26~The Launch[2]

[Emily]

I was breaking that promise because I had no other alternative.

I rush through the lobby with Hayden clinging to my hand.

He's quieter than usual, his eyes sleepy, his cheeks still pink.

I spot old Billy near the cleaning supplies room, trying to push a cart, but his potbelly is in the way.

"Emily!" He calls out, eyebrows lifting when he sees Hayden. "What's the little man doing here?"

I swallow. "He caught the flu. Billy, can you look after him for me?"

His face softens immediately. "Say no more. Have you forgotten I used to watch over him when he was this little?" His hands point to his knee as if to show how little he was.

I let out a small smile and kneel in front of Hayden. "Baby, you're going to stay with Uncle Billy for a bit, okay?"

Hayden frowns. "Why can't I stay with you?"

"Because mommy has to work," I say gently. "But I'll come back as soon as I can."

He looks like he wants to argue, but he's too tired. Old Billy crouches beside him. "I've got you, champ. You like cartoons?"

Hayden nods slowly.

Billy grins. "Good. I've got a phone full of them."

I hesitate. Every part of me screams not to leave him, but I have no choice.

"Billy," I whisper, "Please… don't let him out of your sight."

Billy's eyes turn serious. "I won't. I promise." I kiss Hayden's forehead.

"Be good, okay?" I whisper. He nods, small, sick and obedient. And I walk away, but it doesn't sit right with my heart.

The auditorium is packed when I enter. There are lights, cameras and microphones everywhere. The air smells like expensive cologne, polished shoes, and distinguished individuals. I find Lisa near the front, her eyes sparkling like she's at a concert.

"Emily!" she hisses, grabbing my arm. "Axel Connor is here!"

"I know," I whisper back, scanning the crowd nervously. "But Hayden's sick, Lisa. And Mary's not around. I had to bring him."

Her excitement falters. "Oh no… is he okay?"

"It's the flu. He's with Old Billy," I say quickly. "But still… "

Lisa squeezes my hand. "You're doing great. Seriously." I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Then the room quiets. And Elias Lockwood walks onto the stage. The moment he appears, the atmosphere shifts. He doesn't just enter a room. He takes it. He looks tall and sharp in his suit, his expression blank, just like his heart.

He steps up to the podium, the LensCorp logo behind him and turns suddenly; his gaze finds mine for a brief second before he faces the audience.

My spine stiffens. What was that for?

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Elias LockWood, CEO of LockWood Enterprises," he begins, voice calm and commanding. "And today marks a new era in biomedical innovation."

The press scribbles furiously. He speaks about his investment in LensCorp a few years ago, about how he saw potential in its research, how he believed in its mission.

Then he introduces the newly launched machine. "Distinguished guests, It's time to introduce our new product, a product that would change the evolution of the health sector. Please let's give a round of applause as Ms Emily Matthew steps steps introduces the product to us."

My heart drops. What the… Why? I wasn't even aware I'd be giving a speech. I stare at Lockwood's smug expression in shock. That egotistical prick!

Lisa shakes my arm, "Go and give that speech," and pushes me towards the stage. LockWood stretches out his arm to help me up as though I'm incapable of going up myself. The nerve!

I look at his outstretched hand, the audience and then the annoying smirk on his face before giving him. I place my hands in his cold ones, and he leads me toward the podium. He stands as close as he can be and whispers into my ears, "Do your absolute best, Ms Matthews."

The action sends a chill down my neck. I look at the audience, and my eyes land on Axel Connor. And he's looking at me. Axel Connor is looking at me!

But then my hands begin to shake with nerves.

He's looking at me. What if I mess this up?