Chapter 70

70 70–A Jerk!

Shit!

Marissa felt as if her hands were burning. She quickly stashed her phone in her purse trying to forget about the message.

It felt like Rafael had nothing on his hands and was very apt in his response. Going to the meeting room in a daze, she almost made up thousands of scenarios. and text messages in her head.

No, Rafael. I wasn’t missing you.

Rafael. I’m busy. Will talk to you later.

Hey, Rafael. How are Valerie and Nina? Say hi from my side.

“Marissa,” Delinda spoke in a hushed tone, “You have again that dreamy look on your face. Wipe it off and

focus!”

Marissa cleared her throat and got seated. There was a low chatter in the room until the doors opened, and Joseph came inside followed by Dean.

They began to stand as a sign of respect, but he raised

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his hand, gesturing to them to remain seated.

“How is everyone?” he asked formally and started studying the file placed before him.

“Ms. Aaron,” he spoke and glanced up with a

professional smile, “How is ev

thing going? I hope

you and your team feel quite at home in MSin.”

Marissa silently thanked Delinda for alerting her at the right time and placed her pen on the desk, “We all are enjoying our work immensely, Mr. Joseph. I can vouch for my team. They are doing every duty that is assigned to them.”

Joseph seemed impressed and when he spoke again, his voice was warm, “So welcome aboard everyone. We have a lot to cover regarding the Kanderton event.”

He then closed the dossier and ran a quick glance at everyone, “So from where should we start?”

Peter raised his hand, “Mr. Joseph?”

When Joseph nodded Peter continued, “Marissa has finalized our mural designs and has asked us to add a few things. But I request you to send us to the main event venue. My art depends on the space per area square. If it’s not according to our expectations then

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we won’t be able to adjust our designs at the last

minute.”

Joseph noted something in his tab, “Dean. Can you do that?”

“Sure, sir. I’ll take the cam before the weekend.”

Joseph hummed and again typed something on his MacBook.

“Ms. Delinda. Why don’t you tell Mr. Joseph about the chocolate fountain?” Marissa signaled her friend and then turned to Joseph, “Delinda and Shang Chi have some amazing food ideas that cover desserts, cocktails, and salad bars too. Not according to Kanderton culture but from their home countries.”

Joseph gave an appreciative glance their way, “Seems like your team is more than ready, Ms. Marissa. Every one of them seems to know their tasks. Good job! Here I would add…” He trailed off when the door opened, and Kate sauntered in with a confident smirk on her

face.

“Sorry, I’m late,” She said, not looking the least apologetic, “But I swear Mr. Joseph. I have something good to share… and that’s the reason I’m late.” She

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took the only empty seat and started fixing her hair.

Joseph frowned and didn’t let it show on his face, but

he had always hated latecomers who were never

ashamed of it. I appreciate your efforts. Ms. Kate. Share with us, what deal you have got up your sleeve.”

Kate bristled slightly pressed on. “I have arranged a premium supplier for the furniture décor of the event. And let me tell you. He is giving us the best possible

rates.”

Marissa was appalled at the woman’s behavior. She was here as a home–based chef and offering Joseph

furniture meant that the home–based event planners would be losing their jobs.

Joseph must have felt it too because his cordial smile had turned a tad sharper, “Premium suppliers you say? Premium supplier isn’t only about lesser money but also about quality, the setup and about timely

delivery…”

Kate laughed and opened her mouth to say something when Dean spoke this time, “Mr. Joseph and Mr. Sinclair have been quite clear about this topic, Ms. Kate. If you don’t have anything better to say, then

70 70–A Jerk!

Marissa cleared her throat and quickly canceled the call. Her face could sense Mr. Joseph’s eyes on it and that was adding more tension to the situation.

She mumbled a sorry and aced her fist under her chin, with her elbow leaning on the table, “Ms. Kate. The answer to your offer is No. As Dean said, we already have entrepreneurs for everything.”

With that, Joseph continued with the meeting. Marissa had switched her phone into silent mode now and she could feel vibrations through her bag.

Delinda might have felt it too.

“Is it your crush calling you again?” she whispered to Marissa. Marissa’s eyes didn’t leave Mr. Joseph’s face while shaking her head.

How immature of her to save it as ‘crush‘. Anyone from the office might see and can make her life a living hell

here.

She wanted to do her duties as a team head and then

get over with the event.

“Marissa!” Delinda whispered again and Marissa now wanted to tell the lady to get quiet. She wasn’t letting

har think

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70 70- A Jerk!

“Marissa!” Delinda spoke again.

“What!” Marissa whispered back sharply.

“Mr. Joseph is waiting for your answer…”

What!

She glanced up and found not only Joseph but too many pairs of eyes focused on her.

“He is asking about table arrangements in the hall,” poor Delinda was again there to save her ass and Marissa felt like she wanted to turn into an insect and

crawl out.

“How could we, Mr. Joseph,” she managed a confident smile, “Dean just said he would be taking us to the venue before the weekend. I do have some… ideas in my mind but those can be finalized after having a look at the place.”

Thank God!

Joseph nodded and got busy questioning other team

members.

This meeting needed to end otherwise she might embarrass herself.

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The meeting was again disturbed when the

receptionist of the VIP floor walked in, “Mr. Joseph! Mr. Sinclair is on the line and wants to talk to Ms. Aaron.

He is saying he needs urgen

formation on

something related to the event.”

Marissa didn’t know what to do. She turned her face to look at Joseph who waved his hand, silently allowing

her to go.

Rafael Sinclair! What’s your problem?

When the president noticed, she wasn’t responding to his messages or calls, he called on the VIP floor’s main desk to connect to her.

“You are a jerk, Rafael!” Muttering under her breath she got up and didn’t miss the wicked smile on Delinda’s face.

“Definitely a jerk!”

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