"What? Rear-ending? Are you all right?" Leighton asked with concern.

"Of course, otherwise, I wouldn't have been here eating kebabs with you." Maggie replied indifferently, "Order more. We're running out of meat."

"Be careful when you're on the road. Some drivers are reckless. Sometimes, I even want to shout abuse. Stay away from them. Safety first."

"Guess I'm out of luck today!" Maggie rested her chin on her palm and grumbled, "A partnership is failing. I had a car accident on the way back. My car insurance is going to rise. I've been so unlucky recently."

"You're a lucky star. Besides, I'll fend off the ill fortune for you, don't worry." Leighton put down the tongs, took out a document from his bag, and handed it to her, "I have a client who wants to do advertising recently. I've recommended your company, reach out to them. This is their company profile. Though not as large as Jorme, it's a chance."

"Oh?" Maggie's eyes lit up as she flipped it through, "Awesome, put them down. I'll do the grilling for you." She immediately picked up the tongs.

"Now I feel how realistic society is." Leighton joked, "What about your car? In the repair shop?"

"Yep." Maggie nodded, "It will stay there for a week, I guess."

"Find me tomorrow morning. I'll give you a ride." Leighton proposed, "We go in the same direction."

Maggie thought for a while, "Sure, thank you. It looks like I can't stop my service today."

"Hmm, if you'll feed me…." Leighton smirked at her, opened his mouth, and pointed to himself, "Ahh…."

"Sure thing." Maggie dipped the grill in a bowl of peppers before stuffing it into his mouth.

"Ow… hot… spicy… Maggie, this… this is murder!" Leighton shouted, gulped down the lemonade, and pointed at her. His face flushed with the intense spicy flavor.

"Ha-ha…" Maggie laughed out loud.

...

The next day, Maggie entered the office, about to turn on the computer when Reese handed her the information he had collected, "Charlie headed a dozen projects over the years. Each of them brought Jorme more revenue than expected. His vision is unique and accurate. Once he targets something, he never misses it. I heard the decision to terminate the partnership was made after he read the record. It's not just because we get along well with Mr. Townsend."

"The previous plans were indeed obsolete. Breakthroughs and innovations are on our agenda this year. If we bring our new plan to him, there may still be a chance." Maggie thought for a while and continued, "I'll prepare the document, help me modify it."

"Sure."

A few days later, Maggie and Reese went to the Pottstown branch of Jorme Group. They told the receptionist about the purpose of their visit, and the latter replied politely, "Sorry, Miss Ethel, you can't meet Mr. Wilson without an appointment. How about I make one for you now? You can come another day."

"Can you help ask about it? We are old friends of Jorme. Could you kindly make an exception for us?"

"Sorry, Miss Ethel."

"Mr. Wilson and I were classmates." Maggie added, "Call him. I'll talk with him."

(To be continued)