hapter 127 Pressuring


    Chapter <b>127 </b>Pressuring Renee


    Right after Renee wrapped up her work, she checked her phone and found a message from Howard. It was a poster of her uing lecture, crafted by the student union’s publicity team. Howard had sent it for her approval.


    Simultaneously, a picture of that same posternded on Marcelo’s desk.


    Aware of Renee’s uing lecture, Marcelo asked, “Have those campus rumors been sorted out?”


    With a subtle expression, Luke said, “The PR department has a n in ce, but it seems someone at the school is already handling it pretty well. We mightplicate things if we step in now.”


    “Who’s behind it?“Marcelo asked, having a suspicion about who it might be..


    Luke pulled out an iPad, found the relevant details, and showed them to Marcelo. “It’s Howard Lee.”


    Howard had earned a reputation as the most effective student council president Bellbanks University had seen in a decade. His influence was significant. Not only was he involved in organizing Renee’s lecture, but he was also actively debunking the rumors spread by Herman and Maggie. He highlighted Renee’s professional aplishments and scrutinized the motives behind their usations.


    Howard’s efforts had effectively swayed public opinion.


    Moreover, the art school’s professors and leaders vouched for Renee’s character, swaying most students at the University to her side, discrediting Herman’s ims.


    “It’s too bad Howard isn’t into pyramid schemes,” Marcelo said in a half–joking tone.


    Luke was at a loss for words. He doubted Marcelo would encourage Howard to engage in illegal activities due to Howard’s apparent fondness for Renee.


    Despite Howard’s assistance,Marcelo wasn’t entirely pleased.


    Why did another man have to defend his woman?


    He should be the one doing that!


    On the day Renee was scheduled to give her lecture, Marcelo returned from his morning jog to an unexpected sight: His wife, who typically wouldn’t stir before eight o’clock, was already rummaging through the closet, selecting her attire.


    “You’re up this early?”


    “Yes, I’ve got a lecture at school today.“Renee stood before the full–length mirror,paring two outfits before settling on a beige one.


    The beige was more vibrant than ck but still understated enough for a formal setting without being too old-


    fashioned.


    “Isn’t your lecture in the afternoon?”


    “Yes, it is.” Renee quickly applied her makeup. “But I want to go to the school early to familiarize my studio.Howard mentioned some delicious new dishes at the school’s canteen. I thought I’d try them out.”


    ith the


    The university’s canteen was well–known for its tasty and budget–friendly food. For Renee, the canteen was a


    Chapter 127 Pressuring Renee


    nostalgia for the university.


    Marcelo’s brow furrowed at the thought.


    Was Renee nning to have lunch with Howard?


    And did she dress up just for a meal with that brat?


    He clicked his tongue against his teeth. “Is the food at the university’s canteen better than at home?” Marcelo looked visibly upset.


    Renee figured if she agreed, he might fire their cook on the spot.


    “I just want to try something different. Plus, I’ll be alone at home for lunch,” she exined.


    “I’ll be home too!” He informed her.


    So, she wouldn’t be dining alone after all.


    Renee looked puzzled. “Aren’t you going to work?”


    Marcelo, who had a high–level meeting in just an hour, shook his head and replied, “No.”


    Renee’s expression turned to one of surprise and confusion


    What kind ofpany president had as much free time as Marcelo?


    If Renee hadn’t seen the positive performance of KM Group’s stocks recently, she might have wondered if Marcelo’spany was on the brink of bankruptcy.


    “But I’m meeting with my professor at ten this morning.“Renee sighed.


    This meant she would have to eat at the school.


    Marcelo smirked to himself, thinking she was bing more daring.


    She was so so stubborn.


    As soon as Renee left, Marcelo informed Luke he wouldn’t be going to the office that day.


    The senior executives in the meeting room exchanged confused looks when they heard the news. “Is/Mr. King looking to invest in a new venture, or is he nning to step back? He’s taken more days off in the past two months thanst year, right?”


