"Karina, I..."

"Jack, don't develop feelings for me," Karina interrupted with a serious look. "Starting tomorrow, someone else will be managing you."

His expression clearly showed he had feelings for her.

Carlow's words suddenly played in her mind: "So, do you think that attracts men with mommy issues?"

Spot on, Karina thought.

“Karina, why can't I have feelings for you?" Jack pleaded, his voice laced with desperation.

Karina replied, "First, I've decided not to date or marry ever. Don't waste your time on me. Second, you're a rising star. I've invested heavily in your success. Focus on your career now. No dating, no distractions. If you don't listen, I'll find someone new tomorrow and cut your resources."

She spoke calmly, but her words were stern and serious, not meant to simply scare him.

Jack paused, his head slowly drooping. Dejection clouded his face.

“That's quite harsh," he mumbled.

Jack couldn't pinpoint when it happened, but he had fallen for her.

He had planned to confess his feelings once he had achieved some success.

But she had preemptively shattered that possibility, nipping his feelings in the bud.

Was her vow of celibacy a lifelong tribute to the late Barlow Tucker?

With a firm pat on Jack's shoulder, Karina exuded authority. "Be good, work hard, and make me money."

Rosalynn watched, feeling a pang of sympathy for her friend yet also admiring her decisiveness.

Karina was becoming more formidable by the day.

However, Rosalynn couldn't help but wonder if Karina truly planned to remain single forever.

At that moment, her phone rang. It was Brian.

Rosalynn's expression softened as she answered, “Hello?”