Chapter 701

The lobby buzzed with murmurs.

“What? Ms. Blair 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 not complete their degree due to various reasons, such as failing to submit a satisfactory thesis or not completing 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.

Shelia’s face paled visibly. Meanwhile, the secretaries returned, their arms laden with boxes containing Shelia’s personal belongings—a high-end laptop, an expensive coffee machine, delicate tea sets, and pricey bottles of wine. Except for the laptop, not a single item seemed related to work.

Marion spoke lazily. “Take these to the entrance and escort Ms. Blair out.”

“Yes, sir.” The secretaries immediately carried out his order.

Ben walked over to address Shelia. “Ms. Blair, 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’t complete, 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 walkie-talkie and speaking into it. “Security, come and escort Ms. Blair out.”

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

“What are you doing? I was appointed by the Nichols Group. You can’t treat me like this,” Shelia shouted, struggling.

But the guards were unyielding. When she noticed the disdainful glances cast her way, her face flushed with anger.

Glaring at Marion and Debra, she yelled, “I was placed here by the Nichols Group. They will demand an explanation.”

Debra was unruffled. “Goodbye, Ms. Blair.”

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.”