Albert shot Lisa a look, signaling her to leave quickly.

Then he turned to Grace with a smile. “Madam Grace, what brings you here today?”

Albert was a shrewd man. He didn’t address her remarks directly, instead steering the conversation toward something more neutral.

After all, if word got out about what just happened with his secretary, it wouldn’t sound good.

It could even affect the company’s stock.

For the sake of the company, this needed to be buried.

Moreover, he’d have to deal with his wife too.

Thinking of that, Albert’s gaze darkened, and his eyes toward Grace took on a dangerous glint.

The woman barged in with such an aggression—

He had no idea what had happened.

She clearly didn’t come in peace.

Albert scanned the room and noticed she’d even brought in their company’s receptionist.

At the sight, his heart sank.

He had always disapproved of Walton Corporation being run by a woman, but over the years, he’d certainly benefited from her leadership.

And with his son engaged to Tessa, the public had long viewed their families as a unit.

That was how everything afterward had come together.

Hayes Enterprises had risen to the next level because of it.

Grace casually took off her sunglasses, a smirk playing at her red lips. “Naturally, I’m here for something important.”

“Well then…” Albert pointed at the receptionist, his voice faltering. “What’s the meaning of this? She’s our company’s front desk. Madam Grace, have you considered how this makes the Hayes family look?”

The receptionist’s mouth was still covered, her red, tearful eyes the only thing visible.

Albert didn’t actually care about her–he just felt the receptionist represented the face of the Hayes family.

If they didn’t find a way to avoid embarrassment now, it would mean the Hayes family had just been publicly trampled on.

And if that was the case, there’d be nothing left to talk about.

Grace looked at Albert’s stunned expression and said flatly, “Since she showed me such disrespect, I thought it was only right to help you discipline your own people. If someone steps out of line, it’s only fair to bring them to their boss. I figured you’d want to see how your people are representing you.”

Albert’s face turned a shade darker.

He met Grace’s half-smiling gaze and, for a moment, didn’t know what to say.

All he could do was chuckle dryly.

“Madam Grace, doing this inside Hayes Enterprises… It’s a bit much, don’t you think? Besides, she’s my employee. Don’t worry, I’ll handle her myself, you have my word.”

Grace noted that his apology sounded sincere enough and waved her hand, signaling the guards to let go.

The two bodyguards immediately caught on and released the woman.

The moment she was freed, the receptionist burst into tears.

“Mr. Hayes, you have to stand up for me–I’ve been so wronged!” She sobbed uncontrollably. “I didn’t even do anything! I just asked if they had an appointment. I said this wasn’t a place people could just walk into! I only said that, and she tied me up and dragged me here!”

She still hadn’t realized who Grace was, sitting right there in front of Albert.

She simply clung to his leg, crying and wailing nonstop.