Chapter: 1724

Rowell nodded in recognition and said, “Shayla and Barnett, you're both very talented. After our last meeting, I mentioned your exceptional qualities to our superiors. They even wondered if we could recruit both of you to our bureau."

Klein chuckled.

"Mr. Newman, you can't be serious."

Rowell signaled his team to take their seats, and Klein motioned Shayla and Barnett to do the same.

The two groups sat facing each other.

Glancing at his watch, Rowell inquired, "By the way, Klein, wasn't your deputy manager supposed to lead this meeting? Where are they?"

Klein's smile briefly stiffened.

"Our deputy manager..."

Before he could finish, the meeting room door opened again, and someone entered. All eyes turned to the door to see who had arrived.

"Mr. Newman, I've heard a lot about you." Rachel entered the meeting room with a smile, catching everyone's attention.

Klein's smile turned stiff at the sight of her.

Shayla's and Barnett's eyes widened noticeably as they exchanged astonished looks. Rachel's presence caught them completely off guard.

Rowell observed the unfolding scenario and directed a more curious look at Rachel. He stood up from his seat and asked, "And you are...?"

“IT am the deputy manager for this project, Rachel Bennet," Rachel responded, offering her hand to Rowell.

"My apologies for the delay."

Rowell felt a sense of recognition hearing her name but couldn't quite remember it.

He greeted her with a friendly smile and responded, "No problem at all. Timing is just right, and we've only just arrived as well."

"This is the finest tea from Fish Joy, specially selected for you, Mr. Newman," Rachel said. She then glanced at Shayla with a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Shayla, could you assist in handing out these coffees to our distinguished guests?”

Shayla, briefly caught off guard by the surprising turn of events, quickly regained composure.

“Of course."

Rowell examined the tea Rachel had offered, raising an eyebrow.

“This tea is a rare find. I'm surprised you managed to get it."

"It was a stroke of luck. I happened to see them selling their last batch in the store today, so I bought it on the spot. Since we have a long meeting ahead, I've prepared coffee for everyone to facilitate a better understanding of our project. But I remembered you're allergic to coffee, Mr. Newman, so I brought this tea as well."