The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 157

When Lavinia walked into the Industry Research Department, everyone was frantically preparing for the morning meeting.

She knocked on the director's door and walked in. Jocelyn glanced up and asked, "The meeting is about to start. Why aren't you getting ready?"

"Ms. Chandler, could you please not call on me to present today?" Lavinia asked softly.

"Why? Are you not feeling well?"

"Yeah, I'm just a little under the weather."

Her voice sounded muffled, prompting Jocelyn to give her a second look.

"Alright. Just take the meeting minutes and brief everyone later."

"Thank you, Ms. Chandler."

As Lavinia turned to leave, Jocelyn stopped her. "Lavinia, I thought about it a lot last night, and I still want to compete with you for him. If I lose, I'll accept it gracefully."

Lavinia froze, suddenly realizing she was talking about Charley.

"Ms. Chandler, you've got it all wrong. We really are just friends," she clarified. "I'll explain everything properly when I get the chance."

She rushed back to her desk. No sooner had she set her bag down than Jocelyn emerged carrying a stack of files. Grabbing her laptop, Lavinia hurried to follow.

Entering the conference room, she deliberately chose a seat tucked away in the farthest corner and kept her mask securely on her face.

She had a terrible feeling Garnett might be sitting in on this meeting.

A moment later, footsteps echoed into the room, followed by immediate, hushed gasps from her colleagues. She didn't even need to look up to know who it was.

"So that's the legendary Mr. Harper. Did God even give this guy a single flaw?"

"With those looks and that build, it's a crime he's not a model."

"He and Ms. Sloan look so perfect together. Talk about a power couple."

Whispers rippled across the room.

Caden Coleman cleared his throat. "Quiet down, everyone. Today, Celestial Capital is honored to welcome a very special guest. Mr. Garnett Harper, CEO of Harper Group, is here to observe our operations. Let's give him a warm welcome!"

Thunderous applause erupted.

Summoning every ounce of her courage, Lavinia glanced up—and made direct, dead-center eye contact with Garnett.

His gaze cut right through the packed room, locking onto her with laser precision.

Without hesitating, Jocelyn replied, "Mr. Lambert, I'll let our junior analyst, Lavinia, answer that."

Lavinia forced a bitter smile. She knew Jocelyn wasn't the type to just let things slide.

Pulling off her mask, she slowly stood up. Now, Garnett's gaze hit her without a single obstacle in the way.

Ironically, she could read the furious sting of betrayal in his eyes.

Keeping her expression entirely neutral, she projected her laptop screen onto the main monitor and delivered her industry analysis with perfect composure.

Professional, concise, and crystal clear.

By the time she sat down, Caden, Travis, and Jocelyn were all looking at her with evident admiration.

Sigrid's face was dark.

Garnett smiled faintly. "Celestial Capital truly lives up to its reputation. Even your junior analysts are exceptional. Tell me, Ms. Joplin, would you have any interest in jumping ship to work at Harper Group?"

"Haha, trying to poach my talent on your very first visit, Mr. Harper?" Caden laughed loudly.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Harper," Lavinia said smoothly. "I really love the work environment here, and I'd prefer to continue learning at Celestial Capital."