Chapter: 1716

"out?"

“Yes, we have an afternoon meeting with the Health Bureau to provide a progress report and hand over the price list." Karen crunched on the lollipop, then tossed the stick into the trash can.

Ethan furrowed his brow and automatically looked at Rachel.

“Did they say anything else?"

Karen shrugged.

"None. Oh, hold on, Klein wanted me to inform Rachel about this."

When Rachel heard her name, she went back to her desk and opened her dedicated inbox for her new role. There was just one email waiting for her, a schedule for her first day as deputy manager.

She clicked to read it.

The schedule appeared quite simple. Probably, in light of her recent promotion, the company hadn't filled it with too many tasks for her.

There was just one item, an external meeting with the Health Bureau at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

In other words, the meeting that Klein and the others were currently attending was the same one that Rachel was expected to join later in the afternoon.

However, it appeared that Klein had assumed her place at the meeting.

Ethan rubbed his forehead, his voice a mere whisper as he inquired, “Why didn't you say something to stop them?"

“What? Stop them?" Karen was still not quite understanding the situation and appeared confused.

Seeing her genuine confusion, Ethan couldn't hold back his frustration and gently flicked her forehead.

"What's going on in that brain of yours?" Are you still thinking about a raise?"

Karen winced in pain, covering her forehead.

"Why did you hit me?"

"I just wanted to get a glimpse inside your thoughts!" Ethan was becoming more and more frustrated.

Karen, appearing upset, objected, “You're picking on me without a cause. I haven't done anything wrong. If they want to leave, they'll leave. I can't stand by the door and stop them, can I? Besides, it's just a meeting they're attending to."

However, right in the middle of her explanation, a sudden realization hit her, making her stop abruptly.

Ethan watched her.

"You understand now?"

With her forehead still sore from the earlier flick, Karen looked up at Ethan and then at Rachel. She gave an awkward nod and mumbled, “Oh, no."