Chapter 19
Seraphine's POV
Heath looked at me again, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something comforting. I immediately nodded understandingly. "Let's give this opportunity to Brielle. I have no objections. With my face like this, I really can't go on stage."
Heath sighed and nodded. "Be more careful in the future. After the press conference, go to the hospital and get tested for allergens."
I obediently agreed. Amara, like a victorious general, arranged her shawl and cast a triumphant glance at me before leaving. This mother-daughter duo wasn't even bothering to pretend anymore.
Brielle walked up to me and said in a low, sarcastic voice, "It seems that at critical moments, you still have to rely on me."
Upstairs, I had just closed my bedroom door when there was a knock. Brielle stood at the door holding a glass of milk, a look of concern on her face.
"Seraphine, I saw you didn't eat much tonight and you're in a bad mood. What's wrong?" she blinked, her voice filled with unconcealed schadenfreude. "It's not because you can't attend the press conference and you're afraid I'll steal your thunder, is it?"
Looking at her smug face, I found it laughable. "You think too highly of yourself. From the project's inception to its promotion, I was in charge of every detail. I know it all like the back of my hand. Do you really think you can control the whole situation just by glancing at some altered documents?"
I leaned forward slightly, my voice low as I said, word by word, "Whether you go on stage to bring glory to the company or to make a fool of yourself, it's still uncertain."
The smile on Brielle's face froze. In both her past life and this one, she hated it when people questioned her abilities, especially me.
She dropped the act, crossing her arms and looking down at me. "What's the use of talking big now? The fact is, you have an allergic reaction on your face! You can't attend! Tomorrow, you'll just have to watch from below as I stand in the spotlight!"
I shrugged nonchalantly, my tone light. "Fine. You've gotten what you wanted."
Brielle took a step back, puzzled by my attitude. "Why do you look like you're resigning yourself to fate?"
"What else can I do? You're hosting the press conference. What can I do but accept it?" I retorted.
Brielle snorted, seemingly satisfied that I had given up. "From now on, I will steal all your thunder. You don't belong to the Whitaker family in the first place. Your position as director was obtained by taking my identity. Now I'm just taking back what belongs to me. You just have to hand it over obediently."
I had to try hard not to laugh out loud. Brielle, that fool. It seemed Heath had never revealed that he was training me as his successor. He promoted people based on ability, not bloodline. Brielle only knew I was a director, but she didn't know I had worked my way up, step by step, earning recognition.
"Alright." I smiled, raising an eyebrow at her. "Then I wish you a successful hosting of this press conference. After all, this is your most important opportunity."
Brielle pouted and left. Watching her retreating back, I slowly raised my head, not a trace of dejection on my face, only the calm composure of someone in complete control. I gently brushed over the fake rashes on my face, a cold smile playing on my lips.
'Brielle, you think you've won? Rushing to jump into a pit and feeling smug about it. You're hopelessly stupid.'
I turned and went upstairs, my steps light. The real show was just beginning.
The next day, at the new product launch venue.
Three hours before the live broadcast, the backstage was a hive of activity. Staff bustled back and forth, checking equipment, confirming procedures, the air thick with tension.
I wore large sunglasses and a mask, completely concealing myself. As the director, even if I wasn't going on stage, I had to arrive early to prepare. Several core staff members saw me and gathered around, their faces full of worry.
"Ms. Whitaker, is there really no way for you to go on stage?"
I sighed helplessly and pointed to the red rashes I had drawn on my forehead. "How can I go on stage looking like this? I'll scare people to death."
They looked at each other. "We heard that Ms. Brielle Whitaker will be replacing you. Can she do it? She's not familiar with the project at all!"
"Exactly! What if she messes up? This is a live broadcast!" They clearly didn't trust Brielle.
I raised my hand, gently stopping them. My voice was muffled through the mask. "Everyone, don't say that. Brielle is also a part of the Whitaker Group. She will work hard for the company. We shouldn't jump to conclusions. Maybe she'll perform well."
They were still clearly worried but said no more.
A curious voice suddenly sounded from behind. "What are you all talking about here?"
I turned to see Sable approaching. When she saw me, her expression turned to one of shock, and she took two steps back. "Ms. Whitaker, what happened to your face!"
Looking at her feigned ignorance, I found it laughable. Amara and Brielle were truly excellent at finding helpers. People like Sable, who looked innocent but were actually deeply calculating. She had done something wrong, yet she could still act as if nothing had happened, performing the perfect amount of concern and shock in front of me. She was truly an actress of the highest caliber.
I answered calmly, "I had an allergic reaction last night. I don't know what happened."
Sable sighed. "No wonder everyone was saying you weren't going on stage today. It seems I'll have to assist Ms. Brielle Whitaker instead."
I nodded and gave her a deep look. "Sable, you've been loyal to me. Your future will surely be bright. But don't do anything foolish, you understand?"
Sable was taken aback for a moment, then quickly nodded, not thinking much of it and smiling at me. "I've always looked up to you as a role model."
I glanced at her and said nothing.
Just then, a small commotion came from the entrance. Someone whispered, "Mr. Capulet is here!"