Chapter 83
With Sterling's approval, James had no choice but to accept the decision despite his misgivings. He instructed someone to help Willow to the stage.
The media representatives were ready and waiting. As soon as Willow appeared, camera flashes began to sparkle throughout the audience.
Along with the flashes came skeptical glances from the attendees. Most were longtime Lancaster Group partners or industry leaders who had dealings with the company.
An unknown new employee like Willow hardly commanded their respect.
After a brief introduction, the questioning began immediately.
"I recognize you," someone called out. "You used to work for BrightArc Creative. You were often at cocktail parties with Mr. Johnson."
"Now that BrightArc has been shut down for tax violations, you've landed at Lancaster Group—and somehow you're representing the company on stage. What exactly do they see in you?"
A murmur spread through the audience.
Though BrightArc Creative was a small firm, its closure due to tax problems had made headlines, leaving businesses throughout Majestic City on edge. Fortunately, the investigation had stopped with BrightArc.
No one had expected an employee from such a minor company to secure a position at Lancaster Group.
All eyes turned to Willow, many with suspicious thoughts. With her beauty, perhaps she had used physical charms to advance her career?
From a corner in the back row, Blake watched his boss with concern. "Mr. Lancaster..."
Sterling's expression had darkened after the pointed question.
Sitting in an obscure location, few had noticed Sterling's presence, allowing the questioner to be particularly bold.
The question challenged not only Willow's credentials but Lancaster Group's hiring integrity.
If Willow couldn't handle this gracefully, the media would have a field day.
Blake turned toward the stage, anxious for Willow.
Though Willow felt the hostility behind the question, her smile never faltered.
She faced the questioner with steady, warm eyes. "Regarding your question—if you listen to my presentation, I believe you'll find your answer."
The man's cutting question had been elegantly deflected, leaving him embarrassed.
After this exchange, the audience shifted to more professional inquiries.
Following her concise product introduction, Willow fielded every question with impressive fluency.
No matter how technical or challenging the questions became, she provided satisfying answers. Her bright smile made her explanations all the more convincing.
After addressing the final question, the room erupted in applause.
The audience's initial skepticism had transformed into admiration. Several attendees even regretted that Willow hadn't applied to their companies instead.
---
The presentation concluded successfully.
By the time someone helped Willow limp off stage, she was drenched in cold sweat from the pain.
"Willow, we owe you tremendous thanks! You're our hero today!" James approached her, beaming with excitement as he patted her shoulder. "Rest assured, I'll make sure this goes in your record. There's definitely a bonus coming your way!"
His attitude contrasted sharply with his earlier skepticism.
Willow's ankle throbbed painfully. She offered a small smile and glanced around the venue.
Sterling was nowhere to be seen.
"That's all for now," James continued. "Your ankle looks serious—you should get to a hospital. This counts as a workplace injury, so the company will cover all medical expenses."
Willow didn't refuse.
James started to arrange transportation, but Willow didn't want to inconvenience the staff further. She made her way slowly out of the venue, using the wall for support.
Downstairs, as she was about to hail a taxi, a Bentley pulled up in front of her.
It was Sterling's car.
"Ms. Spencer, please get in," Blake said, stepping out to open the door and help her inside.
In the spacious interior, Sterling sat with his long legs crossed, his commanding presence filling the space. He glanced at her with tacit approval.
Willow entered obediently and expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle Sterling."
"Well done back there," Sterling said in his deep voice.
He was referring to her presentation.
Willow's eyes brightened, but she remained modest. "I just happened to have studied the materials yesterday when I had some free time."
"Have you considered transferring to the sales department?" Blake asked with a smile, his tone appreciative.
On stage, Willow had seemed to glow. With her articulate speech and attractive appearance, she seemed naturally suited for sales.
Willow smiled. "I'll follow whatever the company decides."
The car pulled away from the venue entrance.
Watching the approaching intersection, Willow spoke up. "Would it be possible... to take me to a hospital? My ankle is quite painful. I should have it examined."
She felt uncomfortable imposing on Sterling's personal vehicle.
Blake caught his boss's eye in the rearview mirror. "That was already our plan."
Sterling gave him a look that suggested he was talking too much.
Blake smiled and added, "Ms. Spencer, you're today's hero. The company naturally couldn't ignore your injury."
Willow understood and looked toward Sterling, thanking him again.
Sterling made no response.
Blake suddenly remembered something. "Actually, Mr. Lancaster needs to pick up some medication as well."
Willow looked confused. "Medication?"
"Mr. Lancaster still isn't sleeping well," Blake explained. "His doctor recommended trying some medication."
Hearing this, Willow noticed the dark circles under Sterling's eyes and frowned with concern.
She wanted to offer her massage services again, but remembering his previous rejection, she hesitated to mention it.
After a moment's consideration, she simply said, "Then following the doctor's advice and trying medication seems sensible."
The temperature in the car seemed to drop a few degrees after her comment, though perhaps it was just her imagination.
Blake watched the two of them in the rearview mirror, looking as though he wanted to say something but thought better of it.
The rest of the journey passed in silence.
Willow hadn't slept well the night before and had endured an exhausting day. Blake's smooth driving was lulling her to sleep.
At first, she fought to stay awake.
Gradually, however, she drifted off.
Sterling gazed out the window, catching Willow's reflection as her head began to nod. His brow furrowed slightly.
The car swayed gently.
Willow's head tilted slowly toward Sterling, accompanied by a barely audible, sighing murmur, "Charles..."
Sterling's hand, which had started to rise, paused in midair before withdrawing. His eyes filled with complex emotions as he looked at her.
Without his support, Willow's head dropped suddenly.
The sensation of falling startled her awake. She jerked backward instinctively, finding herself pressed against Sterling's chest, her hands automatically bracing against his legs.
Still disoriented, Willow shifted, trying to right herself.
Through the fabric of his suit pants, her soft palm registered something firm and warm beneath her hand.