The company's lobby had descended into chaos.
Employees whispered nervously, their eyes fixed on Richard as he walked toward the reception desk.
They all sensed a major storm was about to hit.
Ashley Monroe was still chatting with a colleague, completely unaware of what was coming her way.
That was until she looked up and met Richard Lawson's cold, steely gaze locked onto her.
The smile on her face instantly vanished.
"Ashley!"
Richard growled, slamming both hands onto the reception desk.
"Do you have any idea what you've just done?"
Ashley's face drained of color as she nervously stood up.
"Mr. Lawson, I don't understand."
Richard cut her off, his voice sharp with fury.
"Don't understand? The woman you just rudely kicked out is Jessica Carter, CEO of Carter Tech. She holds the very future of Brightwell in her hands."
Richard's words rang out clearly, silencing the entire lobby in an instant.
Every eye was on Ashley, and she felt as though a thousand daggers were aimed directly at her.
Her once confident, haughty expression now appeared pale, almost devoid of life.
"I... I didn't know. No one informed me," Ashley stammered, her voice barely audible and filled with fear.
Richard gritted his teeth, his eyes full of disappointment and anger.
"No one informed you? Is that why you treated a guest like that? A powerful CEO walks into our building, and you couldn't even be bothered to check her appointment."
Ashley had no words to defend herself now.
She had fully realized the terrible consequences of her arrogance and prejudice, but it was all too late.
Across the room, Mark Reynolds stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, calmly observing the entire scene with a composed expression.
But in his cold, calculating eyes, a flicker of satisfaction was barely noticeable.
In just a few short minutes, he had achieved his first goal, humiliating Richard Lawson and having Carter Tech withdraw from the deal, a deal he had never wanted to happen.
"I told you from day one that the receptionist is the face of Brightwell," Richard continued, his voice trembling with rage. "And today, that face has destroyed everything we've built."
Ashley was completely silent now, her legs trembling as though she might collapse.
Her eyes unconsciously flicked toward Mark Reynolds, seeking some form of help.
But Mark only returned her gaze with cold indifference before turning his face away.
At that moment, Ashley understood she was just a small pawn, used and discarded.
Richard took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure, then turned to address the employees who had been witnessing the scene in shock.
"Everyone, listen closely. Brightwell is facing an unprecedented crisis. Carter Tech just announced that they are terminating all partnerships with us because of this unforgivable mistake. I will no longer tolerate the irresponsible attitude and disregard for others here."
His voice grew deep and resolute.