Chapter 85

Efren nodded and said, "The young lady has already been taken to The Rivera Group by William today. Mr. Rivera will see her as soon as he gets here." His tone was respectful and cautious.

"Good. Call Patrick later and tell him it'smy decision. Make sure you take good care of that girl. She's from a wealthy family, so don't neglect her."Jennifer's eyes had a hint of authority and expectation. Efren nodded again,

"Don't worry, Madam. Mr. Rivera knows what to do."

"He better!" Jennifer snapped. She couldn't understand why Patrick had to choose Emily. Jennifer thought, With so many well-off women around,why does Patrick have to choose Emily?

A daughter-in-law like Emily wouldn't represent the Rivera family well.If Emily married Patrick, the Rivera family would be a laughingstock among the noble families. Jennifer didn't want Emily to be a weakness for Patrick or a flaw in the family. She was filled with helplessness and concern. She really doubted if Patrick had let love cloud his judgment, as he knew it wasn't suitable, but still pushed forward!

Monday at the Rivera Group was like any other, filled with the tense atmosphere of early meetings. Sunlight streamed through the large French windows into the spacious conference room, but couldn't dispel the serious and busy vibe. Patrick, the CEO, despite his outstanding abilities, found it hard to smile easily with all the overwhelming work.

But today. William was surprised to see Patrick smiling during the meeting. It was rare to see Patrick, usually all business, acting like a boy in love,which was quite unsettling. William wondered what could make

Patrick act so unusually. Could it really be because of the legendary Patricia?

William was a meticulous worker, always completing tasks diligently.But today, Patrick's mood, like a gentle breeze, unknowingly affected him. As he organized meeting materials, he occasionally stole glances at Patrick,filled with curiosity.

By the time Patrick finished all the meetings, time had quietly passed. In Patrick's office, Patricia Evans was elegantly seated, already on her fourth cup of coffee. She was the blind date that Jennifer arranged for Patrick; she was the daughter of the Evans family.

The sunlight bathed her as if draping her in a golden veil. With hertall figure.standing over 5 feet 7 inches, she appeared even more graceful in the play of light and shadow. Her face was as beautiful as the moon, her eyes affectionate. exuding the typical aura of an heiress from a wealthy family.

As Patrick pushed open the door, he was greeted by this scene. Patricia had her hands folded in front of her abdomen, looking gently at Patrick,and softly said. "Patrick, do you remember me? We've met before, I'm Patricia."

Patrick looked at the girl in front of him, indeed feeling very familiar,but the scent on her was not to his liking. Patrick nodded slightly and said,"Efren already told me this morning. My mother arranged for you to come to the Rivera Group for a period of exchange and learning. Since your master's degree is in economics management, how about temporarily serving as the Director of Market Economic Analysis at the Rivera Group?"

Patricia readily nodded, saying, "Sure, no problem, Patrick. This is exactly the kind of work I excel at. You can rest assured, I will do my best."

Patricia knew very well that, as the arranged blind date for her family and the Rivera Group, she couldn't afford to be the slightest bit artificial. She understood that family alliances were not just about the emotions between her and Patrick, but also about whether both parties had the ability to take on the responsibilities expected of family members.

She and Patrick, as the sole heirs of the Evans Group and the Rivera Group,respectively, were like the pillars of the next generation of the family,needing to demonstrate strong capabilities to show their family's honor.

Meanwhile, in the lobby of the Rivera Group, Shirley strutted in, rocking a short skirt that showed off her figure. Her high heels clicked on the smooth floor. practically announcing her arrival. Her perfectly styled long hair swayed with each step, and her eyes were filled with curiosity and anticipation. But when she noticed the whispers around the company.unease started to creep in.

She approached a few friends she was close with and asked, "What's the buzz around here? Spill it. I have no clue what's going on." Her friends went silent when they saw her. They all knew that in Shirley's eyes,Patrick was off-limits, and she wouldn't tolerate any gossip about him.Especially when Emily was around. Shirley would lash out at anyone who got too close to Patrick.

Seeing her friends' silence. Shirley grew more puzzled. She pulled out several new shades of high-end lipstick from her bag and handed them out. saying, "We're all good friends. right? So when I have something nice.I think of you all. If you have any news, tell me. If I become the mistress of the Rivera Group one day. I won't forget you. Promotions and raises will be a piece of cake."

Her friends' eyes lit up at Shirley's words. Shirley lived in the Rivera

Manor, even though she didn't have the Rivera name. If Patrick and Jennifer didn't have any interest in her, why would they let her stay with the Rivera family for 20 years? Maybe she was being groomed as Patrick's wife! Plus, Shirley didn't have a high education or strong abilities, yet she was Patrick's executive assistant. There had to be a connection.

And then there was the fact that a capable woman like Emily had been driven out of the Rivera Group by Shirley, showing her high status in Patrick and Jennifer's hearts.

Thirdly, they didn't know much about Patricia. If Patricia became the mistress of the Rivera Group, it wouldn't concern them.

But if Shirley really became Patrick's wife, her words and promises might actually come true.

With these thoughts, the friends pulled Shirley into the pantry. The pantry was filled with the faint aroma of coffee, sunlight streaming through the windows onto the table. creating patches of light.

The girls sat around, whispering. "Shirley, a new Market Department Director named Patricia joined our company today."

Upon hearing the name Patricia, Shirley furrowed her brows. She knew Patricia, the only daughter of the Evans Group. Patrick had taken her to the Evans family banquet before, so she had even had a few meals with Patricia.

"Why is she working here? The Evans Group is also a big company,"Shirley asked curiously.

A short, slightly full-figured girl who seemed to know a lot of insider info walked over and whispered. "I saw it with my own eyes. This morning,

Patricia came to the company in Efren's car. Efren personally escorted her to Mr. Rivera's office. Think about it, Patricia is the only daughter of the Evans Group, and Efren is Jennifer's special assistant. He personally escorted her to Patrick's office, so I guess Patricia's visit this time is not just an ordinary work visit," the full-figured girl said and deliberately paused.

"If she isn't just here for work, then what is she here for? Quick, tell us,"urged a slender girl with her hair in a bun.

The full-figured girl said. "I think Patricia is going to marry Mr. Rivera!"