    Hearing an executive’s inquiry, Luke figured Marcelo’s behavior was changing because he didn’t have a wifest


    year.


    Luke never thought he’d see the day Marcelo would miss work to be with a woman, leaving the senior executives hanging.


    With the meeting called off, the executives were lost in thought. One of them couldn’t resist asking, “Luke, is Mr. King smitten? That woman we met recently is his…”


    Luke just shrugged, staying silent.


    As the trusted confidant of the boss, keeping secrets was part of his job.


    “So, you’re not denying it? That means you agree! Haha!” The executive smirked.


    Chapter 127 Pressuring Roree


    In the eyes of the executives, Marcelo must be in love. They had crossed paths with Marcelo and that womLATI numerous times, openly and discreetly.


    The student union president was always well–informed. Aware that Renee nned to visit her advisor at the art school on the day of her lecture, Howard arrived early to wait for her. Surprisingly, just as Howard was about to meet Renee, he received a call from the student union’s guidance counselor. A school sponsor was visiting, and the sponsor wanted the student union president to apany them.


    Howard wanted to stay and wait for Renee, but the teacher’s request was part of his duties as the union president. So he couldn’t refuse.


    “It’s a golden opportunity to make an impression. The sponsor happens to be the CEO of a major corporation.” The instructor was happy for Howard.


    However, upon seeing the man in the wheelchair, Howard realized this wasn’t the opportunity his instructor thought.


    It was a setup.


    “Mr. King, I’m not well–versed in guiding visitors. Perhaps the director of the student union’s foreign affairs department could apany you instead?” Howard suggested, eager to leave yet forcing a smile at Marcelo. Marcelo’s response was stern and final. “I want you to apany me.”


    Howard was at a loss for words.


    He thought Marcelo was ying dirty.


    Marcelo probably knew he was waiting for Renee and was deliberately holding him back.


    Renee’s professor wanted to meet with her due to the recentmotion. He aimed to offer some reassurance. Upon observing her in good spirits, he felt relieved.


    Renee didn’t emerge from the art school until it was almost lunchtime.


    Upon reaching the teaching building, she noticed a group nearby.


    At the center was Marcelo, seated in a wheelchair, surrounded by several faculty members. Howard stood there, too, introducing the school specifics to Marcelo with a very stern expression.


    “You…” Renee wanted to question Marcelo’s presence. Wasn’t he the one who imed he was going to stay at home?


    Just as Renee was on the verge of inquiring, she altered her words and greeted with a simple “Hello.”


    Marcelo, seeing Renee’s surprised face, seemed quite pleased with his little surprise.


    Just as she was about to leave, Marcelo deliberately held her back.


    <b>“</b>I seem to recognize thisdy,” she said on purpose.


    One of the teachers from the dean’s office quickly said, “Mr King, it seems like you’ve forgotten. This is Renee Hudson. She was the alumni speaker at the school’s anniversary.”


    Most people had forgotten that Marcelo had defended Renee against Herman’s usations. Those who remember assumed Marcelo had acted out of a sense of justice.


    Chapter 127 Pressuring Romeo


    “Is that so?“Marcelo, appearing rxed, suggested, “Well then, let this fellow alumna apany me to lunch. I’ve heard great things about the canteen food here.”


    Renee found his behavior utterly unbelievable. Not only had he lied about being at home, but he also deliberately mentioned the canteen, suggesting an ulterior motive.


    Marcelo was supposed to leave at noon, and when the teacher from the dean’s office overheard what Marcelo said, he saw it as an opportunity to showcase the school. If Marcelo was impressed by the quality of the canteen food, he might contribute money towards the renovation of the canteen.


    The teacher, familiar with Renee from her school days, inquired, “Renee, do you have any free time?” His expression practically begged her to say yes, making it difficult for Renee to decline.


    Howard, however, stepped in, asserting,


    “Sir, Renee has graduated and no longer has a campus card. We need a campus card to ess the school canteen.”


    Howard’s intention was clear.He wanted to stop the teacher from pressuring Renee.