Chapter 8

Outside on the terrace, Jeremy leaned against the railing, his stillness suggesting he'd been expecting Kayla

"Why are you suddenly hovering around me today?What's going on?" he asked.

Kayla's lips curled into a sweet smile. "I just saw you standing here and thought I'd stop by to say hello."

"This is your final opportunity. Don't throw it away."There was a sharpness in his voice now, and the faint trace of irritation flickered across his face.

Kayla's smile wavered for just a moment. Stepping forward,she reached into her bag and pulled out a folder. "This is the project proposal for Perennia Group. I'm hoping you'll take another look and give us a second chance."

So that was her realreason for coming.

Jeremy didn't spare the folder a single glance. His sharp nose and defined features gave him a cold,distant look, while his eyes held a blend of calm detachment and authority. A small firm-what reason do I have to partner with Liam? I'm not running a charity."

"Then consider it a favor. One small move from you could save a company and earn you a powerful ally,"she pleaded.

Jeremy's quiet chuckle carried a faint edge of contempt.

He turned, eyes narrowing as he gave her a long,cutting once-over. "Did Liam put you up to this?Sending a woman to do business-he's turning that general manager title into a joke."

"No, I came of my own accord. I intend to win this project myself."

Just then, Edwin approached with a brisk stride. "Mr.Graham, the office called. There's a situation that needs your attention."

Jeremy didn't respond to her. Without a backward glance,he walked off.

Kayla started to go after him, but Edwin stepped into her path. "Ma'am,please control yourself."

She could only stand still and watch them disappear down the corridor. But she wasn't giving up. Jeremy would come around -she'd make sure of it.

As she turned to leave, a sharp, female voice rang out behind her.

"Kayla, what were you doing in the private room just now?"

She glanced up to find Zoe approaching,wearing an elegant designer dress, a high-end handbag swinging confidently at her side.

Kayla met Zoe's smug look with a frosty stare. "Is this your property? What I do here doesn't concern you."

Zoe's lips twisted into a smirk. "Maybe not, but dragging the Cooper name through the mud in public isn't something I can ignore. Does Liam even know you're out tonight? You think you belong anywhere near Jeremy?"

Kayla gave a quiet, contemptuous laugh. "Jeremy is my husband's uncle. Sharing a meal with him isn't exactly scandalous. Meanwhile, you're the one skulking around, desperate for his approval"

Unfazed, Zoe tilted her chin, tapping the jeweled brooch pinned proudly to her chest. "And what if l am?Jeremy has been searching for the woman who owns this brooch. Other than you, I'm the only one with it You're married now, which means I'm the only candidate left."

Kayla's eyes narrowed with quiet intensity Her suspicions were confirmed-Jeremy really was looking for someone based on the brooch she'd once lost

A woman like Zoe wouldn't waste asecond exploiting an opportunity to climb higher

Still, Kayla couldn't risk confronting her without exposing herself

While Kayla weighed her options, Zoe pulled a document from her bag and tossed it in her face

"By the way,you should know-Dad's decided to stop covering your grandmother's medical fees. You'll have to take care of it yourself. Since you're running Cooper Group nowv, it's not our responsibility anymore."

Kayla said in a cold, lethal voice, "You guys caused my grandmother's fall and her dementia. Only a year has passed, and you think you can just walk away from it?That's not going to happen."

Zoe scoffed, eyes burning with defiance. "Take it up with Dad if you're so upset. You think marrying Liam makes you someone important? Without the Cooper family's support, he would still be nobody. Jeremy is the true head of the Graham family. Once I marry him,you'll be answering to me." "Save that talk for when you've actually married Jeremy." Without looking back, Kayla walked off

Behind her, Zoe stomped the floor in frustration and yelled,"Kayla, watch and see!"