Chapter 94: Stop Embarrassing Yourself

Chase's gaze darkened slightly, and he let out a cold snort. "I just checked the attendance logs. You didn't request leave. Skipping work as a leader sets a bad example. Seems like you're not keen on being acting CEO anymore!"

Jeremy turned pale instantly, his lips trembling as he stuttered, "Mr. Wilkinson... I'll fix this by submitting a leave request retrospectively."

Standing nearby, Vanessa finally realized the person in front of her wasn't Eliana's poor husband. Well, how could that poor guy ever match up to Mr. Wilkinson?

But comparing Jeremy to Mr. Wilkinson, she suddenly felt her husband wasn't all that impressive either...

Chase interjected coldly, "This also doesn't follow protocol. Are you, as acting CEO, the same as the real deal?"

Feeling Mr. Wilkinson's displeasure, Jeremy's expression grew even more strained. "Of course not, I wouldn't dare compare myself to you. I'll get back to work right away."

At this moment, Jeremy didn't care about appearing humiliated. He had to save his job first!

Shrugging off Vanessa's hand, he said, "I'm heading back first. We'll talk later."

Vanessa had used Jeremy as a front today, and now he was leaving so soon. She felt like she had lost face.

"Wait."

Jeremy had just reached the door when Chase called him back. He hurriedly turned with a forced smile. "Mr. Wilkinson, is there something else?"

Chase lounged lazily, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it before speaking. "The partnership proposal you submitted didn't pass my review. How could we make a multi-million dollar deal with a newly opened company? Did you conduct a risk assessment, an evaluation?"

This not only paled Jeremy's face but also Vanessa's. What did this mean? Was their partnership being canceled? A multi-million-dollar deal gone just like that?

Jeremy's face turned deathly pale, unable to find words. This deal was something he had approved privately. According to normal procedures, it would never have been approved.

"I made a mistake. Please give me a chance to fix it. I'll go back to..."

Before he could finish, Chase cut in, "As acting CEO, you made such a basic error. I seriously doubt your suitability for the role."

Jeremy's legs went weak, his breathing cautious. His once composed face now paled with fear.

Even in front of others, Chase didn't give an inch. "Before you leave tonight, submit a self-review. Otherwise, don't bother coming in tomorrow."

"Yes, yes, I'll go write it now."

Jeremy didn't dare waste any more time and quickly left.

Eliana had always known Jeremy was just an acting CEO and this branch belonged to Wilkinson Group, not to Jeremy.

She had heard he got the position due to family connections, but Jeremy always insisted his CEO role would get confirmed soon. Now it seemed like a long shot.

Colin waved his hand jokingly at the air, saying to Vanessa, "Why is someone not leaving when they clearly should? Waiting for others to chase them away?"

Eliana looked at Vanessa's reddening face mockingly, "Stop embarrassing yourself."

With the whole company witnessing this spectacle, Vanessa's face was thoroughly crushed by Jeremy's humiliation. With her dignity shattered, what was left for her?

Vanessa had no choice but to storm back across to the other office in a huff.

Eliana approached, politely inviting Chase inside. "Mr. Wilkinson, what brings you here today?"

Chase looked through his mask, a slight smile playing on his lips. His demeanor resembled the bright sunshine outside. "I'm here to discuss a business partnership with you."

Eliana couldn't muster much excitement; this man was not ordinary. His mood swung unpredictably—who knew what he was thinking?

Given Mr. Wilkinson's previous advances, Eliana remained cautious.

The three of them ushered Mr. Wilkinson into the meeting room, presenting the finest pastries and tea.

"Mr. Wilkinson, I know you're here to discuss our international trade cooperation. With such a large order, we're not sure if we can meet your requirements in a short timeframe," Eliana said honestly.

Though they had factories, large-scale production on short notice posed challenges, especially with existing client orders.

If he demanded quick delivery, it was surely a dishonest move.

Wearing his mask, Chase ignored the pastries and tea, simply lighting a cigarette. "We're not in a rush. I'll give you ample time for delivery. We can discuss the details of our cooperation slowly."

Eliana was surprised; was he really here to discuss cooperation?

"Mr. Wilkinson, I'm curious why you chose us among so many companies in LA?" she asked.

She and Mr. Wilkinson weren't particularly well-connected, merely acquaintances at best. So why was he here?

Recalling his previous negative impression, Chase was keen to correct it.

Beyond that, there was another reason why he had to come—Jeremy dared to use company resources to please his woman, undermining Eliana. If Chase didn't act, could he still call himself a man?

Chase replied frankly, "We assessed that your company meets all the requirements as an established player."

Eliana stared into his eyes, feeling like there was something familiar about him.

Not just that, he and Chase even smoked the same brand of cigarettes and had similar mannerisms...

Feeling a bit uneasy under her scrutiny, Chase knew this woman wasn't easily deceived. "Miss Griffith, staring at people like that is impolite."

"Sorry, Mr. Wilkinson, your presence is quite imposing, it distracted me," she apologized lightly.

Chase exhaled a puff of smoke, his deep voice magnetic. "There's a dinner tonight at Star Commerce Club. Will you accompany me?"

Eliana was surprised. "At Star Commerce Club?"

"You know it? Then you should know its significance. Since you're taking on a major partnership with me, you must understand the need for diversification. Many companies are already expanding their product lines, yet Griffith Enterprise seems stagnant."

Eliana felt that Chase's serious tone conveyed either dissatisfaction or disdain for Griffith Enterprise.

She had heard of Star Commerce Club; only the most established LA businesses could enter. At the current status of Griffith Enterprise, they couldn't even get past their front door.

"We're keen on improvement. We already have some ideas in progress," she replied.

Chase snorted, "Then you should go see."

"In that case, I'll respectfully comply," Eliana agreed.

Chase rose from the sofa, satisfied. "See you tonight."

With that, the tall figure walked out of the office.

As soon as he left, Colin rushed in, asking for details.

Eliana didn't answer directly but asked, "Do you think Mr. Wilkinson resembles Chase?"