Chapter 48 A Tale of Two Sisters
Under Isabella's eager anticipation, the annual corporate gala finally progressed to the presentation segment.
When the host finished his introduction and asked if anyone would like to be the first to share, several hands shot up across the ballroom, including Isabella's.
Seeing so many competitors, with some even rushing toward the stage steps, Isabella huffed quietly, keeping her hand partially raised, her expression radiating confidence that the opportunity would be hers.
Sure enough, the host called her name moments later. "Let's welcome Isabella Harper from the Harper Group to give our first presentation."
Amidst applause, Isabella rose with deliberate poise, every movement projecting self-assurance.
"Jonathan, your daughter certainly has your flair," remarked Mr. Johnson, seated beside Jonathan. "You're always claiming she's just interested in socializing, you nearly had me fooled."
"Oh, it's not a big deal," Jonathan replied dismissively, though his genuine smile betrayed his pride.
When children excelled, it naturally reflected well on their parents, elevating one's standing among peers. How could he not be pleased?
He watched Isabella take the stage, nodding with approval. Just days ago, he'd worried she'd hit a creative wall and had considered Albert's suggestion to give Olivia more support. But apparently, Isabella had merely experienced a temporary slump.
Impressive. Truly his daughter.
The presentation screen illuminated as Isabella adjusted the microphone. Looking out at the audience of business luminaries watching expectantly, she felt a rush of excitement. As she became the center of attention and stood out from the crowd, she was so thrilled that her hands trembled slightly.
Olivia quietly clasped her hands together and observed as Isabella began. "We discovered that in traditional models..."
"Not bad at all," Bianca whispered from her seat in the audience, genuinely surprised by Isabella's innovative design. Despite her general dislike of the girl, she was reassessing Isabella's value after witnessing her capabilities. In their circle, bloodlines mattered less than ability and ambition.
When the presentation reached the Q&A portion, the host returned to the stage as Isabella confidently glanced toward several plants in the audience she'd prepared to ask softball questions.
"Ms. Harper, could you elaborate on the technical methodology behind this project?" The question came unexpectedly from Alexander, who had somehow secured the microphone.
"Well, the core methodology involves... involves..." Caught completely unprepared for this advanced question, Isabella stumbled over her words.
Seeing her struggle, Alexander kindly changed tactics, asking instead about the project parameters.
But this too fell outside Isabella's preparation. Under the scrutiny of the entire room, she cobbled together industry jargon. "This can be... optimized later for smooth implementation, but it's still early in development..."
The accuracy of her response was evident in the audience's changed demeanor compared to the beginning of her presentation.
"What's happening? She sounds like that employee I fired last month for plagiarizing proposals," one guest whispered.
"Plagiarism seems extreme—she is a Harper heiress. Perhaps it's just a case of mistaken credit," another replied.
"She should just step down before embarrassing herself further," a third muttered.
These whispers pierced Isabella's ears with painful clarity. She clutched her hands tightly, her expression panicked, face pale. As the audience grew restless, she cast a desperate glance toward her father.
Jonathan stared coldly at his daughter, his mouth downturned. He remained rooted in place, making no effort to step forward.
Removed from the tension, Olivia stared absently at Alexander's profile, her gaze unfocused. She couldn't understand why he had suddenly challenged Isabella when earlier his manner toward her had been cordial.
His reaction seemed inconsistent...
"Olivia." Alexander suddenly called her name.
Olivia responded instinctively. "Yes?"
"Since Ms. Harper has completed her presentation, why don't you come up and share the project design you've been working on?"
"Of course."
Though confused by his request, Olivia couldn't refuse her boss's directive. She rose and headed to the stage, passing Isabella as they exchanged places. Olivia walked tall and self-assured, while Isabella kept her gaze lowered, cheeks flushed, a stark contrast.
After Olivia loaded her presentation, the screen displayed new content.
The ballroom buzzed with movement. Olivia, with no memory of public speaking experience and facing her first presentation, expected to feel intimidated. Yet strangely, upon taking the microphone, confidence surged through her naturally.
She paused momentarily, then began with an easy, genuine smile.
Her presentation flowed smoothly from start to finish.
As if to highlight the contrast further, Alexander again posed questions during the Q&A period. Unlike before, regardless of complexity, Olivia's responses were organized, clear, and concise.
Her seamless, impressive presentation earned thunderous applause.
Meanwhile, Isabella, hiding in a corner watching the presentation, overheard nearby guests comparing her performance unfavorably to Olivia's.
Those wretched, despicable people!
She glared hatefully at Olivia standing in the spotlight, while surrounding shadows pressed against her like physical manifestations of shame. With tears blurring her vision and emotions overwhelming her, she turned and fled.
"Isabella!" Seeing her cover her face and run, James ignored his mother's ongoing lecture and chased after her.
"Wretched people! Horrible, horrible people! How dare they humiliate me! Die, all of you!" Isabella had run all the way to the company's rooftop garden. Growing more furious, she lashed out at the flowers and plants, crushing blooms and snapping branches. Still unsatisfied, she yanked them up and stomped on them before finally stopping.
"Isabella..." James pushed open the glass door, swallowing to moisten his dry throat. He approached and embraced her from behind. "Thank God you're alright. When I saw you run out, I was terrified."
"James..."
Isabella quickly composed her facial expression, suppressing her rage with great effort. She pinched her leg hard, the pain causing tears that masked the hatred in her eyes, leaving only apparent hurt.
"James," she turned around, her voice breaking as tears fell.
James pulled her into a protective embrace, comforting her. "Don't cry, don't cry. I'm here for you."
Isabella's shoulders trembled as she sobbed. "Olivia and Mr. Blake planned this deliberately. They wanted to humiliate me."