27~The Unexpected

[Emily]

He's looking at me. Axel Connor is looking at me. And suddenly, my brain forgets how to function like a normal adult. My hands shake harder.

I gripped the podium like it's the only thing keeping me from collapsing on stage and becoming tomorrow's headline: Local Woman Faints In Front Of Humanitarian God.

I swallowed. Don't mess this up, Emily.

Elias Lockwood returned to his seat, which is situated right in front of the podium. His smug expression felt like a cold hand on my spine. He looked completely calm, like he didn't just throw me to the wolves without warning.

I glanced down at the teleprompter, but it was blank. My stomach dropped. I blinked again, hoping I was hallucinating, but there was still nothing there.

Oh my God!

I looked up sharply at Elias Lockwood. That smug bastard had set me up.

His lips curled slightly like he was enjoying this. Of course he was. Because why would Elias Lockwood ever let me have one peaceful moment?

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure the microphone picked it up. You can do this, Emily. I wouldn't be this nervous if Axel Connor weren't here.

I lifted my chin and leaned slightly toward the microphone. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," I began.

My voice wobbled for half a second and then steadied. "I'm Emily Matthews, a marketing executive at LensCorp." I shifted my gaze across the audience, forcing myself to stop looking at Axel Connor like he was a rare museum exhibit. From my peripherals, I saw a few people nod politely. I continued, recollecting every piece of information I had gathered on the product.

"Today is a major milestone for LensCorp, and for everyone in this room who believes the future of healthcare can be better, faster, and more humane."

My fingers relax slightly on the podium. I can do this. This is marketing. This is what I do.

"This launch isn't just about a new product," I said. "It's about hope. And it's about how we make that hope real."

I paused, letting the words settle.

"Cancer is one of the cruellest battles any family can face," I continued. "And it becomes even more devastating when it's a child."

The room quieted. I felt the atmosphere change. People were listening now.

"This is why LensCorp, in partnership with Lockwood Enterprises, has spent years developing a breakthrough biotech innovation designed to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of cancer treatment, especially in pediatric oncology."

The screen behind shifted, and there it is, the name of the new product. Bold and sleek and shining like a revolution.

"NEXUS"

"Distinguished guests, introducing NEXUS, LensCorp's latest biotech platform engineered to support faster detection, more precise treatment targeting, and stronger treatment outcomes in cancer care."

I gestured toward the screen. "NEXUS isn't designed to replace doctors. It's designed to enhance what doctors can do for patients. And what makes it especially groundbreaking is its pediatric treatment integration."

I paused again.

"Because children deserve more than surviving cancer." My voice softened slightly. "They deserve to grow up without carrying the damage of treatment for the rest of their lives."

Suddenly, the teleprompter turned and displayed the words: End speech. Guess I'll have to finish strong.

I could feel my throat tighten, but I pushed through.

"At LensCorp and Lockwood Enterprises, we believe innovation is only valuable when it reaches the people who need it the most. And this is why today's launch is paired with our pediatric hospital partnership initiative, ensuring that NEXUS supports children not only in private institutions, but in public hospitals and nonprofit centres as well."

I took a breath, then gave a controlled smile. "Thank you for being here. And thank you for believing in a future where children get to win."

Applause fills the room. It's so loud that it fills me with pride knowing that I hadn't messed this up.

I stepped back carefully, and Elias Lockwood took the podium again.

He spoke more on NEXUS, thanked the guest, spoke about the company, the rollout, the projections, the partnerships, everything in that smooth mouth of his that makes him sound like he was born in the boardroom. As much as I hated this man, I couldn't deny one fact: He was smart and well-equipped for his position.

Miss Tasha followed after him and spoke more about the partnership and what it meant for the future of LensCorp.

Soon enough, the conference came to an end. People stood up from their seats, and the room became a wave of movement and chatter.

I slipped toward the side exit quietly, only Hayden's well-being on my mind. My chest tightened just thinking about the fact that he was sick and also in the same building as Lockwood.

I wanted to know he's okay and get him out of here as soon as possible.

I almost made it out. Almost.

"Ms Matthews."

I froze. The voice felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

I turned around and came face to face with the man I'd admired for so long, my only crush. My heart practically dropped to the floor.

Axel Connor.

Up close, he was much worse. Worse in the sense that I almost had a heart attack. Because through a camera lens or TV, he was beautiful. But in person, beautiful was not enough to do him justice. He was unreal.

My brain went blank again, and I stared at him like a fool.

He smiled slightly, and I died happily. Just kidding

"Hello", he said. My mouth opened. Was this really happening? I wasn't dreaming, right?

"Hi", I blurted out, then immediately wanted to swallow my tongue. Because why did I say it like that? I wasn't sixteen for God's sake.

My cheeks heat up. "I… sorry," I rushed out. "I didn't expect… I mean, I didn't know you would—"

I stopped myself.

I'm stuttering. I am actually stuttering in front of Axel Connor. Oh my God. Emily, stop. Please stop. Don't embarrass yourself in front of him.

I inhaled to calm down my beating heart, then forced myself to straighten.

"Mr Connor," I said properly.

His smile grew. "Axel. Call me Axel. Mr Connor sounds too professional, doesn't he?" he corrected gently.

I nod slowly, trying not to combust.

"Axel"