Chapter 222

Marcus perused the contract before him, flicked through it, and dismissed it.

“| won't sign it. The Thomas Group won’t be involved in this project,” he declared.

Suddenly, Bjorn Kelly slammed the table. “Mr. Thomas, are you truly declining?” he demanded.

Startled, Millie’s hand shook. The man was incredibly intense. Thankful to have served the dishes, she was ready to exit this

space.

Leon was tapping on his phone.

Bjorn’s aggressive demeanor seemed to dissolve upon reading a message. He glanced at the retreating Millie, signaling her.

“Halt, pour our drinks,” he instructed.

Millie froze, her heart pounding.

The supervisor tried to smooth things over. “Sir, it's her first day on the job,” she explained. “I'll take her place.”

“| requested that she stay. Why are you interfering? Leave promptly,” Bjorn retorted.

Concerned, the supervisor signaled Millie to attend to their needs before exiting the room.

Millie, slightly dazed, realized Marcus was staring at her intently.

With a tight-lipped expression, she looked at Bjorn and then at Leon. She recalled seeing Leon on his phone right before Bjorn

received his message.

“| apologize, Mr. Thomas. | got a bit heated. Let’s focus on food for now,” Bjorn said, changing his tone and offering a genial

smile.

Derek seemed uncomfortable.

“Mr. Kelly sure changes moods quickly. | heard a rumor that Mr. Kelly threatened to harm Mr. Thomas’ family if the contract

wasn’t signed. Is there any truth to this?” he queried.

Alarmed, Millie pondered whether she was part of this threat.

“Derek, you must be jesting. But | must admit, I’m not one to shy away from adversity. | insist on achieving my goals. So, | hope

Mr. Thomas can review the contract more thoroughly and sign it,” Bjorn replied.

“It seems like there is some truth to the rumor,” Derek observed.

“Surely Mr. Thomas understands the importance of integrity in business. The Thomas Group has previously agreed to this

contract, and it’s not acceptable to back out now,” Bjorn contended.

Marcus scoffed, countering, “Brock’s promises don’t represent the Thomas Group's.

Your jewelry lacks the quality we expect. We only deal with top-tier jewelry, so | can’t sign.”