Chapter 4

The second half of the year's product sales conference was about to begin.

Brad assigned me to handle the service work.

"Isn't service work just being a waiter?

"Hah, I was just joking. Aaliyah, you need to prepare well. You must handle the service properly."

Bethany covered her mouth and exchanged glances with her colleagues.

Upon watching the chaotic team atmosphere, my patience was running thin.

Brad, powerless against the undisciplined culprit, had no choice but to wait until Bethany finished her performance before continuing, his face expressionless.

"This time, the president of Virex Global Group, Damian Caldwell, will be attending in person. Everyone needs to be on their best behavior."

"Mr. Caldwell, really?"

"Mr. Caldwell is a golden bachelor, the heartthrob of the finance world!"

Brad's words were like a drop of water in a hot pan.

All the female colleagues began chattering, their faces filled with admiration and anticipation.

Bethany looked as though she was deep in thought.

I couldn't help but feel helpless, thinking to myself, "Why did this troublemaker have to show up?"

The company placed great importance on the product sales conference.

In order to secure Damian's investment, the department had been working overtime for a week to ensure everything would be flawless.

On the day of the event, Bethany, who wasn't originally involved in the reception, showed up at the venue early.

"Brad, Aaliyah comes from an ordinary family. She's never seen such a big event.

"I'll handle the reception for her," she suggested.

"No, this reception is too important. It's going to decide next year's orders. You have no experience!" Brad immediately shook his head, refusing.

"It's fine if something goes wrong. I'll take responsibility. Brad, don't forget, and I'm going to be the company's heir," she said with an air of certainty and subtle threat.

Under Bethany's determined, almost menacing gaze, Brad finally relented.

It worked out perfectly for me. I wasn't in any rush to face Damian.

As the largest investor, Damian made his grand entrance last.

Damian had a tall, lean figure and sharp features. It seemed as though he carried the wind with him, walking into the venue amidst compliments from others.

Bethany's face flushed crimson, her eyes dreamy, as she stepped forward to greet him.

Damian, however, walked straight past her, his eyes scanning the room.

"Dear Damian, I'm Bethany. I'll be your host today," she introduced herself.

"Are all your company's employees this familiar with everyone?" Damian replied with a sharp tone.

"Well then, tell me about the design concept of this product, its application scenarios, market predictions..."

"Uh... I..."

Bethany couldn't help but scratch her head, her gaze darting around, silently pleading for help.

After all these years, Damian's tongue was still as sharp as ever.

Unable to contain myself, I let out a laugh.

Hearing my laugh, Damian turned his gaze toward me and flashed a rare smile.

Bethany, on the other hand, turned beet red, and her heart raced, thinking Damian was joking with her.

"Damian, you're so naughty! My father is the boss of Stod Group, and I've heard from him that our families are old friends."

Damian suddenly turned his head toward her, his cold, appraising gaze freezing her in place.

Bethany took a step back, visibly startled by his scrutiny.

"Sorry, but my Caldwell family is not acquainted with the Wilcox family."

The Caldwell family had ties to the Stoddard family, not the Wilcox family. Without the Stoddard family, no one would even know who my father was.

The employees around us were all awkwardly blushing, and Brad looked like he was about to lose his mind.

"Mr. Caldwell, my apologies for not welcoming you properly. I'm Steve McLean, the company's vice president," he hurriedly stepped forward.

"Bethany, don't just stand there! Apologize to Mr. Caldwell; he's just messing with you," he said, exasperated.

"Uncle Steve," Bethany muttered, twisting her hands and sneaking glances at Damian.

The other company executives around us exchanged amused glances.

I thought to myself, "With such an unrefined leader at Stod Group, it's no wonder the company is on the decline."

I clenched my fists.

Stod Group was founded by my grandfather and has been the pride and hard work of the Stoddard family for three generations.

Now, only my mother and I remain of the Stoddard family, and I will not allow anyone to ruin Stod Group.