Chapter 401 A Hint of Hostility
<Chapter>Chapter 401 A Hint of Hostility </Chapter>
"Abi," Steven called out to her, his tone far less formal than Jack's from QY, suggesting an intimacy between them.
Upon hearing her name, Abigail spun around, her face instantly brightening into a radiant smile at the sight of Steven. She walked towards him with an air of delight, gently taking his extended hand and whispering, "Mr. Medici."
"Mhm," Steven responded, his gaze softening. "Am I late?"
"No, not at all. You're early, in fact. Let's head to the front. They've got your favorite red wine. I'll fetch you a glass."
Jack, meanwhile, found himself somewhat puzzled. 'Could the look Steven shot me earlier have been laced with hostility? Am I just imagining things? Somehow, that hostility feels familiar... as if... it's the same way Phillipe used to look at me.'
Nobody had anticipated that the seemingly unassuming Abigail had managed to invite both QY's CEO Jack and Steven Medici. The crowd was buzzing quietly with surprise.
Handing Steven a glass of wine, Abigail raised her own, saying, "Mr. Medici, here's to you."
"Ladies shouldn't drink," he gently admonished.
"Given all the help you've provided me, I insist on toasting to you," she retorted.
Steven was about to suggest she take a small sip when Abigail downed her glass in one go, flashing him a pure, innocent smile afterward. Naturally pretty and the very image of the girl next door, she looked especially sweet and charming in her evening dress.
"Mr. Medici, what an honor to have you here," a board member approached, his smile beaming. "I've never seen you at any other group's welcome parties, but here you are for Ms. Parsons today, breaking your usual habits..."
"Yeah," another board member chimed in, grinning, "I mean, you even skipped the big 70th birthday bash for the President of Star Group."
Abigail could hardly believe what she was hearing and glanced at Steven in disbelief.
"Abi is different from the rest," Steven quipped, a pun that momentarily stunned the two board members before they burst into laughter.
"Since Mr. Medici thinks so highly of our Ms. Parsons, we hope you'll extend your support now that she's taking the reins."
"Exactly, Ms. Parsons is relatively green, so any collaboration with our group would truly be..."
Abigail cut them off without hesitation, "Let's not talk shop today, Mr. Medici. Shall we move over there?" She thought to herself, 'How annoying these two directors are.'
"Hey, I heard Mr. Medici is here to discuss a possible deal with M Group. What's the nature of this collaboration? How's it going?"
"Yes, I'm also curious about what kind of first big move Ms. Parsons is making as she steps into her new role."
"You gentlemen seem overly curious." Steven evaded a direct answer, his tone cool. "I'll discuss the details of the partnership with Abi at a more appropriate time."
"There's no need for you to worry about it," Abigail added, effectively ending the conversation.
Clearly dissatisfied, the two board members made a quick excuse and promptly left.
"Mr. Medici, thank you." Abigail was grateful that Steven had made an exception for her and even helped her out of a tight spot.
"You're new to the helm of the company. There's a lot you'll need to adjust to." Steven began, but his phone started vibrating. "Excuse me for a moment."
"Go ahead, Mr. Medici," said Abigail, watching him walk away to take the call, clearly work-related. She didn't intrude.
Her gaze unintentionally caught sight of Jack, the CEO of QY, surrounded by a crowd, and she moved over to break it up.
"Don't overwhelm Jack now. We're not here to talk business today." Abigail shielded Jack from a group of overzealous directors and shareholders, "Jack and I will discuss potential ventures later. Please, don't trouble yourselves."
"Abi, Jack and I have some other matters to discuss."
"Then you can arrange to meet another time. Today is my celebration, and I won't have business talks spoil it."
Someone else chimed in, "Jack hasn't responded to my earlier proposition."
"There will be no responses today. Please, allow Jack some private time."
After dismissing seven or eight executives and shareholders, Abigail pivoted to face Jack, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about that," she confessed, her tone sincere. "Some of my team struggle to prioritize and are constantly seeking an advantage. Please, don't feel obliged to spare my feelings, Jack. Feel free to reject them as you see fit. I'll ensure to address this with them later, to instill a bit of decorum."
Jack responded in kind, his tone understanding. "I see where you're coming from, Ms. Parsons. It's not a problem, and I appreciate your support," he assured her.
Jack was more than just a CEO. He was a maestro of public relations, more than equipped to handle the situation he had just encountered. However, to be defended by a young woman was an unusual sensation, one he had to admit was rather refreshing.
Abigail offered Jack a bittersweet smile, her voice tinged with regret. "I’s sorry, Jack. As you can see, I'm a novice in this field. I lack experience and worldly wisdom. There are many who don't take me seriously."
Jack's gaze was full of admiration and encouragement as he looked at the young woman before him. "Take it one step at a time," he advised. "When I first started managing affairs for Miss Medici at QY, I had my fair share of stumbles. I've seen your work. You possess talent, innovative ideas, and tenacity. You're going to make a significant impact in the design industry."
Abigail was moved by his words, her heart warmed. "Thank you, Jack."
"I'm not just making idle conversation. I genuinely believe in your potential," Jack reassured her, patting her shoulder encouragingly. "Hang in there, you'll shine."
Not too far away, Steven was engrossed in a business discussion, his attention piqued by the sight of Jack and Abigail laughing together, and Jack's friendly pat on her shoulder.
"Boss, are you listening to me? Boss?" Patrick's voice echoed through the phone, confusion evident in his tone. He wondered if it was a poor connection, as his boss being this distracted was unusual.
"Yeah, keep going," Steven responded, his tone distant.
"Boss... are you upset?" Patrick could detect a shift in Steven's voice, a hint of melancholy. But considering his boss's usual stoicism, could he really be this affected?
'Am I overthinking this?' he wondered. 'But why do I get the impression that my boss is behaving unusually today?'
An assistant hurried over to whisper something to Abigail, who nodded in understanding. She then turned to Jack, her voice steady. "The ceremony is about to start."
Mr. Thomas, the most vocal critic of Abigail on the board, was the first to take the stage. His insincere welcome on behalf of the board was riddled with veiled insults, subtly suggesting that the entire company was eagerly observing her next moves, hoping she would meet their expectations.
"Don't let him get to you," Jack advised, standing protectively by her side. Their silhouettes cast a strangely harmonious shadow against the backdrop of the room.
"As if I'd take him seriously," Abigail retorted, her tone dismissive. She had never had any patience for Mr. Thomas. Just earlier that day, he had attempted to humiliate her in front of everyone.
It irked her that someone who so clearly disliked her was now playing nice, extending a welcome filled with thinly veiled hypocrisy.
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