted no time jumping in.


    "Losses and gains are just part of business. But as an assistant general manager, you haven''t been doing your job. And instead of addressing things, you keep avoiding the topic. You feel bad, don''t you?


    "You hold the title, but you spend all your time elsewhere. Maybe it''s time to give that position to someone more capable. You can''t have it both ways, Serena. Don''t be so greedy. It''s not a good look."


    Serena was about to respond when Zach suddenly spoke with a grim attitude.


    "Every project Foster Group has with Jansen Group goes through her alone. So, is working on high-level coborations with us considered ''not doing her job'' here?"


    The room fell silent again.


    Damn it! Sarah had forgotten that Zach still cared about Serena.


    Realising the shift in the conversation, Phil quickly recovered and let out a chuckle. "Of course not. Without Serena, we wouldn''t even have a deal with Foster Group. At the very least, she''s good at keeping people entertained." Another shareholder chimed in, "That''s true. Serena does have an impressivework. Whether it''s the Larson family of the Foster family, they''re all connected through her. As Howard''s daughter, she''s really good at pleasing everyone."


    The Jansen family had always favored sons over daughters, and Serena''s quick rise in thepany had already ruffled many feathers.


    Now that Sarah had stirred things up, the rtives seized the opportunity to pile on her, their words growing bolder.


    Serena was furious.


    Zach really had a way of causing trouble wherever he went.


    "Mr. Foster, you should keep your mouth shut."


    "Serena, I-"


    Zach opened his mouth, about to exin that he was only trying to stand up for her.