... Mia was surprised. After all, Jimenes Group topped the business arena in South City. If the two companies cooperated on the project, they would get considerable connections and interests.

Mia mused and wanted to advise her to reconsider the issue. Before her voice came out, Elisa added.

"My company will never cooperate with Jimenes." Elisa said firmly.

Mia understood the situation. Presumably, Elisa bore grudges against Jimenes Group or its employees. So, their business would never cross.

"Okay, got it." Mia responded, obeying Eli's every decision.

...

After leaving the hotel in the morning, Martin went back to South Lake Villa and came to Jimenes Group in the afternoon to fulfill his duty.

When the day was almost over, he finished reviewing a file when Chris knocked on the door and reported.

"Sir, Elite Group declined from cooperating with us on that suburban project."

... Slightly surprised, Martin repeated, "Declined?"

This was the first rejection he received. Who was so bold to reject Jimenes Group and him?

"Mm." Despite his surprise, Chris replied accurately, "This is how the BD department of Elite Group informed us."

Without another word, Martin slightly narrowed his eyes as if in deep thought.

"Dig up the top management of Elite Group." Martin instructed after seconds of silence.

Now, he was interested in the Elite Group.

"Yes, sir."

...

For the following days, Elisa was tied up with the company affairs. In the past two years, Elite Group had changed dramatically, and there were a lot of things for her to take over. Having her hands full, she had no time for other business.

She only had a little leisure before going to bed. At the thought of her virginity lost in the hotel, she blamed herself and felt angry. That man was such a jerk that he broke into her room.

But what was done could not be undone. Given the current situation, she had to accept it and took it as an accident. From now on, she would work hard, earn as much money as she could, and live a good life.

Not busy recently, Martin would sit down and contemplate during his leisure time. At the thought of the woman in the hotel the other night, he became more and more agitated. However, there was still no news about her.

Upset from time to time, he had to wait since there were no other methods or clues.

One day, Chris sorted out all the files he gathered about Elite Group, handed them to Mr. Jimenes, and reported succinctly.

"Sir, the CEO's position in Elite Group has been vacant in the past two years, and the deputy CEO is a professional manager. As for the other executives and department directors, they are all hired in public. These are detailed information about them, according to which, each of them is dedicated and has no deep background."

After the report, Chris paused for a moment and continued with the latest intel, "According to employees of Elite Group, they heard about the news of their new CEO assuming office, but the Executive Office hasn't released any official information. So, the credibility of the news is unknown."

Martin ignored the latter part of Chris's report. In his mind, rumors without proof were lies and not credible.

Then he read the files about Elite Group's executives but found nothing unusual. At the thought of their rejection, he felt a little frustrated.

But except for frustration and helplessness, he got no other clues and had to drop the idea, "All right, you're free to go."

"Mm." Chris nodded, hummed, and got out of the CEO's Office.

...

Two days ago, Elisa contacted Joan Hill, an old friend of hers. The two agreed on going shopping this afternoon.

At 2 p.m., Elisa arrived at the Central Mall and met Joan. The two hugged and greeted one another happily after the long separation. They missed each other very much.

After emotional greetings, they went into the mall and started shopping, eating, drinking, and having fun.

An hour later, Elisa and Joan bought their clothes, ready to have some milk tea and take a break. By sheer coincidence, she ran into Holly and her daughter, Sharon who also came here shopping.

Indifferent to her stepmother and half-sister, Elisa simply ignored them.

However, when Holly and Sharon found Elisa, they were surprised by the change in her appearance. After confirming it was Elisa, they were overcome with jealousy and hatred. In an instant, they walked up.

"Tsk, it's just a short time, and a pheasant turns into a phoenix." Sharon said sourly.