Chapter 152 Eyes Full of Scorn

Ken cut in before I could respond. "Ms. Davis, if you'd rather not participate in this discussion, you're welcome to wait in the lounge. These professional matters require serious consideration."

"Am I wrong?" Sophia huffed. "This is reality! Elite families should think big, not count pennies!"

I dug my nails into my palms, fighting the urge to scream.

Ken's face hardened. "Business always requires financial prudence. Every dollar should be spent wisely. Dr. Davis is absolutely correct - this affects medical quality and patient safety. Remember, you represent Sterling Group's image here."

Sophia pouted but finally shut up.

My blood boiled. The audacity of this woman! She thought medical equipment was like shopping for designer bags? These machines determined whether patients lived or died! Her entitled attitude made me sick—the perfect example of everything wrong with healthcare today. Connections trumping competence. Money over merit.

As the meeting continued, I asked pointed technical questions, each one showcasing my expertise. I could feel the room's energy shift as everyone gradually realized I actually knew what I was talking about.

Lisa, Blackwood's rep, turned to me with newfound respect. "Dr. Davis, what approach do you recommend? How can we balance efficiency with quality?"

Pride warmed my chest. "I suggest categorizing the equipment," I replied confidently. "Critical devices like MRIs and CT scanners should be evaluated personally by representatives from both companies. Standard equipment can go through competitive bidding. We'll create detailed assessment criteria ensuring everything meets the highest medical standards."

The Cornell rep mentioned Wednesday's on-site inspection of key equipment. "Will Blackwood Group send a representative?" he asked.

Lisa looked directly at me. "Dr. Davis, are you available? This requires someone with medical background."

"Of course." My voice didn't waver. "It's my responsibility. I'll personally inspect each device to ensure compliance with our standards."

"Mr. Blackwood has explicitly designated you as the project leader," Lisa added. "Your decisions represent Blackwood Group's position."

A surge of satisfaction rushed through me. This was recognition earned through competence, not marriage or family connections. I'd fought for every bit of respect I was receiving.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Sophia squirming in her seat, her nails tapping nervously against her phone.

"I'll be attending the inspection too!" she suddenly announced. "I represent Sterling Group. Father specifically asked me to oversee this."

Ken reluctantly agreed, though worry flashed across his face.

"We'll schedule for Wednesday at 2 PM then," the Cornell representative said. "The inspection should take approximately three hours. Please come prepared."

"Perfect!" Sophia beamed. "I can still catch afternoon tea at Four Seasons afterward. They've just launched a new macaron collection that's supposed to be amazing."

I nearly choked. Was she for real?

As the meeting wrapped up, I gathered my materials, watching Sophia take selfies against the conference room window. Unbelievable.

"We'll see you at the inspection, Ms. Sterling," I said, ice in my voice. "I hope you'll bring your... unique perspective to the project."

Four Seasons? Macarons? While I was focused on equipment that could save lives, she was planning her social media content. Now I understood why Ethan had been so cold toward her. Behind her polished exterior lay... nothing. No substance, no professional ethics, no sense of responsibility.

Could someone this shallow really impact the entire project? I couldn't let that happen. Too much was at stake. I'd have to work twice as hard to compensate for her involvement.

The door suddenly opened. A tall woman strode in on designer heels, her eyes locked directly on me with unmistakable hostility.

"This is Melissa Allen, our director's wife. She's here for an inspection today," the Cornell Medicine representative announced.

Melissa's mouth shaped into a perfunctory smile as her gaze swept the room. "The research center's work owes much to both Sterling and Blackwood's support," she purred, each syllable dripping with refrigerated courtesy.

My shoulder blades tightened. That initial razor-sharp glance when she'd entered had carried the weight of a personal vendetta, though I was certain we'd never crossed paths. Yet now, her face showed only polished professionalism—the seamless shift more unnerving than any overt hostility.

After the meeting ended, Sophia didn't show off in front of me as usual. Instead, she quickly followed Melissa out the door...

Wednesday afternoon found me arriving early at the medical equipment factory in the NY suburbs. About four hours from downtown, I'd come with just one sales department employee, Stephanie Hall. The weight of responsibility pressed down on me. I couldn't mess this up.

Sophia showed up at 2 PM sharp with Nicholas King—a forty-something guy whose belly stretched his designer shirt to its limits. One look at him and I knew: another businessman who'd spent too many hours wining and dining clients.

The moment he walked in, he completely ignored me, his eyes fixed on Sophia as he practically groveled at her feet. "Miss Sterling, you've come such a long way. It must have been tiring."

Typical. Money talks.

"Not at all. It's my duty," Sophia replied, her voice uncharacteristically subdued.

Nicholas couldn't stop fawning over her. "Though this is the suburbs, there are many enjoyable places. Today might run late, so I've arranged a five-star hotel. My assistant can drive you afterward."

My stomach turned at his slimy tone. I'd seen this a thousand times—men who thought women in business were just decorative accessories.

"No need. I drove here myself," Sophia replied coolly. "Today is about business, Mr. King. And please don't focus solely on me—Blackwood Group's representative is here too." She pointed toward me.

Only then did Nicholas acknowledge my existence, his smile dimming several watts. "Miss Davis, I'm Nicholas King, this company's manager. This is our warehouse. Let me show you in."

"Fine." I didn't bother hiding my irritation. I wasn't here for the power games or ass-kissing—I was here to inspect equipment. Period.

Inside the massive warehouse, everything gleamed under the fluorescent lights. Too clean. They'd obviously scrubbed the place down for our visit. Medical devices stood in perfect rows with staff hovering nervously nearby.

I tuned everything else out—this was my world now. I moved from machine to machine, checking calibrations, testing functionality, examining safety features. The quiet hum of equipment was the only sound I cared about.

"This equipment does meet requirements," I said finally, satisfaction warming my voice. "How many units do you currently have in stock?"

"About a hundred or more," the staff member answered, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

"Good. Then I'll check a random sample. If there aren't any issues, we can establish preliminary intent." I was already reaching for my tablet to record my findings.

The staff member froze, eyes darting toward Nicholas, who stepped forward with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Miss Davis, it's already past 5 PM. I've arranged dinner at the hotel. Let's eat first—it's getting late. We can handle sampling tomorrow."

Frustration burned in my chest. Why put off till tomorrow what we could finish today? I opened my mouth to object, but Sophia cut me off.

"Indeed. The drive from downtown was four hours, which is already tiring. Since Mr. King is being so hospitable, we shouldn't refuse. Let's have dinner first and handle the rest tomorrow."

Nicholas practically melted with relief, barking orders at his assistant.

I forced a tight smile while ice crystallized in my veins. Their synchronized reluctance was no coincidence. As we walked toward the elevators, the truth dawned with sickening clarity—they never intended for me to see those samples at all.