Chapter 7 His Sadness

****** A week passed in the blink of an eye, and Jessica had already established her presence in Noblefull Group. As Mr. Marcus's chief secretary, her abilities had earned the respect of everyone, even prompting Nancy to happily take a vacation, seeing that Jessica could handle things on her own. Even the four women in the secretary's office, who started with mocking, had started to show respect. With her abilities, Jessica had proved her worth. Noblefull Group was a fiercely competitive environment where only merit mattered, particularly among Marcus's secretaries who were all carefully selected, each with their unique qualities. They were proud and self-assured, and it took a lot of effort for Jessica to earn their recognition. The only thing that bothered her was facing Mr. Marcus's handsome face every day. For Jessica, it was torture to say goodbye affectionately to her son every morning and then bump into the big boss in the company. She had to constantly remind herself not to give Marcus a kiss. Speaking of the extent of perversion, Lionel was no less than Mr. Marcus. During her time in France, she had to meticulously record all of Lionel's interactions with his mistresses. Whenever he felt like it, he usually just mentioned a mistress's name, and Jessica had to recall the details of that woman from her memory and pass it on to him. What annoyed her the most was that Lionel's perversions were not inclined towards socialites or stars, but rather towards affluent women. Regardless of whether the woman was married or not, if he set his sights on her, he would flirt and seduce her. It is imaginable how fiercely Jessica's inner fire must have burned, as she specially handled these matters for him, wishing she could throw him to Mars. Marcus wasn't much better. He had a deeply devoted girlfriend, a socialite. He had so many mistresses that they could line up several streets. In just one week of taking office, he had already received calls from over 30 women, all wanting to have a rendezvous with Marcus, and he pushed all of this onto Jessica, asking her to shield him from them. She accepted the lamenting, the pleading, and the insults in full. Initially, he just wanted to see her in distress. After all, even the experienced Nancy felt extremely flustered and often became furious while handling these romantic affairs. But Jessica exceeded his expectations. When his mistresses called, she welcomed them all with a smile, listened to them attentively, and came up with a perfect excuse every time to fend them off. She could tell every mistress that the CEO was in a meeting, without ever using the same excuse twice. Her countless creative excuses left him speechless. Once, he pushed the door open and happened to hear the young girl smiling and saying, "Mr. Marcus is making love with Miss Crystal in the rest lounge and may not be available for a while." This statement twisted Marcus's handsome face. However, it couldn't be denied that she was the most competent secretary and handled such matters with ease. "Mr. Marcus, sorry for the lie, but this is more in line with your style," Jessica said innocently, with a sweet smile. Damn it! She scolded people without using dirty words! The person that perverted Lionel raised, is perverted too! ****** Eight years later, seeing Raymond Davis and Florence Black again, Jessica was also surprised. "Jessica, what are you doing here?" Raymond exclaimed in surprise when he saw Jessica. Beside him, Florence looked astonished and then jealous, with a fierce glint in her eyes. "Raymond, I am Mr. Marcus's secretary," Jessica smiled. "Jessica, I didn't expect to see you here," Raymond exclaimed excitedly, rushing over and grabbing Jessica's hand. There was a calculating glint in his eyes. This was his chance to save the Davis Family Group, and he had to seize it. It had long been rumored that Marcus had a very capable secretary, but Raymond didn't expect it to be Jessica. Jessica looked so young, seeming like a college student. What could she have done to become Marcus's secretary? It must be because Jessica was pretty, and there must have been some unclear relationship between the two for Jessica to get this job. Raymond felt jealous in his heart. He had been dating Jessica for a year but hadn't even received a kiss, and now that man had jumped ahead. He felt an indescribable jealousy. But for now, the most important thing was to save the Davis Family Group. As for Jessica, he hadn't expected her to have changed so much in eight years, still looking uniquely pure, but the past greenness and simplicity were gone, making her even more beautiful. She made his heart flutter! She could sleep with Marcus, what couldn't she sleep with him? For now, asking her for help was the real deal. They could take their time later... "Do you miss me? I missed you so much in these seven years. I've been asking about your news all the time. Where have you been?" Raymond said with excitement, holding Jessica's hand. Jessica was speechless, her eyes slightly lowered, looking at Raymond excitedly holding her hand. Were they that close? Also, dude, you're embarrassing yourself. It's been eight years, not seven, okay? Could you please