CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: STIRRING UP TROUBLE IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM

Ethan Sterling picked up the paternity test results for him and Honey from Zane Lawson three days ago, and just as Wenny had said, Honey is indeed his biological daughter.

He sighed, recalling the hope Wenny had when she asked him to undergo the bone marrow transplant, his heart grew increasingly desolate.

More than anyone, he knew that finding a matched donor from strangers for Honey’s illness was purely reliant on heavenly favor, yet this matter...he was truly powerless.

"Ruby Sullivan, you should hate me even more, right?" He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling with a bitter smile, unable to calm his mind for a long time.

On Monday, after blind selection by evaluators, the sample achieved the best evaluation among top-selling products of the same brand and competitive products of the same price range, prompting immediate production arrangements.

In the afternoon meeting, overseas distributor Rhonda Sullivan also appeared in the conference room. When Ruby Sullivan entered, Rhonda was standing with President Lawson from the marketing department, whispering about something. Suddenly, they laughed and shared a glance at Ruby Sullivan, pretending not to notice her.

Feeling somewhat invisible, Ruby Sullivan held her head high and walked briskly to take the seat to the right of the center position.

This seat had reportedly been Rhonda’s, but who could blame her for being busy chatting today?

Rhonda, noticing her reserved seat had been taken, immediately darkened half her face and threw her secretary a glance in frustration.

The secretary, seated on the outer benches, quickly got up and walked to Ruby Sullivan’s side, "Miss Wenny, this seat belongs to Mr. Sullivan."

Though Levi Joyce was only observing, he valued this easy job highly, recently learning some unconventional ways from Howard, becoming much sharper. Seeing this situation, he quickly intervened, standing between them, "Who might you be?"

Ruby Sullivan heard his street-like greeting, secretly enjoyed it, suppressed the corners of her lips’ smile, and pretended to know nothing, continuing to read the meeting materials.

The secretary, probably unfamiliar with Levi Joyce’s unconventional assistant style, maintained a strained courteous smile, "I’m Mr. Sullivan’s secretary, could you please move?" Raising her voice deliberately, she added, "Miss Wenny, this behavior is rather inappropriate, isn’t it?"

Levi Joyce remained unperturbed by the lack of recognition, purposefully tilting his head and blocking her face entirely, using his height advantage, looking slightly down, saying, "Did your Mr. Sullivan build this conference room or is her name engraved on the chair?"

Many had arrived in the conference room, finding Levi’s words crude, but the company’s internal gossip left much unclear. While people had reservations about Rhonda Sullivan, they didn’t wish to offend Wenny, so everyone quietly spectated. Even those considering siding maintained the principle of not favoring outsiders.

Upon hearing about The Sullivan Group’s state, why should Rhonda Sullivan immediately sit beside the boss?

The secretary turned pale with rage, while Levi Joyce, with wide eyes and a grin reminiscent of Donald Duck, appeared ready to anger without any remorse.

Seeing this, Rhonda’s expression turned slightly awkward, yet she donned a gentle and generous smile, signaling her secretary before moving to the seat opposite Ruby Sullivan.

At this moment, Ethan Sterling and Howard walked briskly in, respectively taking the center and left seats.

Rhonda’s face tensed, quickly adjusting her steps to sit beside Howard.

Not that Howard contested the seat, as it had always been his regular position. He simply recognized Rhonda’s intention but decided not to give way.

Ethan Sterling surveyed the situation and solemnly stated, "Now that everyone is here, let’s begin."

Ruby Sullivan nodded and raised her voice, "Everyone has the detailed report of this season’s new products in hand. Today’s meeting is mainly to clarify product queries for promotion and marketing, with hopes for advance preparation a month ahead of release, aiming for launch by the Qixi Festival."

President Lawson coughed a few times, beginning, "I’ve mentioned before that marketing follows planned arrangements, yet there’s significant risk inherent in such impromptu scheduling. We can do our best to cooperate, but unavoidable extra expenses will arise."

Rhonda Sullivan chimed in, "The Sullivan Group is responsible for overseas sectors. You must understand that Euronia and Meridia countries don’t care about the Qixi Festival, and Miss Wenny’s perfume is poised as a major disruptor in the international market. Solely focusing on the Qixi Festival might be rather shortsighted."

Ruby Sullivan smiled, "While the Qixi Festival indeed offers little international market assistance, I believe Wenny’s name alone is enough to reassure Mr. Sullivan."

"Miss Wenny is quite confident; many international masters have faced setbacks. One should be more prudent in action." Rhonda’s smile was sweet, yet her tone contained subtle sarcasm.

Ignoring the shadowy tone, Ruby replied courteously, "Mr. Sullivan provides a good reminder. I’m not confident in myself but have faith in the perfume I’ve crafted, trusting the market will eliminate all doubts."

Ethan Sterling chimed in at this moment, "I also believe in my judgment, so how is the promotion side proceeding?"

"We’ve all sampled the perfume, and it’s very impressive. The fresh fruity note has excellent market appeal. We’ve compiled a list of potential endorsers, and hopefully, Wenny can provide some input." Mr. Bennett said, then directed his assistant to display photos of three artists onto the projector.

"We actually lean more towards Emma, a rapidly rising star in the fashion circle, aptly aligned in both image and worth with our product. However, her schedule is packed, prompting us to consider two other native artists."

Ruby Sullivan had heard of Emma, having encountered her a few times at Milanza’s shows. She’d been declared most valuable in the fashion circle by a renowned style magazine this year, and most notably, despite debuting in Gallia, she was unmistakably a Celestian, with distinctly elegant Oriental features upon closer inspection.

"I personally hope Emma can be the spokesperson; she indeed fits the product’s positioning best," Ruby Sullivan agreed.

Mr. Bennett smiled, "We’ll contact the company on that side to strive for successful collaboration, but I feel it’s necessary to find a backup candidate."

Ethan Sterling raised an unsupportive eyebrow, "No need. I’ll handle this matter."

Ruby Sullivan was a bit taken aback, turning to look at him but unable to discern any ulterior motives.

Across the ocean, in the studio, Emma was posing a fashion style that emphasized her stomachache, neck pain, and everywhere else uncomfortable under the spotlight. Her assistant suddenly ran over and said something to the photographer, causing him to call for a pause.

She ran over and handed the phone to Emma, saying, "Your brother’s on the line, saying it’s urgent."

Emma, always dedicated to her work, would only answer calls from family immediately.

Upon hearing it was her brother with an urgent matter, she instantly worried, speaking in Gallian, "Brother, what’s wrong?"

But the voice over the phone replied in Celestian, "It’s your big brother."

Emma paused, then broke into a radiant smile, "Are you missing me?"