Chapter 154

Wendy suppressed the emotions stirring inside her and asked, "Can it be wiped off?"

She didn't directly ask Hannah if it was a birthmark, worried Hannah wouldn't understand.

But Hannah seemed lost in her own world, constantly fiddling with the doll, not hearing Wendy's question.

Just as Wendy was about to ask again, Hannah suddenly screamed.

Both Edward and William were startled.

"It's okay, it's okay, we're going back now. No one's trying to take your baby." Edward comforted Hannah as they said goodbye to William.

"Sorry, we'll head out today. Let's talk another time."

Wendy watched the two figures walk away embracing each other, feeling something indescribable.

She was a bit afraid to believe it, yet somewhat hopeful.

But also felt it was impossible.

"What are you thinking about?" William sensed Wendy's emotions.

Wendy shook her head. "Nothing, just feel a bit sorry for Mrs. Green. Her child still hasn't been found, and she has to endure the pain of missing them."

William's eyes darkened, and his voice unconsciously softened. "Don't worry, I'll find your parents too."

He thought Wendy was also sad about being abandoned.

"Thank you." Wendy wasn't in high spirits, still thinking about the birthmark.

Back home, Wendy stood in front of the mirror and turned around. The light red birthmark on her shoulder wasn't too obvious,

but it was the only mark that might help find her biological parents.

Hannah's words kept circling in Wendy's mind, impossible to shake off.

Wendy sighed, shook her head, and pushed away those unrealistic thoughts.

Tomorrow the results of Atlantic Chemicals' application for national research funding would be announced,

and the president of Northridge University would also visit the company.

Wendy pushed down those emotions, quickly turned off the lights, and went to sleep.

Early the next morning, Wendy arrived at the company.

Emily also came early. "Wendy, do you think we'll succeed? We've prepared for so long. If we don't get the funding, will Mr. Ford think there's no future and pull out his investment?"

Wendy tapped Emily's head. "Mr. Ford isn't that short-sighted. He looks at the prospects, not just what's in front of him."

Without knowing when it started, Wendy had come to understand William more and more.

Sometimes, when others had doubts about him, Wendy would instinctively defend him.

As they were talking, William and Eric Allen walked in together.

"Mr. Ford, Mr. Allen, let's talk in the conference room." Wendy led the way.

In the conference room, the atmosphere was relaxed. Although Eric was older, probably from spending years at the university,

he had absorbed the youthful energy of college students and was instead full of spirit with hearty laughter.

"Ms. Moore has a bright future ahead. So young yet leading Atlantic Chemicals to grow bigger and bigger, with production increasing every year, and even gaining national recognition. Really impressive."

Eric was generous with his praise.

Wendy felt a bit embarrassed by the compliments and said modestly, "We're all working under Mr. Ford's leadership, running the company according to his guidance. Applying for the national project funding was only possible with your strong support, Eric. I don't have that kind of ability."

"If we're talking about credit, it all belongs to you leaders."

These words made Eric beam with joy.

"I heard you'll be upgrading the analytical solution machines next. Any progress?"

This touched on Wendy's expertise. "The equipment is currently being tested for effectiveness. We still need to review the evaluation report and establish standardized operating procedures. For now, we're only changing one variable at a time, slowly testing the results. Throughout the process, we're continuously monitoring operational data to prepare for the next round of upgrades."

"Good." Eric nodded appreciatively, unable to stop.

"A limitless future."

William looked at Wendy with surprise and amazement.

He hadn't expected that in such a short time, Wendy could gain so much experience and achieve such results.

Laughter filled the conference room until Jack brought good news—

The application was approved, and the research funding would arrive next month.

All the previous projects could now proceed smoothly.

"That's great!" Wendy's mood lifted.

At least she hadn't let down all her hard work.

"Mr. Ford, congratulations!" Eric stood up and shook William's hand.

William replied modestly, "Congratulations to us both, and I wish Northridge University even better development."

Outside the conference room, all the employees were excited.

Wendy went out and signaled for everyone to quiet down, then announced good news. "All employees who participated in this project get seven extra vacation days."

The office immediately erupted in cheers.

"Wendy's amazing! I'll follow Wendy to the death!!"

"Don't fight me for it, I want to be first in line."

"I'm Wendy's right-hand man. I should be first."

Emily jumped in too.

One of their colleagues laughed and teased, "You? Her right-hand man? More like her biggest headache."

Laughter filled the entire office, and Wendy's lips curved up unconsciously.

Since the incident with Evelyn, she hadn't been this happy in a long time.

This kind of happiness came from deep within.

William also came out, and the office quieted down a bit.

Everyone unconsciously felt that William had an unapproachable aura about him.

Wendy looked at him.

William cleared his throat and said, "Since Manager Moore is giving you vacation time, I'll give you extra bonuses. You can collect them from the finance office tomorrow."

The office fell silent for a moment, then erupted in even louder cheers than before.

When it came to management skills, William was still the best—money was the best way to win people's hearts.

Wendy smiled and met William's eyes, like mutual respect between equals.

They progressed together, standing shoulder to shoulder at the top, looking down at the world together.

Eric watched all this and nodded with satisfaction. He seemed to see Atlantic Chemicals' future prospects.

With Northridge University backed by the Ford Group and such a powerful endorsement, the future held countless possibilities.

William had Jack book a celebration dinner for the employees that evening.

When Evelyn received the news, she could hardly believe it—William was actually taking her.

Was he going public with their relationship? Introducing her to all the employees?

Whatever William's intention, Evelyn was happy.

After all, this meant she was entering William's life.

Wendy didn't know about this yet, only focused on arranging seating for employees and organizing bus transportation.

She handled everything personally—you could say Atlantic Chemicals was Wendy's baby.

After carefully dressing up, Evelyn was picked up by William.

"William, do I look good today?" Evelyn asked shyly, looking down.

William only made a sound of acknowledgment and said nothing more.

This was enough for Evelyn to imagine an entire drama in which William loved her.

Wendy had been standing at the hotel waiting for William, wanting to discuss something.

But she saw William get out of the car and personally open the door for Evelyn, extending his hand.

Evelyn stepped out of the car, her hand resting on William's arm—they looked quite matched.