rehearse before acting? It's so easy to see through. Besides, your new girlfriend is right there beside you. Is this how you disregarded your girlfriend's feelings? Damn it! Who do you think you are? She knew that Raymond was coming today, to be honest, she had even forgotten Raymond's face; she only remembered when she saw him, his presence in her memory was too weak. "Raymond, Mr. Marcus is waiting for you inside," Jessica said with a faint smile. "A secretary? I'm afraid she's more like a bedfellow," Florence sharply mocked. After all, everyone knew that Marcus was quite fickle, and it was common for him to flirt with his secretary. Back in their student days, Florence didn't like Jessica at all. She only pretended to be close to Jessica to get closer to Raymond. She didn't feel the slightest guilt about taking Raymond away from her. This woman always deceives people with her innocent and pure face. "As long as they're not married, an unclear relationship between a man and a woman can be called a bedfellow. Miss Florence, how many beds do you change in a day?" Jessica sarcastically asked Florence with a smile. Anyone can be sarcastic; I can poison you just by opening my mouth! "Jessica, you ..." Florence was livid. "What are you doing?" A cold voice floated over, carrying a hint of anger, making the entire floor feel like mid-winter. Marcus glanced at Raymond and Jessica holding hands, and his eyes narrowed slightly, his cold gaze carrying a hint of anger. Jessica quickly let go of Raymond's hand and stood still without a word. Other secretaries were trembling with fear; Mr. Marcus's expression was truly terrifying. Florence, upon seeing Marcus, revealed a faint green glow in her eyes, like a hungry wolf seeing sweet food, displaying her best side with seductive eyes. What a showoff! What kind of coquetry is that! "Raymond, if you're here to flirt with my secretary, please leave. And you, Jessica, please be professional during work, stop flirting around!" Marcus sternly said as he entered his office. Jessica shook. You were the one flirting around, okay? Florence sneered at the scolded Jessica and arrogantly strode away in her high heels. Boring woman! If Marcus could be interested in this kind of woman, Jessica would seriously doubt his taste. After making three cups of coffee, Jessica delivered them and was about to leave when Marcus's eyes darkened, and he coldly said, "Miss Jessica, stay and listen!" A perfect secretary is not allowed to question their superior's orders. "Yes!" Even though Jessica didn't understand his intentions, she quietly stood by. This man is cold and ruthless, unfathomable. She should be more restrained to avoid getting in trouble. Why did Marcus ask Jessica to stay? Raymond couldn't figure out their relationship for a moment. A man as inscrutable as Marcus is not someone everyone can understand. Jessica always wears a mild, sweet smile, it's hard to read her. Florence had been throwing seductive glances at Marcus, hoping he would notice her. Seeing Jessica being asked to stay, she looked resentful. Damn woman, always ruining her good opportunities. Marcus was worth billions, incredibly handsome, influential, and powerful. Marcus had a net worth of billions, he was incredibly handsome, powerful, and influential. That was the kind of man Florence had her sights set on. If Marcus noticed her, she was confident she could win his heart. When that happened, she intended to sweep away Jessica, who was a hindrance. Jessica could tell what Florence was thinking by the jealous look on her face. She quietly smirked and thought to herself, "This lady should go buy a bed from the market and get some rest. Maybe she can achieve her dreams faster in her dreams." The Davis Family Group was an established household goods enterprise in City W, of considerable size. That year, the group had been impacted by the financial crisis, causing Raymond to lose a considerable amount of money in the stock market. The company's cash flow was tight, leading them to seek funding from the Noblefull Group, hoping to turn the tide. "Mr. Smith, we have a large number of stable manufacturers and loyal customers. Our company has a significant potential for growth. Our cash flow issue is only temporary. Mr. Smith, as long as you provide the funding, I am confident that we can restore normal operations. For you, it's just a drop in the ocean, with no real loss, isn't it?" Raymond flattered Marcus. Marcus's deep, inscrutable eyes revealed no emotion as he reviewed the Davis Family Group's performance for the year and the plan for the following year. His slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, creating a rhythmic sound that made Raymond's heart race, causing him to gulp nervously as he watched Marcus. With just a few words, Marcus could determine the Davis Family Group's fate. "Mr. Smith, please consider it. We truly have many advantages over our peers. We can all earn money together," Florence cooed in a seductive voice. The seductive voice made Jessica shiver. Damn, can't you tone down the flirtiness a bit? She turned to look at her own arm, where a swarm of goosebumps had appeared. "Miss Jessica, do you have any objections?" Marcus unexpectedly asked