CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: PRESS CONFERENCE

The Sterling Family, during their routine breakfast time.

Ethan Sterling sat at the dining table, quietly observing his son’s expression, suddenly speaking: "Seth, you get along well with Melody?"

Seth paused his actions, then continued cutting the steak on his plate as usual, answering without lifting his brow: "Since when did dad start caring about such things?" His voice was plain and carried the soft cuteness unique to a child, yet it effectively shut Ethan Sterling up.

Ethan Sterling’s brief flash of annoyance in his eyes made it clear that the boy before him had no intention of discussing this topic with him.

"You always kept to yourself in class, never had any friends." Ethan Sterling pursued further.

"She’s annoying." A light statement, once again blocking Ethan Sterling’s words.

But Ethan Sterling noticed that as Seth said this, there was no impatience in his eyes, but rather a hint of fondness, and even his gaze softened as he spoke.

Ethan Sterling found himself a bit puzzled, knowing his son’s temperament well; how in just a few days, he could have hit it off with Wenny’s daughter was simply beyond belief.

"Mama Bennett said you haven’t been taking lunch to school these days, what have you been eating?"

This time, Seth did not answer.

Ethan Sterling tapped the edge of the table lightly, his voice carrying a hint of threat: "Do you want me to hear the answer from your mouth or from the kindergarten teacher’s?"

Seth grasped the knife and fork impatiently, seemingly enduring something, his brow tightly knit. Although always calm, at the age of five, he was far from being able to bury everything in his heart decisively.

"I eat with Honey," Seth finally lost patience, his voice slightly distorted, "Her mom’s cooking is much tastier than Mama Bennett’s."

Cooks well?

Ethan Sterling was slightly taken aback. A certain woman of the past, plump and round, not exactly cute, had a very limited skill set, but her cooking was remarkable, satisfying his palate every time.

Three years of marriage had gotten his stomach used to her cooking, but unexpectedly, after her departure, no cook at home could please his taste.

In just a month, he lost nearly five pounds.

Returning from his memories, Ethan Sterling only then noticed that Seth had already left.

He suddenly realized that ever since Wenny appeared, he remembered that woman more and more frequently.

...

After Ruby Sullivan received a call from the car dealership, she immediately went to pick up the car she ordered a week ago. Sasha Shaw specifically took a day to help the mother and daughter move house.

The new place was a small two-bedroom-apartment with good ventilation and close to Honey’s kindergarten. On days she did not feel like driving, she could walk home. Honey now had her own room and was very satisfied with the new place.

Early that morning, after sending Honey to kindergarten, Ruby Sullivan drove to R City, three hundred kilometers away.

Whether it was the fatigue of driving for five or six hours or the relief of having met with Nathaniel Chu, she slept particularly well that night. With her father settled, she had one less worry. Three days later, at The Sterling Group’s new season market strategy press conference.

Ethan Sterling intended to forcefully announce at this conference the news of The Sterling Group’s collaboration with the foreign chief perfumer, Wenny. He foresaw that once this news was released, The Sterling Group’s stock price would soar.

He was determined to succeed, but didn’t anticipate issues during the reporters’ question session.

A certain press company repeatedly put forth sharp questions.

Under the lights, Ruby Sullivan wore a red dress, with exquisite makeup and an elegant smile.

Just like at the first meeting in the airport, she drew all eyes, and no matter how tricky the questions from the reporters, she managed to skillfully deflect them.

Behind the scenes, Ethan Sterling couldn’t help but applaud this woman’s capability.

However, the following question posed by the reporters made Ethan Sterling frown.

"Miss Wenny, although you are well-known in the luxury circles abroad, after all, you are relatively new, and the level of substance is unknown. Could this collaboration with The Sterling Group possibly lead it to hit rock bottom?"

Ruby Sullivan smiled, unaffected by the impudence, secretly raising her guard.

Given The Sterling Group’s status, a disruptively probing reporter at a press conference could mean underlying grudges with The Sterling Group, or someone stirring trouble behind the scenes. Meanwhile, more challenges might be expected!

Ruby Sullivan confidently answered, "Whether I am professional can be judged from The Sterling Group’s first fragrance of the new season. If you on-site wish to know my level of professionalism, you could purchase and share your conclusions. Friendly tip: those purchasing the series on the day of release will receive a little surprise." At this, she playfully smiled, lightening the tense atmosphere considerably.

Behind the scenes, Ethan Sterling’s eyes carried approval, his tightly-clenched fists finally relaxed, and he leaned against his seat in a lazy posture.

This woman always found a way to bring him unexpected surprises.

Her words just now not only perfectly countered the reporter’s insinuations but also piqued curiosity among the crowd, naturally boosting purchasing motivation.

Under the stage, a hint of unwillingness flashed in the reporter’s eyes as they persistently pursued, "Rumor has it Miss Wenny has a daughter, could this unwed pregnancy claim be true?"

This statement stirred waves; the whole venue was nearly boiling over.

Renowned in the luxury circle, Wenny was rumored to have a child?!

And the claim of unwed pregnancy?

It was big news; whoever could capture the firsthand details was guaranteed to hit the headlines the next day!

In a concealed corner, a woman hid, and due to the crowded scene with bright lights, a trace of a cold smile crossed her lips.

She went through great lengths to bring in that reporter, intending to tarnish Wenny’s reputation!

This bombshell, Wenny, let’s see how you handle it!

Onstage, hearing this sharp question, Ruby Sullivan was momentarily stunned. Melody’s identity had always been well-hidden how could this minor reporter know it?

Clearly, this person not only resented her but also had an exceedingly clear grasp of her identity.

Who could it be?

Thinking of this, Ruby Sullivan’ expression darkened.

In the VIP lounge, the TV was live-broadcasting the entirety of the press conference.

Ethan Sterling’s face turned frighteningly grim: "Identify which media they are from, ban them immediately, and also check whoever instructed them to ask the question."

The assistant responded, respectfully withdrawing.

The scene had become chaotic, with all reporters eager to capture clearer photos and record clearer statements. Ruby Sullivan watched them coldly, like jesters ignored the screen, her gaze flickering over a familiar woman hidden in a secluded corner.

Indeed, she thought.

There was a flash of derision in her eyes, and she straightened her appearance: "Everyone, please be quiet—" The crowd, momentarily hushed, erupted fervently again.

"First, this is a personal matter unrelated to work. Secondly, it doesn’t seem to be included in today’s press conference agenda," she smiled slyly, "I hope everyone focuses on the perfumes I developed, as I’m not some celebrity, these superficial rumors aren’t worth your time."

"Miss Wenny, is it true then, that you had a child out of wedlock?" a reporter pressed further, determined to uncover the truth today.

Ruby Sullivan nodded, wearing a confident smile, she addressed the crowd: "I do have a child, although the father is in Euronia, yet to return home, so do you really think the claim of my ’unwed pregnancy’ stands?"

This remark sparked a massive commotion.

Everyone was blindsided, as out of a simple hypothetical arose the core of the matter.

The renowned perfumer in the luxury circle not only had a child but was also married!

Even the father of the child remained an enigma!

Ethan Sterling’s hand instinctively clenched, and even his breathing unconsciously shallow.

He stared at the woman on screen, confident, bold, enveloped in light, with deities seemingly backing her.

For a brief moment, she seemed to overlap with a figure from his memory.

"Mr. Sterling?" The secretary next to him sensed his emotions and cautiously inquired. Ethan Sterling’s clenched hand relaxed, a visceral frustration seething in his chest.

After quite some time, he stood up and turned off the TV, his voice calm, seemingly unaffected: "Make an announcement, the press conference is over."