Chapter 99

Jeremy had been pretty chill lately. Michael asked him to dig into the Martin Group, and in return, Jeremy handed over a few tough clients to Michael.

So, as Isabella took a week off to recover at home, Michael became an increasingly rare presence in her life. His absence stemmed partiallyfrom his newfound burden of handling those tough clients.

On Jeremny's end, with his smooth-talking skills and connections,it took him less than half a day to dig up all the dirt on the Martin Group.

But he didn't tell Michael. He let Michael handle the tough clients while he enjoyed a well-deserved break with Qiana.

Jeremy was on the phone with Qiana, talking about dinner plans, when Vaughn stormed into his office, grabbed his collar, lifted him up, and yelled, "Jeremy, you've got some nerve, taking advantage of Michael's absence to steal his girl! How dare you get cozy with Isabella and even keep her as a mistress! How dare you... betray Qiana!"

"Oh my God, you scared me to death, Vaughn! Are you nuts?" Jeremy yelled at Vaughn, then immediately changed his tone and gently said into the phone, "Qiana, a maniac just barged in here. Let me deal with him,and then I'll call you back."

Jeremy didn't hang up immediately but said goodbye to Qiana before reluctantly ending the call. Then he broke free fromn Vaughn's grip and yelled at him angrily, "Vaughn, why did you barge into my office without permission and interrupt my call with Qiana? You'd better have a good reason."

"Jeremy,how dare you yell at me? I heard about it even at the branch

office, and you're playing dumb here." Vaughn retorted, "Do you even know who Isabella is involved with? How could you do this to Qiana?And what about Michael? You're acting completely out of line!"

"I'm loyal to Qiana. No matter what you say, I have a clear conscience.Unlike you, who falls in love with every girl you see and ruins your body at such a young age." Jeremy mocked, always knowing exactly how to hurt Vaughn the most.

"Jeremy, I never knew you were such a good actor. I heard about it at the branch office, and you pretend not to know at the headquarters? Stop pretending." Vaughn sneered.

"What should I know? All I know is that I focus on my work, and the headquarters' performance is thriving. Unlike you, who gossips about others' private lives all day. Look at how the branch office'sperformance is suffering!"

"Don't talk to me about the branch office's performance. It makes me hate you even more. We'll settle that score later. Today, youa need to explain your relationship with Isabella," Vaughn said angrily, his face dark.

"Isabella? With me? What could I possibly have with Isabella?" Jeremy laughed as if he had heard the biggest joke. "Go tell Qiana or Michael and see who believes you. Let me be clear: I have nothing to hide. I always act with integrity. If you have any accusations against me, go ahead. I'm not afraid!"

Seeing that Jeremy wouldn't admit it, Vaughn knew he wouldn't confess without evidence. He said, "Stop lying. You were getting cozy with Isabella in the stairwell, using your authority to give her leave while Michael was away, and keeping her as a mistress."

"Who's spreading these lies about me? I'm an innocent man, and you're defaming me like this? Who claims they saw me getting close with Isabella

and keeping her as a mistress? If anyone has something to say, stand up and face me. I'm not afraid to set the record straight!" Jeremy was so mad he clenched his fists, his eyes bulging, making Vaughn take a few steps back.

Michael walked in with Aaron, having overheard their conversation,and asked, "Getting cozy with Isabella? Keeping her as a mistress?"

"Why are you back suddenly?" Jeremy was shocked to see Michael,knowing his good days were over.

"If I didn't come back, you'd steal Isabella, and my family assets would be re-titled." Michael teased. He unceremoniously sat in Jeremy's chair, looked at him, and said, "Explain! What's going on?"

Jeremy spread his hands and replied, "I don't know! Vaughn came in here acting crazy. Ask him."

Vaughn quickly said, "I just remembered, I have something to do at the branch office. I'm leaving."

With that, he ran off.

Michael looked at Jeremy and said, "Aren't you going to explain those rumors to me?"

Jeremy said aggrievedly, "I'm innocent! I didn't do any of this. I don't know what's going on. If I find out who started this rumor, there will be consequences!"

Michael looked at him coldly and said slowly, "You feel wwronged? There's no smoke without fire. Rumors are suddenly spreading in the company.Don't you think you bear some responsibility?"

"Michael, what do you mean by that? I really don't know how the rumors started. You know I have no second thoughts about Qiana. I swear, I am

completely faithful to her. If I were ever unfaithful to Qiana,let something terrible happen to me. Besides, Isabella is your woman. Why would I ever provoke her? That would be foolish." Jeremy explained anxiously.

Michael looked at him with disdain, uinable to understand why Qiana liked Jeremy, who swore at the drop of a hat.

"Of course, I know you're innocent. I don't believe you, but I believe Isabella. I don't think she would be interested in someone like you."Michael said, "However, as the company's vice president, you have an undeniable responsibility for such rumors."

Jeremy realized that Michael was assigning him a task. However,investigating rumors was a thankless job. If he found out, people would call him petty behind his back. If he didn't, he would become a laughingstock. He wasn't going to do it!

"As the company's heir, don't you have more responsibility? Why should I investigate?" Jeremy retorted, dissatisfied.

Michael said, "Then let the rumors continue. I trust Isabella completely.But I wonder if Qiana will feel the same way about you."

Jeremy thought about how his relationship with Qiana had just started to improve thanks to his efforts over the past few days. He couldn't let the rumors ruin it. He wouldn't have time to dwell on it then.

"Don't worry. I'll get to the bottom of this and give Qianaan explanation."Jeremy immediately promised.

Michael smiled, patted his shoulder, and teased, "That's more like it. That's what it takes to be Qiana's futurehusband!"

Jeremy rolled his eyes at him and said irritably, "You don't need to emphasize the word 'future'!"

"Whether you admit it or not, the fact remains the same." Michael laughed.waved to Aaron, who brought over a briefcase. Michael opened it and took out a stack of contracts.

"I've dealt with your difficult clients." Michael said, patting the contracts."

How's the information on the Martin Group coming along?"