Deanna was unaware that Emily had already arrived.
Led by the assistant, their group quickly met Raphael in the office.
Seeing the composed man sitting at the desk, Deanna felt no emotional stir. However, Raphael noticed the confident and flamboyant change in Deanna and felt a strange sensation.
"Long time no see," he greeted, standing up and addressing Deanna.
He then signaled to his assistant.
The assistant understood and politely said to Xavier and the others, "Mr. Howard and Miss Jones have matters to discuss. Please follow me to the lounge."
"No need, they will stay with me," Deanna decided before Xavier could speak.
Xavier added, "Mr. Mercer instructed that we should not leave Missus."
His words, though directed at the assistant, were meant to remind Raphael.
Raphael understood. His dark gaze swept over Deanna's entourage, and he sneered, "It seems Lance values you highly, even lending you his trusted aides."
"Lance is indeed very good," Deanna replied, raising her eyebrows. She then turned serious, "Mr. Howard, you should know why we are here. Have your people assist my staff in maintaining the system."
Raphael felt increasingly uncomfortable at Deanna's cold demeanor. Before he could respond, Emily burst in from outside.
"Deanna, you wretch! Who allowed you to see Raphael?" Emily's eyes flared with jealousy as she saw the distinguished Deanna standing in the room.
Deanna frowned at the sound of Emily's voice. Raphael's face also darkened.
As Raphael was about to reprimand her, someone else acted faster.
With a sharp slap, Emily clutched her cheek in shock, staring incredulously at Xavier.
Xavier ignored her, looking coldly at Raphael. "Mr. Mercer said if Mr. Howard cannot control his people and they disrespect our Missus, we won't be polite. If Mr. Howard has any objections, Mr. Mercer is ready to discuss them anytime."
Raphael was rendered speechless. He couldn't justify reprimanding Xavier since Emily was indeed rude first.
Emily misinterpreted Raphael's silence, feeling increasingly insecure.
"Raphael, are you still my husband? I got slapped and you say nothing!" Emily's anger grew as she glared at Raphael and then at Deanna. "Are you still thinking about this woman? Deanna, can't you stay away from married men?"
"Emily, if you don't want another slap, think before you speak!" Deanna's sharp gaze silenced Emily.
Seeing Emily quiet down, Deanna continued coldly, "Honestly, I didn't want to meet you either. But since it's about business cooperation, if you don't want your husband to see me, you can have him terminate the contract with our company."
"Terminate it then! Leave our company now!" Emily shouted.
Raphael's angry voice cut in, "Emily, what nonsense are you spouting? Since when do you make decisions for the company? Get out!"
Emily felt utterly humiliated in front of Deanna. She blamed Deanna for seducing Raphael.
"It's all your fault! You have Lance but still come after my husband. I'll teach you a lesson today!"
Emily lunged at Deanna in a frenzy.
Deanna was startled by Emily's crazed look. As Emily reached out to grab her, Deanna instinctively tried to dodge but Xavier acted faster.
Xavier stepped forward and kicked Emily away, ending the commotion.
Xavier glanced coldly at Raphael before turning to Deanna and respectfully asking, "Missus, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Thank you," Deanna replied gratefully.
Xavier nodded and stepped aside, allowing Deanna to take charge again.
Deanna's eyes narrowed as she looked from the fallen Emily to the grim-faced Raphael. "Mr. Howard, I expect an explanation for what just happened. As for our companies' cooperation, let's terminate it. I don't want crazy women causing trouble at my company every other day."