Chapter 82
The chair Willow sat in was low.
From Sterling's position, he could clearly see the elegant curve of her collarbone, forming a perfect hollow.
It looked pristine, untouched—which made him recall his encounter with Willow and Charles outside Lancaster Manor the day after their wedding.
Even from a greater distance then, he had noticed a red mark on Willow's neck and shoulder. It had been visible for only a moment before she quickly covered it with her clothing.
So bright and prominent, Sterling had initially mistaken it for a birthmark.
Yet in all their subsequent encounters, even at closer proximity, he'd never seen that mark again.
He realized it must have been evidence of their wedding night passion.
Now, Willow's skin appeared completely unmarked.
Remembering Charles's words that morning, Sterling glanced at her injured ankle. "When did this happen?"
He remained perfectly still, as though he hadn't heard her earlier dismissal.
Willow felt pierced by the stares from people around them, but couldn't ignore Sterling's question. "Last night."
After answering, she recalled Charles's morning phone call and added uneasily, "Charles mentioned he arranged time off for me. Did he speak with you about that?"
Sterling gave no definitive response.
Willow understood immediately. "I'm sorry. I had no idea. If I'd known, I would have stopped him."
She could guess Charles's thinking. As a company executive himself, he certainly knew proper leave request procedures.
He likely suspected something between her and Sterling and wanted to test Sterling's reaction.
Willow had no idea what excuse Charles had given for her absence, but Sterling's gaze seemed oddly evaluative.
Before she could ask further, the event director hurried over, greeting Sterling respectfully. "Mr. Lancaster."
Sterling turned to the newcomer, his expression cooling slightly.
The director's heart skipped nervously. He glanced at Willow and asked, "You know Willow Spencer?"
"We've never met," Willow interjected before Sterling could answer.
Feeling Sterling's chilly gaze, she hastily added, "I only joined the company recently. I've certainly heard of Mr. Lancaster, but someone of his position wouldn't know a junior employee like me. He just kindly helped when I nearly fell."
She offered Sterling a bright smile. "Thank you, Mr. Lancaster. I'm truly fine now."
Sterling's gaze swept from her face to the event director, James Cox. "Mr. Cox, perhaps you'd care to explain what's happening here? Why is an injured employee not being allowed to rest?"
James broke into a cold sweat. "Well..."
He wiped his brow and forced himself to continue. "My apologies, Mr. Lancaster. I was too busy to notice. Of course injured staff should rest. Was someone giving Ms. Spencer a hard time?"
He skillfully deflected any personal responsibility.
Sterling's expression darkened, clearly dissatisfied with this answer.
James quickly realized Sterling expected clear action.
He carefully turned to Willow. "Ms. Spencer, could you identify who was directing you to work despite your injury?"
Willow scanned the crowd.
She quickly spotted a man in black clothing whose eyes briefly met hers.
Recognizing the situation, the man gave Willow a pleading look.
Unmoved, Willow pointed in his direction. "That's him."
James followed her gesture, then nodded. "I understand. To protect our company image, I'll dismiss him immediately. This won't happen again."
He turned to implement this decision.
Suddenly, a young man came running up, breathless with panic. "Mr. Cox! We have a problem—the presenter for the product launch had an emergency and can't make it!"
James's expression changed dramatically. He glared at the messenger.
The launch was scheduled to begin in ten minutes, and their main presenter was absent.
This information would have been bad enough in private—but to announce it in front of Sterling Lancaster himself!
How would Sterling ever trust his competence again?
"Don't worry, Mr. Lancaster. It's a minor issue. I'll resolve it," James quickly assured him.
Sterling checked his watch, his displeasure evident.
Today's event was for a Lancaster Group subsidiary. While not the most prestigious launch, it still required flawless execution.
Without a presenter, they faced a significant problem.
Unless Sterling himself took the stage.
Time ticked relentlessly forward.
With the launch about to begin, they still hadn't found a suitable replacement.
James was practically tearing his hair out with worry.
Media representatives continued to arrive.
Sterling's expression grew increasingly grave.
If he personally presented, this pilot project might be misinterpreted as a major Lancaster Group initiative. Any problems could significantly impact the company's reputation.
"Mr. Lancaster..." James returned, his face filled with despair.
Sterling frowned. "I—"
It seemed he would have to present himself.
"What about me?" Willow's voice interrupted.
Both James and Sterling turned to her simultaneously.
Willow pressed her lips together. "I've been studying this project for the past two days. I could handle a basic presentation to the media."
James looked at her with profound skepticism. "Willow, do you understand what you're offering?"
Willow nodded, her tone growing more confident. "I'd like to try."
"Have you ever spoken before hundreds of people? With media present?" James questioned.
Willow's confidence wavered slightly. "I gave a speech as an outstanding student representative at graduation. Does that count?"
James winced at her response. "That's not the same..."
Willow fell silent in acknowledgment.
"Let's give it a try," Sterling's deep voice cut through their exchange.
Both Willow and James looked up in surprise.
"Mr. Lancaster..." James feared disaster, especially with Sterling present.
Willow was equally surprised that Sterling would allow a new employee to represent the company.
Sterling regarded her with a coolly professional demeanor. "I admire your confidence. If everything goes smoothly, the company will reward you. But if there are problems, you'll be held accountable."
Willow glanced around.
Everything was ready. The launch could begin at any moment. Stage lights flashed intermittently.
The setting was both grand and intimidating.
She took a deep breath. "I can do it."