Chapter 16

Make Your Life Difficult

“Has the representative from Sentiment Chemical Limited arrived, Eliza?” Raymond asked, checking his watch.

“I’m not sure. I’ll go check,” replied his secretary.

“Remember, once he arrives, escort him personally to my office,” Raymond instructed.

“Understood.” Eliza hurried downstairs.

However, upon entering the main hall, she saw a crowd gathered at the entrance, several bodyguards about to confront a man they had surrounded.

“Stop! What are you doing? This is creating a disturbance!” Eliza demanded, approaching them angrily.

Jeffrey, spotting Eliza, quickly signaled the bodyguards to disperse. He smiled apologetically. “This man was causing trouble, even assaulting someone. I called the bodyguards.”

“Assault?” Eliza glanced at Jared before turning back to Jeffrey. “Get rid of him. The representative's arrival will look bad otherwise.”

“Right away!” Jeffrey nodded, waving at the bodyguards, who immediately surrounded Jared again.

“Eliza!” Leyton greeted the secretary. He wanted to cultivate relationships to secure the collaboration with Cosmic Chemical.

Eliza nodded curtly and turned to Jeffrey. “Is the Sentiment Chemical representative here? Inform Mr. Green immediately upon his arrival.”

Jeffrey looked startled, pointing at Jared. “H-He is the representative…”

Eliza’s face paled. She’d sensed Raymond’s unease that morning. While unaware of the representative's status, she knew from Raymond’s reaction that he was someone they couldn't offend. Realizing they nearly ejected their awaited guest, her heart pounded.

“Stand down! Get out of here!”

Eliza quickly dismissed the bodyguards. Smiling politely, she addressed Jared. “I’m Eliza, Mr. Green’s secretary. He’s waiting for you. Please follow me, sir.”

Jared nodded, following her toward the stairs, smirking as he passed Leyton.

Jeffrey and Leyton watched, bewildered.

“You said the Scott family’s collaboration with Cosmic Chemical was secured, Mr. Leigh. Why did Raymond invite Jared upstairs?” Leyton asked.

“It’s true! I confirmed it with Mr. Green. He agreed to collaborate with the Scott family. I don’t know what’s happened!” Jeffrey was equally confused.

“I’m going to find out. Many here took our bribes. If I don’t secure the deal, I’ll make life difficult for all of you!” With Sandy, Leyton headed upstairs, unopposed.

Jeffrey remained rooted to the spot, shocked. As the biggest recipient of bribe money, he knew the consequences of failing to secure the deal would be dire. He secretly followed, intending to eavesdrop.

Meanwhile, seeing Eliza bring Jared into his office, Raymond’s eyes gleamed.

(The promotional text at the end was removed as it is not part of the story.)