Jessica, lifting his head. Raymond's eager gaze fell on Jessica, with a look that said "You have to help me". At least they had a relationship before, Jessica won't just stand by and do nothing. Florence sneered disdainfully, silently cursing Raymond for his audacity to seek help from Jessica in front of her. Wasn't he disrespecting her by doing so? Marcus looked on coldly at the ugly scene, his lips curling up coldly. How many men is his secretary involved with? Quincy, Raymond... Looks can be deceiving; that's for her, he wanted to see what she would say. Jessica lowered her eyes and humbly said, "Mr. Marcus, I'm just a secretary. In this kind of decision-making issue, you're asking the wrong person. If the Noblefull Group's stock price fluctuates, I would become the scapegoat." Mr. Marcus dangerously narrowed his eyes, coldly sweeping over Jessica. This young girl had quite the talent for insulting people, daring to call him incompetent. "As you say, it's so simple. As my chief secretary, you can't even provide any opinions, Miss Jessica, are you sure you're capable of this job?" Mr. Marcus's tone was even colder than his indifference. Florence could tell he was displeased and secretly delighted, wishing that Mr. Marcus would just kick Jessica out of Noblefull Group on the spot. "Mr. Marcus, since you're my boss and insist on asking, I have to say something. You can take it as a reference," Jessica said, "Davis Family Group is an established daily goods company with many loyal customers and a good corporate image, leaning towards tradition, which is its advantage in competition. However, in recent years, Raymond has frequently misappropriated company funds in the stock market, repeatedly incurring losses and showing no improvement, and the product quality is also not as good as before. Doing business, especially in traditional enterprises, is better to be down-to-earth. Such speculation carries too much risk. I believe that even if Noblefull Group injects capital, it may not effectively improve Davis Family Group's current situation, but rather be a futile effort." Jessica dared to bet on her precious son's high IQ, Mr. Marcus, the cunning man, had already made up his mind, deliberately pushing her out as a scapegoat. Sly, dark-hearted. Perverted! With such a boss, no wonder the subordinates' minds are twisted. "Jessica, you're talking nonsense, you're slandering me!" Raymond became angry and stood up from the sand with a swish, cursing Jessica. Marcus's lips curved into a smirk. His secretary, with such a poker face, it's so cute to see her criticize Raymond seriously. He wonders how she curses him in her heart. "Mr. Marcus, don't listen to Jessica's nonsense, she's resentful that Raymond left her and chose me. She is deliberately retaliating against Raymond. Mr. Marcus, don't listen to her nonsense, she's jealous of us and can't stand to see us doing well." Florence stared at Jessica with resentment, then turned to Marcus with a pitiful look, hoping to turn the tide. Jessica, "..." Oh gosh. Oh, no! If it weren't for you needing Marcus, when they met in the office, she would have forgotten what Raymond and Florence even looked like. Jealous? Are you kidding?! What exactly is there to be jealous of on both of you, inside and out? Marcus raised an eyebrow. She was abandoned? They were lovers? Mr. Marcus narrowed his eyes and smirked, "Miss Jessica, your love life is truly rich." Jessica humbly bowed, pulling off a bright smile, "Oh, come on now, Mr. Marcus, your love life is so colorful, and as a subordinate, it wouldn't be right to fall behind, it would make people laugh." Which means, if the boss is so strong, how could the subordinate dare to fall behind? A twitch at the corner of Marcus’s eye, staring at Jessica with a murderous glint. Why can she say such biting words with such a bright smile? Hit the nail on the head! Poker-faced, just smiling and smiling, but the words she spit out make him furious, yet she's smiling so sweetly, speaking the truth. He doesn't even know where to direct his anger. "Raymond, look, even my secretary said that the investment is a one-way street, we can only hope for our next cooperation. Miss Jessica, please see our guests out!" Raymond and Florence were unwilling and still wanted to persuade, but Marcus swept a chilling glance, instantly filling the entire space with a terrifying sense of intimidation, making everyone's nerves tense in an instant. This is a kind of coldness that belongs to the dark side! He just sat there quietly, with an elegant and indifferent face, a cold gaze, not saying a word. This kingly dominance made everyone feel oppressed. Even the calm and wicked Jessica felt that this man was truly terrifying! This man was powerful to the point of being frightening. With such an enchanting face, if he were to smile more, it would be so alluring. Maybe she would go to him with her son and start fawning over him. "Raymond, Miss Florence, please!" Jessica courteously showed them out. "Jessica, I am so disappointed in you!" Raymond glared at her, as if not defending him just now was a heinous crime. Jessica remained silent! What did she see in him back then? Indeed, people are very ignorant when they are young!