Instead, she turned to Howard.
“Call the Land Bureau. And the military office. Tell them to approve it immediately.”
The room went silent.
Then – a few people couldn’t help it. They almost laughed.
Immediate approval?
Did she think she owned those departments?
The arrogance was unbelievable.
They held it back only because of her title.
Otherwise, they would’ve laughed out loud.
“Got it, boss.”
Howard pulled out his phone and dialed.
Yohan and the others watched like it was entertainment, their expressions full of quiet mockery.
‘Go on.’
‘Let’s see how far you take this.’
The call connected.
“Yeah. Don’t waste time – I need something done,” Howard said casually. “You know the SH Entertainment project? Good. Approve it immediately.”
A pause.
“Why are you asking so many questions? Just get it done. Also – I don’t have the Land Bureau chief’s number. Call them yourself and make sure the entire process is completed within five minutes.”
Another pause.
“Right. Handle it.”
He hung up and turned back.
“All set, boss. Five minutes max.”
Scarlett nodded. “Good.”
Yohan stared at them, speechless.
This wasn’t just bragging anymore – this was delusion.
The way Howard spoke… you’d think he was ordering subordinates around, not talking to military officials.
In Yohan’s eyes, it was obviously fake – just an act to back Scarlett up.
‘Fine. Five minutes, right?’
He glanced at his watch.
‘Let’s see how you keep this up when time runs out.’
The executives exchanged looks, silently sharing the same thought –
‘This is going to be entertaining.’
Four minutes passed in the blink of an eye.
Yohan checked the time again.
Less than forty seconds left.
He looked at Scarlett.
She sat there, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened.
He shook his head.
‘Impressive. She’s really committed to the act.’
Just then –
His phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Land Bureau.
His expression shifted.
Why would they be calling him now?
“Chairwoman Hayes, excuse me – I need to take this.”
Scarlett gave a small nod.
“Hello?”
A second later –
“What?!”
Yohan shot to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Scarlett.
“Y-You’re serious? It’s… approved?!”
The room fell into stunned silence.
Every head snapped toward him.
The other executives stared, their faces mirroring his shock.
“Th-Thank you…”
He ended the call, swallowing hard, then slowly turned to Scarlett.
The arrogance in his eyes was gone.
Before he could even speak –
His phone rang again.
This time –
The military office.
His hands trembled slightly as he answered.
“Mr. Brooks… yes… what? Approved as well?! Yes – yes, thank you! Thank you so much!”
When the call ended, his throat was so dry he couldn’t even swallow.
The entire conference room sat frozen.
All eyes were on Scarlett.
She closed the file in front of her and slowly scanned the room before settling her gaze back on Yohan.
Her voice was calm. Cold.
“Mr. Yohan… something that could be done in five minutes took you twenty-five days. You wasted time, manpower, and resources.”
She paused.
“And you still think you’re efficient?”
Silence.
Pure, suffocating silence.
Yohan’s face had gone completely pale. Sweat beaded across his forehead, his mouth opening and closing without a sound.
“I… I…”
Nothing came out.
In the end –
He lowered his head.
“I’m sorry, Chairwoman Hayes. The delay was entirely my fault.”
He was convinced.
Completely convinced.
At this point, Yohan wasn’t just impressed – he was shaken.
A young woman who could command military authorities with a single phone call… what kind of background did she have?
He didn’t dare guess.
Howard glanced at Yohan, who now stood there with his head lowered, and found the whole thing perfectly expected.
To his boss, handling a few corporate executives was nothing – effortless.
Just minutes after the meeting ended, the director came looking for her.
“Chairwoman Hayes, about the casting…” he began, his tone measured but confident. “I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I still believe Sadie is the best choice for the female lead.”
He straightened slightly, as if reinforcing his authority.
“But I’ve been told she’s crossed someone in upper management, and there’s strong opposition to her being cast.”
He paused, then added, more firmly:
“I’ve been directing for over twenty years. I’ve won my share of awards. Based on my experience, she has what it takes to bring this role to life.”
A brief beat.
“This project would be stronger with her in it.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.