Embarrassment colored his face; he felt chagrined at being lectured by young Maria, especially at his age. However, remembering his dependence on her job recommendation, he endured the humiliation. "Who was on the phone, Dad?" Jared asked. "It was Maria. She's waiting downstairs, so hurry and go down. Remember to be polite," Gary urged.

After Jared went downstairs, he found Maria waiting at the entrance. Approaching her, he murmured apologetically, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." The moment Maria saw him, she barked, fury etched on her face, "If it weren't for my father's orders, I wouldn't have come! Look at your clothes! What era is that suit from? How outdated!" Jared's brows furrowed slightly, but he suppressed his anger. "I bought it three years ago, but I've never worn it," he explained. "It's still new."

"New? No young man would wear such an old-fashioned suit!" Maria scoffed. "Should I go back and change?" Jared asked. "Forget it! We're already late! Get in the car!" She opened the car door and climbed in unceremoniously.

Jared intended to sit in the passenger seat, but Maria snarled, "Sit in the back! Do you think you're worthy of the passenger seat?" He frowned but obeyed, slipping into the back. Before he could settle, Maria sped off. Fortunately, he knew martial arts; otherwise, he would have slammed into the front seat.

"Don't mention knowing me at the office! I don't care if you pass the interview, and don't expect my help. Recommending you is already generous" Maria continued, mainly forbidding him from mentioning their acquaintance for fear of embarrassment. "Okay," Jared replied placidly.

They soon arrived at Maria's company. It was a large corporate building, more than a dozen stories high. "Sentiment Chemical Limited? This company belongs to the Sullivan family?" Jared stared at the sign, a frown creasing his brow. He remembered Josephine mentioning William establishing it as a birthday gift for her; she was the chairman, though rarely involved in management. "Yes, it belongs to the Sullivans, the wealthiest family in Horington! It's a great honor to work here. The pay and benefits are far better than other companies!" Maria declared proudly. Jared smiled but said nothing, following her into the building. At the entrance, they encountered Maria's boyfriend, Zayne Carlson. "Why are you late, Maria?" he asked with a bright smile.

"Ugh! My father made me pick up his friend's son," Maria pouted, clearly in a bad mood.

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