The lobby buzzed with murmurs.


    "What? Ms. ir didn''t graduate?"


    "No way! Didn''t all the online reports say she graduated with top scores?"


    "I heard she got into Arcane Academy because Mr. Nichols backed her with money and connections. She studied for four years, and now it turns out she didn''t even finish?"


    A dropout referred to someone who did notplete their degree due to various reasons, such as failing to submit a satisfactory thesis or notpleting their internship requirements.


    The employees at the McKinney Group were all from prestigious universities. A dropout would not even meet the basic qualifications for joining.


    Now it was clear who had gotten into Arcane Academy through connections.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Shelia''s face paled visibly. Meanwhile, the secretaries returned, their armsden with boxes containing Shelia''s personal belongings a high-endptop, an expensive coffee machine, delicate tea sets, and pricey bottles of wine. Except for theptop, not a single item seemed rted to work.


    Marion spokezily. "Take these to the entrance and escort Ms. ir out."


    "Yes, sir." The secretaries immediately carried out his order.


    Ben walked over to address Shelia. "Ms. ir, your contract has been terminated. Please leave."


    Being fired in front of everyone was a humiliation unlike any other.


    Shelia clenched her fists and shouted defiantly, "The procedure isn''tplete, and the Nichols Group is also a shareholder in McKinney Group. As long as Mr. Nichols doesn''t agree, you can''t make me leave."


    Ben was unperturbed. "May I remind


    you that Mr. Houston owns 25% of


    the shares, more than the Nichols Group''s 20%? Mr. Houston has the authority to fire a GM."


    Shelia pointed at everyone in the lobby. She was burning with such great rage that words failed her.


    Marion smirked, "Seems like she doesn''t want to leave. Ben, call security."


    "Yes, sir," Ben replied, pulling out a


    Wackle and speaking into it


    out


    ,e and escort Ms. pet


    swn


    In no time, two security guards entered the lobby and grabbed Shelia by the arm.


    "What are you doing? I was


    appointe


    by the Nichols Group.


    can''t treat me like this," Shelia e


    shouted, struggling.


    You


    But the guards were unyielding. When she noticed the disdainful nces cast her way, her face flushed with anger. ring at Marion and Debra, she yelled, "I was ced here by the Nichols Group. They will demand an exnation."


    Debra was unruffled. "Goodbye, Ms. ir."


    Except for shouting her defiance, Shelia could do nothing as the guards dragged her out.


    "Alright, everyone back to work," Marion said, turning to Debra. "Let''s go and take a look at your office."


    In full view of the employees, he took her hand and led her toward the office area.


    Debra whispered, "Everyone''s watching. Don''t you think you were being a little biased?"


    Marion feigned innocence. "Was I? I''m like this only for you."