Chapter 9
Two years later, the L&W Group’s annual product launch was held on the top floor of the International Convention Center.
The host’s enthusiastic voice boomed through the speakers, “Let’s give a warm welcome to the helm of L&W-Ms.
Lockwood!”
I stepped onto the stage in my heels, the spotlight instantly illuminating me.
Below, nearly a thousand people filled the seats-industry elites and A-list celebrities. Standing at the podium, I instinctively scanned the crowd.
And then, in the most inconspicuous corner of the very last row, I spotted a familiar figure.
Damian.
He was wearing an ill-fitting suit, the fabric cheap, the cuffs slightly frayed. His hair was cropped short, his face gaunt, the sharp lines of his features now hollowed out. Compared to the dazzling Best Actor of two years ago, he looked like a
completely different person.
Our gazes met briefly across the distance.
His eyes brimmed with something complicated-pleading, almost.
I gave him a polite, perfunctory nod, then looked away, as if he were just another face in the crowd.
“Thank you all for being here today. L&W has journeyed through sixty years, witnessing countless moments of beauty.
Today, with our new ‘Stellar Tears’ collection, we want to tell a story of rebirth.”
I lightly touched the necklace around my throat.
“Every piece of jewelry has its own story, and ‘Stellar Tears’ speaks of renewal. Sometimes, we walk through darkness. We
face betrayal. We endure deception. But true stars never lose their brilliance, no matter how thick the clouds.”
The audience erupted in applause.
I continued, “The design of this necklace was inspired by the brightest star in the night sky. It is one of a kind-impossible to replicate, impossible to replace. Just like every soul of true worth.”
At that, I couldn’t help but glance toward the back again.
Damian was still there, trembling.
I pulled my gaze away and went on. “Every L&W creation carries our commitment to beauty. We will never waver in our
vision, no matter the doubters. We will never stop moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Because true value needs no
proof.”
Another wave of applause filled the room.
After the event, a staff member approached me. “Ms. Lockwood, there’s a gentleman asking to see you. He says he’s… a
friend.”
I knew who it was. “Tell him I’m busy.”
“But he insisted-”
Med and
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Tautose Tabata by What’s past is past Some people, some things one gets one shot. After that? Gone
for Nomad had Now he gets to be in it’
