The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 141

Stepping into the conference room, Lavinia Joplin was immediately drawn to the high-end, sharply rational atmosphere typical of a top-tier investment firm.

Around the oval conference table, executives in haute couture suits were gathered in small groups, murmuring in low voices and exchanging opinions.

As the meeting was about to begin, Lavinia took a seat in the gallery alongside the senior members of the Industry Research Department.

The head of the tech group nudged her elbow. "You're so pretty, why are you always hiding behind a mask? This is a great chance to get the higher-ups to notice you."

Lavinia shook her head and replied softly, "I have a sensitive respiratory tract. I'm worried I might sneeze and interrupt the meeting."

The group leaders glanced at her but didn't press the issue.

The agenda was the same as yesterday's. Jocelyn Chandler reported first, followed by Sigrid Sloan.

Sitting in the back row, Lavinia ducked her head slightly when she saw Sigrid walk in, hoping she wouldn't be spotted so soon.

While Director Chandler was giving her presentation, Lavinia kept her head down, taking diligent notes. Jocelyn had just finished going over several hot pharmaceutical projects when President Travis Lambert asked, "How do the new national pharmaceutical R&D regulations impact these specific drugs?"

Such a granular industry question was difficult for Jocelyn to answer comprehensively on the spot. She explained, "Mr. Lambert, the head of the pharma group had to take a sudden leave of absence today. I'd like to ask our new trainee analyst to answer this question."

Jocelyn looked toward the gallery and called out in her crisp, cool voice, "Lavinia, why don't you take this one?"

The eyes of everyone in the room instantly converged on the gallery.

Hearing that name, Sigrid froze. Her suspicious gaze swept over the gallery several times, but she didn't spot her target.

It had to be a coincidence—someone with the exact same name.

How could a clueless little girl like her possibly break into the absolute pinnacle of the financial world—a venture capital fund?

With nowhere to hide, Lavinia stood up, took off her mask, and introduced herself. "I am Lavinia Joplin, a trainee analyst in the pharma group of the Industry Research Department."

Everyone present was captivated by her.

"Sigrid. It's been a while," she said, completely at ease.

Several people stopped in their tracks to watch the two of them.

"Why are you here?" Sigrid asked with a tight smile.

"I applied for a job," Lavinia smiled back. "Didn't you catch my introduction just now?"

"I mean, how did you end up in the venture capital industry?"

"I got my CFA certification." Lavinia observed the expression on Sigrid's face. "I used the money I was originally going to spend on a flower-arranging class to enroll in a bootcamp. I passed it in a month. It didn't seem that hard, honestly."

Sigrid curled her fingers into a fist, forcing a stiff smile. "I also heard you went abroad."

"You mean for my uncle's illness? I might have to go overseas for a few days soon." Lavinia smiled gently. "Now, if there's nothing else, I need to get back to work."