Chapter 79

Kayla got to the meeting room and discovered that Jeremy hadn't arrived yet. The meeting was postponed by half an hour.

She hadn't eaten that morning,so she decided to grab a quick meal at the canteen. On her way out, she accidentally bumped into someone entering.

Milk spilled to the floor, splashing onto the hem of Zoe's skirt. Zoe looked down, then shot Kayla a glare."Of course, it's you. Why do you keep turning up wherever I go? Like some kind of curse I can't shake."

Kayla stepped back, unbothered, and replied sharply,"You don't own this place. I can come and go as l please."

The quiet canteen suddenly felt charged. A few people nearby glanced over, sensing the tension.

Zoe stormed forward in her heels, towering over Kayla with her chin lifted in defiance. "Apologize. Right now.This is Jeremy's place, and if I say the word, security will drag you out." Kayla couldn't help but laugh. She raised her hand to her lips, her voice laced with amusement. "Oh really?Then why didn't he say a word for you at the club that night?" Zoe's face turned beet red. "Stop trying to come between me and Jeremy! People like you shouldn't even be allowed in here. Leave!"

Before Kayla could say anything,Jeremy's secretary appeared at the entrance, scanning the room. After a moment, the secretary walked over to both of them.

Thinking the secretary had come for her, Zoe gave a smug smile and flicked her hand with confidence."Told you-he clearly sent someone to get me. You'd better apologize while you still have the chance."

Kayla said nothing, but a faint smile played on her lips.

Zoe stood there,waiting proudly to be acknowledged -only for the secretary to walk right past her and stop in front of Kayla.

"Ma'am, the meeting's about to begin. Mr. Graham has requested your presence," the secretary said.

Kayla nodded calmly. "Alright. I will join them now."

Zoe's jaw dropped in shock. She stepped forward in a rush, eyes wide. "Wait-Jeremy's here? Take me to see him."

The secretary paused, then replied politely, "I'm sorry,Ms. Cooper, but Mr. Graham's tied up at the moment.He asked me to let you know it's best if you leave for now."

Zoe's expression soured. She pointed at Kayla and barked, "Then why is she allowed to see him?" "She's here on behalf of Newton Group. She's scheduled to attend the meeting."

Kayla lifted her work badge with a bright smile. "You heard that, huh? I'm here on business, not to cause a scene."

Zoe's anger surged, her face flushed with frustration.

Kayla brushed past her, lightly bumping shoulders,and walked away alongside the secretary.

Zoe stood frozen in place, seething. She stomped her heel on the floor and muttered through clenched teeth, "Just wait. I'll prove how important I am to Jeremy."

Inside the meeting room, Kayla gave a confident, well -prepared presentation. Her clear explanations and polished delivery earned her a round of applause from the executives around the table.

At the head of the table sat Jeremy, flpping through her proposal with a cold, sharp look on his face. He didn't find a single flaw.

When the meeting ended, Kayla made her way over to him and asked without hesitation, "Jeremy, do you have any feedback?"

Jeremy looked up, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

Something about his stare made Kayla uneasy. She quickened her steps, stopping just in front of him. "Did I miss something?" Jeremy shut the proposal folder and let it fall onto the table with a casual flick of his hand. Then he crossed one leg over the other and looked at her steadily."What made you decide to work with Newton Group?"

The question caught Kayla off guard.

She hesitated for a moment before answering honestly, "They still have control over my mother's company. If I want it back, I have to help Mr. Newton win a few big deals. That's what we agreed on from the beginning."

Jeremy studied her. "So your ultimate goal is to divorce Liam?"

She gave a firm nod."Yes."

He nodded slightly, then stood up, hands in his pockets, and began walking to the door.

Not sure whether he was pleased with her work,Kayla hurried after him. "About Newton Group's other project proposals-can I get your go-ahead?"

Suddenly, Jeremy stopped. Caught off guard, Kayla bumped into him from behind and stumbled forward.

He turned and caught her just in time. They fell back slightly against the edge of the conference table.

Held in his arms, Kayla looked up at him, her cheeks flushed. She quickly looked away, unable to look into his eyes.

Jeremy's voice came low and cold from above her."You're responsible for the projects. Handle them well, and we won't have any issues."

He'd given his approval.

Kayla's face lit up. She was about to thank him when a knock sounded at the door of the conference room.

Before anybody could say a word, Zoe barged in."Jeremy, I'm coming in!"