Chapter 236

As a junior employee, she could only snag a seat in the back row of the audience.

After finding an empty spot, she leaned back and closed her eyes, hoping the event would wrap up soon so she could head back to her room and rest.

Delmar took the stage, officially kicking off the event.

Victoria's head felt heavy, and the host's voice seemed distant and muffled.

It wasn't until Marcella took the stage, greeted by thunderous applause, that Victoria was jolted awake. She forced her eyes open and looked toward the center of the stage.

Marcella, with her elegant demeanor, began with a thank-you speech, then launched into a detailed account of her unique creativity and the challenges she overcame to present the award-winning piece.

Victoria, exhausted, closed her eyes again.

Maybe Marcella's confidence was too overwhelming, or the atmosphere too lively, but the host decided to add an impromptu Q&A session.

Marcella's previously triumphant expression faltered for a moment but quickly returned to her charming smile. "Sure," she said cheerfully.

The audience, full of industry peers, was very supportive. Someone immediately raised a hand and asked, "Ms. Simpson, your design concept is incredibly innovative. How did you get the inspiration to blend traditional elements with modern style so seamlessly?"

"Well, at that time, I..." Marcella maintained her polite smile, but inside, she was panicking.

This project was from months ago, and she barely remembered the details. Many of the creative ideas had come from Victoria. How was she supposed to answer this suddenly?

But Marcella was quick on her feet. Smiling, she said into the microphone, "Such a basic question. I'll let my assistant answer it."

Then, pretending to be playful, she added, "Come on, ask me something more challenging!"

The host began looking for Victoria. "Ms. Simpson, where is your assistant?"

Marcella raised her voice, "Victoria? Come on up."

To the audience, it seemed like she was giving her assistant a chance to shine. Who wouldn't praise her for being so considerate?

Victoria slowly stood up, her face pale. She stared at Marcella. Others might not notice, but she could see the warning in Marcella's eyes despite her smile.

Victoria remained calm. She believed she was just doing her job. When she learned Marcella would represent Starry Studio Gallery to accept the award, she didn't mind. She certainly wouldn't expose Marcella now.

But she felt so unwell that she had to pinch her palm hard to stay alert.

Taking the microphone from the host, Victoria clearly explained the design concept, the source of inspiration, and the integration process.

She even answered potential follow-up questions in detail.

Someone started clapping, and soon the whole room erupted in applause.

Even Delmar, sitting in the audience, nodded in approval.

If even a junior employee could explain things so clearly, it showed that Starry Studio Gallery was truly full of talent!

Marcella kept smiling, but she was furious inside. She had only asked Victoria to answer a simple question. Who told her to go on and on?

Now it seemed like Victoria was trying to make it clear that most of the credit for the project belonged to her, not Marcella!

Victoria didn't plan to stay on stage. Seeing that the host had more questions, she bowed slightly to the audience and turned to leave.

But after a few steps, she seemed to remember something and turned back.

Marcella's smile froze again. She glared at Victoria and whispered, "What are you doing?"

Victoria ignored her, picked up the microphone, and said firmly, "Just to clarify, I'm not Ms. Simpson's assistant. I'm a full-time employee at Starry Studio Gallery."

She then put down the microphone and walked off the stage steadily.

Delmar smiled, his eyes following Victoria. He turned to the person next to him and said, "This young lady is interesting."

Marcella stood on stage with a forced smile. She was supposed to be the star, but Victoria had stolen the spotlight!

The original plan was to return in three days, but Marcella showed no intention of leaving. Terrence, busy with work, had to return to Silvermist City first.

Victoria had planned to go back with Terrence, but Marcella insisted she stay.

"Victoria, you need to remember, you're working for me," Marcella said casually while painting her nails. "I still have some loose ends to tie up here, and I need your help."

Victoria saw Terrence off downstairs. Terrence had a good impression of her and gave her some advice before leaving. "Marcella's dad is our boss. Just go along with what she says. Don't oppose her. She's just a bit spoiled."

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Wheeler."

After Terrence's car drove away, Victoria stood there for a long time before slowly looking away.

She wasn't afraid of Marcella's pettiness. The real reason she didn't want to stay was William.

"Victoria?" A voice called from behind.

Victoria turned to see a tall, handsome young man standing there. Despite the maturity and worldliness that time had added to his face, his innate vitality was still evident.

Victoria instantly recognized him. It was Alton.

Years ago, Victoria had met him while working on a home exhibition project for the Bridges Group in Silvermist City.

Back then, Alton was cheerful and wealthy, a golden boy in everyone's eyes.

Alton had fallen for Victoria at first sight and publicly confessed his feelings, which led to his ex-girlfriend Sofia injuring Victoria.

William had intervened, and the Moore family had apologized and compensated Victoria, preventing Sofia from being sent to jail.

Later, Victoria was sent by the gallery to Harborview City to work on another exhibition for the Bridges Group, where she worked with Alton again for a while.

After that project, Victoria hadn't seen him again. She had only heard that the Bridges Group's investments had failed, their funds had dried up, and they had declared bankruptcy two years ago.

Alton had gone from a carefree rich kid to an ordinary young man working hard in the corporate world.

Victoria hadn't expected to run into him here.

"Victoria, what a coincidence! I can't believe I ran into you here!"

Alton looked genuinely happy. "How about we find a place to sit and catch up?"

Victoria didn't want to go back upstairs to face Marcella, so she agreed and followed him to the hotel's lounge.

"So, you're here for the exchange event?" Alton asked.

"Yeah, accompanying our gallery manager."

Alton sighed. "Honestly, I admire you. You've stuck to your dreams all these years, not letting anything distract you."

Victoria smiled and looked at him. "Where are you working now?"

Alton pulled a business card from his pocket.

"You're the Sales Director at the Scott family's Infinity Unity Group?"