Jamie focused intently on taking notes, capturing every detail of the meeting.

Although Ben appeared to be fully absorbed in the presentation on the screen, his gaze would occasionally and subtly flicker toward her. It was so faint that no one else noticed.

The illusion was only broken when the enthusiastic leader of the project team asked, "President Lucas, what do you think of this proposal?"

Ben didn't respond, lost in thought.

"President Lucas?" the leader called again, this time with a touch of unease.

Snapped out of his thoughts, Ben's expression hardened. "It's no good. Go back and redo it." His tone was curt, his judgment swift as he glanced at the screen to assess the proposal's flaws.

The team leader, who had been passionately presenting moments ago, fell silent, his enthusiasm deflated. He couldn't shake the feeling that Ben seemed unusually displeased. Had he done something wrong?

The meeting was abruptly interrupted midway when Ben's assistant entered with a grave expression after taking a phone call. "Mr. Lucas, there's an urgent matter that requires your attention."

Ben waved a hand, dismissing the project team with instructions to redo the proposal. He also directed the public relations department to handle the ongoing rumors.

Jamie closed her notebook, hesitating briefly before following him out. "What's going on? Judging by your expressions, it seems serious."

The assistant glanced at Ben before answering, "It's about the old district..."

Jamie immediately understood and frowned.

The old district was the site Lucas Corporation had recently acquired for redevelopment. The area consisted of dilapidated, decades-old buildings that should have been demolished long ago. Although Lucas Corporation spearheaded the project, it was technically a government-backed initiative and thus critical to execute properly. However, no one had anticipated how difficult the relocation efforts would be.

Ben turned to the assistant. "You'll need to head over. You're familiar with the process. Bring extra people to keep the situation under control and ensure no disruptions from reporters or the media."

The media had been circling Lucas Corporation like vultures, eager to dig up a scandal. It had become a constant annoyance for Ben.

To everyone's surprise, Jamie spoke up. "I'll go too."

The

assistant looked at her in

astonishment, a hint of admiration in

his expression. What kind of fearless person would volunteer for such a thankless task? Even he dreaded going, yet Jamie was stepping up to take it on.

"No," Ben said firmly, rejecting the idea outright. "It's too chaotic there."

“But this is part of a secretary's responsibilities—”

"Your responsibility is to stay by my side and only do what I assign to you," Ben interrupted, his tone authoritarian but not harsh. Jamie could sense the concern behind his words.

The old district, unlike the

modernized areas, was notorious for

its poor living conditions. Its

residents were a mix of low-income individuals, the elderly, and others from all walks of life, making it a challenging place to navigate. Jamie wouldn't have volunteered if not for work-related reasons.

"I can take care of myself. Besides, I won't be going alone. It's my job, and I shouldn't shirk it," she said calmly, though her determined gaze revealed her resolve.

The assistant glanced nervously at Ben, whose expression darkened as if he were about to lose his temper. Just as the assistant prepared to step in and mediate, Ben's demeanor shifted unexpectedly.

He stared at Jamie for a long moment before relenting. "You're sure you want to go?"

"I'm sure," Jamie replied, her tone unwavering.

Ben turned to the assistant. "Make sure you look after her."

As they left the room together, the assistant wore an incredulous expression, as if he couldn't believe what had just happened.

Jamie noticed and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? Is something on my face?"

"No, nothing like that," the assistant said, shaking his head. "It's just.... you're impressive. I can't believe you actually convinced Mr. Lucas. He gave her a thumbs-up, his face still filled with awe.

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