Madeline was waiting right outside the LAU building.


    The receptionist gave them an apologetic look. "I''m really sorry, but you can''t go in without an appointment."


    Genesis forced a smile and introduced them. "My name is Genesis, and this is Miss Madeline Lockwood. We''vee in good faith to discuss a partnership. Could you please let Mr. Summers know we''re here?"


    Madeline had some name recognition in Northcrest, so the receptionist naturally knew who she was. But without an appointment, she couldn''t let them through. She shook her head again, refusing.


    Genesis quickly added, "A few days ago, Miss Lockwood and Mr. Quigley of the Quigley Group had dinner with your Mr. Summers. They discussed this during the meal, but we just forgot to make a formal appointment."


    The receptionist hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. "All right. Follow me."


    After leading them inside, they met Mr. Summers''s assistant, who exined that Mr. Summers was in a video conference with the CEO and asked them to wait a moment.


    As soon as the assistant left, Genesis lowered her voice. "It looks like Mr. Quigley put in a good word with Mr. Summers. I think we have a real shot today."


    She added, "Mr. Quigley is really looking out for you."


    A warmth spread through Madeline''s chest. "Felix has always cared about me."


    Genesis readily agreed. "It''s more than just caring. This whole situation was resolved thanks to Mr. Quigley stepping in and applying pressure. Otherwise, it would have been a real mess."


    The mention of it made Madeline fume. Who would have thought Noreen woulde forward to defend ire? She not only used herpany''s official ount to issue a rifying statement, revealing that the "benefactor" mentioned in ire''s post was none other than Noreen, the owner of Winrich, but she also had Winrich''s legal department send cease and desist letters to Madeline and all the marketing ounts that spread the smear campaign. She even went after the online trolls.


    To mitigate the risk, Genesis had been forced to sacrifice herwork of hundreds of marketing ounts she''d cultivated over the years-a devastating loss. But at least Madeline was safe.


    Genesis had been willing to go all-in because she saw how Felix treated Madeline. She was banking on Madeline sessfully marrying into the Quigley family, bing the matriarch of the Quigley Group, and taking Genesis with her to the top.


    So sheforted Madeline, "Once yound the LAU endorsement, everything will be fine."


    Madeline thought so too, which was why she was determined to seed today. They waited for about half an hour before the assistant returned to show them in. Madeline and Genesis exchanged a knowing nce.


    When they entered, Mr. Summers was sitting in his chair and didn''t bother to stand. Genesis greeted him warmly and exined their reason foring.


    Mr. Summers''s eyes kept darting to hisputer as he gave a perfunctory reply.


    "As you should know, LAU has extremely high standards for its brand ambassadors."


    Genesis smiled. "Of course! Miss


    Lockwood''s image and charisma are a perfect fit for your brand''s requirements We hope youth Consider her, Mr. Summers. Also, regardingpensation, wete


    prepared for her to endorse the brand for free."


    She paused intentionally. "You know, Miss Lockwood isn''t short on money Mr. Quigley has always been very generous with her. This is


    lov


    mainly because she genuinely loves LAU''s products.


    The offer of a zero-fee endorsement was indeed attractive. But Mr. Summers simply raised an eyebrow. "The choice of an ambassador is something have to run by my boss?? I don''t have the final say."


    Madeline immediately spoke up. "Then would it be possible to arrange a meeting


    with your boss? I can speak with them in person."


    Mr. Summers replied, "Well... I don''t think she''d be very interested in meeting you."


    His words left both women stunned.


    Genesis immediately asked, "Does your boss know Miss Lockwood?"


    Even Madeline added, "Is there some misunderstanding?"


    Mr. Summers simply turned hisputer screen toward them. "Why don''t you tell my boss yourself?"


    Their eyes fell on the screen. ire was there, smiling and waving at them. "Hi, my dear cousin. Good afternoon."