The following morning, after whipping up breakfast, Charlie hopped on his scooter and made his way to the Emgrand Group’s office. He parked his scooter at the edge of the parking lot. Just as he secured it, a sleek black Bentley glided into a space across from him. Curiously, he glanced up and saw a young couple emerging from the vehicle.

The man was dressed in a sharp, branded suit, exuding charm and sophistication. The woman, on the other hand, had a flamboyant style that, while a bit over-the-top, showcased her beauty. This lady was none other than Wendy Wilson, Claire’s cousin, and the man by her side was her fiancé, Gerald White. Charlie was puzzled by their presence but knew that avoiding them was the best strategy to prevent any unwanted trouble. Ironically, the more he tried to stay out of sight, the more likely they were to notice him.

Wendy spotted him from the corner of her eye and exclaimed, “Hey, Charlie!”

Although Wendy called out to him in a friendly tone, Charlie felt an unsettling chill run down his spine.

Out of politeness, he halted in his tracks and awaited their approach. With a forced smile, he asked, “Wendy, what brings you here?”

Wendy laughed lightly. “Oh, Gerald is here to meet Doris Young, the vice-chairman of Emgrand Group! I’m just here to keep him company.”

She then glanced at Gerald with affection and added, “The White family has numerous projects with Emgrand Group. This will not only benefit the White family but also our Wilson family in the long run.”

Charlie was unaware that the Whites were business partners with Emgrand Group. After all, he had just taken over the company and hadn’t yet delved into the specifics.

Maintaining his composure, he replied with a polite smile, “Mr. White is quite talented; you two make a wonderful couple!”

Gerald shot Charlie a contemptuous glare, his anger simmering beneath the surface. How could this loser, who had been publicly humiliated by Lady Wilson just the day before, act as if nothing was wrong? Why on earth would Claire, a stunning woman, choose to marry someone like him?

If Charlie hadn’t existed, Gerald would have certainly pursued Claire with zeal! Who would want to be engaged to Wendy, who fell short in every possible way?

Gerald let out a frustrated huff and asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to apply for a job,” Charlie replied.

“Apply for a job?” Gerald scoffed derisively. “You? The guy who can’t accomplish anything wants to apply at Emgrand Group? Are you serious?”

Charlie frowned. “What’s it to you?”

Wendy had initially called out to Charlie to humiliate him. Now, seizing the opportunity, she mocked, “Why? Gerald’s right, isn’t he? Do you have any educational background or achievements to show?”

“Honestly, they wouldn’t even consider a loser like you, even if you were applying for a security position. You’d be better off scavenging for trash on the streets; at least you might earn a few thousand a month!”

With that, she tossed a water bottle at Charlie’s feet and sneered, “There you go, pick it up and sell it for some cash! Don’t say I never cared about you.”

Gerald laughed maliciously. “You’re nothing but trash, but since we’re family, I’ll give you a break. I happen to know the vice-chairman of Emgrand Group personally; maybe I could put in a good word for you and see if she can find a toilet-cleaning job for you?”

Charlie smirked and retorted, “What job I’m applying for is none of your business. You should focus on your own issues instead. Emgrand Group is a big company, and I doubt they’d want to collaborate with someone as lowly as you.”

Gerald’s face flushed with rage. “Who are you calling lowly?”

Charlie replied with disdain, “You, lowly!”

He then turned and strode toward the building, ignoring Gerald’s angry shouts behind him.

“Damn you! Stop! Do you hear me?”

Before long, Gerald rushed after Charlie and caught up with him at the elevator area.

He felt the urge to teach Charlie a lesson, perhaps delivering a couple of slaps to remind him of the consequences of his insolence. However, they were inside Emgrand Group’s building, and he worried that making a scene would damage his reputation and upset his business partner, so he reluctantly abandoned the idea.

With gritted teeth, he warned, “I’ll let you off today, but don’t think you’ll be so lucky next time!”

Charlie simply snorted and stepped into the elevator. Before the doors closed, he called out, “Gerald White, do you really believe you’re so powerful? Trust me, you’ll soon learn the price of your arrogance!”

“You little…”

Gerald’s face turned a dark shade of red. He wanted to barge into the elevator, but Wendy held him back, saying, “Gerald, don’t share the elevator with that loser; we might suffocate from his stench.”

He nodded, fully aware that engaging with Charlie wasn’t wise. Instead, he coldly snorted, “Hah, you’re lucky today. Just wait; I’ll make you pay next time!”

***

Inside the elevator, Charlie headed straight to the top floor, where the Chairman’s office was situated. Stephen had already set everything in motion for him at Emgrand. The person overseeing these arrangements was Doris Young, a well-respected businesswoman in Aurous Hill. Not only was Doris charming, but she was also exceptionally capable. She had risen to the position of Vice-Chairman of Emgrand Group at a young age and had played a significant role in the company’s success.

Since the Wade family had acquired Emgrand Group, the former chairman had stepped down, and Doris remained to assist the new chairman. When Doris saw Charlie, she was taken aback. She hadn’t expected to meet such a young and charming man after hearing about him from Stephen!

Quickly regaining her composure, she greeted him with respect. “Welcome, Mr. Wade. Please, follow me to my office.”