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Chapter 35

“So what if Mr. Garland is here? You-”

“Shut up!” Calla’s words were abruptly cut off by a commanding voice.

Mercer’s face was thunderous. As his piercing gaze swept across the room, everyone fell so silent that even a pin drop could be heard.

His anger was terrifying. The employees all lowered their heads, and even Peggy’s mouth fell open in shock. Calla felt a chill wash over her, extinguishing her earlier fury.

Mercer removed Peggy’s hand from his arm and subtly pushed her away.

He then addressed Derek, “All employees at Atlas must adhere to Atlas‘ rules. Those who argued with the client today must submit a reflection statement, which I will review personally.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Derek nodded vigorously.

Peggy, however, voiced her dissatisfaction. “Mercer, just a reflection statement? That’s it?”

Mercer looked at Peggy and said stiffly, “Ms. Horn, we are not on a first–name basis. And this is Atlas, not a market. Mind your words and actions.”

“I…” Mercer’s public rebuke left Peggy humiliated, which was reflected in her expression.

“I have a meeting to attend. Excuse me.” Mercer nodded politely before turning to leave.

“Mer–Hmph!” Peggy uttered just one syllable before she stopped herself and glanced at everyone.

The moment she stormed off in her high heels, the others chuckled quietly.

“What are you laughing at? Get back to work,” Derek ordered before retreating to his office.

Calla returned to her desk, frustrated. Staring at the blank paper in front of her, she felt even more annoyed. How was she supposed to write this reflection statement?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she felt.

Just before lunch the next day, Calla received a call from Simon.

“Mrs. Garland, please come have lunch at Premiere Lounge in the Riviera.”

Upon hearing that, Calla glanced around to ensure no one was paying attention before whispering into the phone, “I’ve already had a colleague bring my lunch.”

“Mrs. Garland, this is a direct order from Mr. Garland,” Simon insisted.

Calla frowned. Knowing that Simon was waiting for her answer, she nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll be there shortly.”

She hung up, feeling conflicted.

Although Mercer had put Peggy in her place the other day, he still made Calla write the reflection

statement. This meant that he treated her no differently from anyone else.

$15 BONUS

If it were anyone else, she could have understood, but she was supposed to be his wife in name. How could he let her endure Peggy’s bullying? This made Calla feel downhearted these past two days.

Still, she reminded herself that she needed this job and couldn’t afford to make waves. Though she was reluctant to see Mercer, the thought of a good meal helped her decide to go.

Upon entering Premiere Lounge, she saw the reserved table laden with dishes, but Mercer was nowhere to be seen. Only Simon was there, standing by the table.

Seeing her puzzled look, Simon smiled and pulled out a chair for her. “Mrs. Garland, Mr. Garland has a lunch meeting today, so he asked you to dine alone.”

This news actually pleased Calla. Not having to see his stern face and getting to enjoy a nice meal was a win–win.

She noticed that today’s meal wasn’t just salad. The table featured a balanced assortment of exquisite dishes that immediately whetted her appetite.

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