Chapter 627 Unannounced Guest After welcoming the executives, it was time for the Russell Groupâs annual meeting. Dexter would be very busy with his work.
Josieâs work studio was running smoothly under Laura and the other employees. Her only responsibility was to work on her drawings and send them to the studio. Dexter had mentioned in the villa by the seaside that Josie could participate in the Russell Groupâs events.
Josie felt that it wasnât appropriate for her to be there. She was still hung up on the they had only gotten married as a business partnership.
past when âDidnât you plan the annual meeting very well last time? Even when the Russell Group faced a crisis, you stood up courageously with your ideas and overcame the problem. Why are you worried now?â
Dexter teased her, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Josie glared at him. âHow is this the same? Itâs the annual meeting where all of Russell Groupâs top executives attend. What would they think of me if I attended? After all, I messed up the partnership meeting the last timeâ¦â
Josie felt a pang of guilt when she thought about this.
âIt could only mean that you need more practice. So you have to be there for your own sake,â Dexter said matter-of-factly as he poured himself a cup of tea.
Once he made his mind up, there was no changing it. Josie understood what he meant and sighed deeply before replying, âAlright then. Thank you, Mr. Russell, for giving me more. workload.â
Dexter held her hand tightly in his.
The annual meeting was a big occasion. In addition to the executives she had met at the hot spring villa, there were also the directors of the various departments under the Russell. Group and the executive directors in the meeting room.
Josie followed Dexter and Larry, a stack of files in her hands. Her glasses sat neatly on her nose, and her makeup was understated but polished. She smiled warmly, her lips curling into a gentle arc. Her professional demeanor was accentuated by her warm smile and friendly eyes.
Everyone in the meeting room started to exchange glances when they saw her enter the room. They assumed that Mr. Russellâs wife would be participating in the work at the Russell Group.
And Dexter had allowed her to do so.
|||
O âIf everyoneâs here, we can start now,â he announced to the table as he opened the laptop.
âEveryone who should be here is here, but it seems we have an unannounced guest,â Yanis remarked scornfully, his hostility towards Josie evident.
Josie kept her composure, and Dexter was unfazed by Yanisâ comment. âIf youâre referring to my wife, then you must be opposing me. Sheâs my wife, so do you think Iâm also a guest here?â
He spoke in a relaxed tone, but there was a steely edge to his words that made everyone in the meeting room sit up and take notice.
Yanisâ face turned ashen pale. âThatâs not what I meant, Dexter,â he said, his voice trembling. âItâs ridiculous for you to think that way of me.â
âPlease refer to me as Mr. Russell at work,â Dexter reminded, his words straightforward and unforgiving.
Yanis fidgeted in his seat, his eyes darting around the table. The words had registered, and he could feel the tension building in his jaw. He thought about leaving, but the thought of the bonuses at the end of the year kept him rooted to his seat. He couldnât bear standing up to Dexter now, not when so much was at stake.
The meeting room started to fill with chatter and gossip. Dexter had already defended Josie and humiliated one of the executive directors, and the room was buzzing with speculation. about what this meant. Was Dexter warning everyone that they should not cross Josie?
âLetâs begin,â Josieâs voice was soft and gentle, but it carried an air of assertiveness and. confidence as it traveled through the large meeting room.
The meeting was in full swing, with Dexter listening to the reports from each departmentâs representative. Josie, who was in charge of taking minutes, took a moment to pour everyone a cup of water when the meeting reached its midpoint. Despite her position as Dexterâs wife. she maintained a humble and friendly attitude.
âThank you, Mrs. Russell,â they expressed, stammering slightly. They were pleasantly surprised by Josieâs approachability and friendliness.
She smiled warmly and said, âYouâre welcome.â
When she passed Yanis a cup of water, she maintained her composure and smiled politely at him.
âYouâve worked hard, Mr. Russell,â she enunciated.
Yanis glared at her and said firmly, âIt seems like Mrs. Russell has Mr. Russell wrapped around her little finger. Arenât you going to ask me what tea I prefer?â
âThis pot of tea is better. Would you like to try it, Mr. Russell?â Josie asked as she poured him.
a cup of tea.