Chapter 293 Widespread Endorsement
"Have I ever been too demanding?" Alaric asked her.She thought, 'Well, it's not like he was asking for something trivial.'
Alaric noticed Cecilia's sudden silence.
He smiled slightly, as if feeling a bit down.
He got up from the sofa and said, "I'm heading to bed."
He looked like he was genuinely upset.
Watching Alaric's retreating figure, she asked, "Are those things really that important to you?"
Alaric turned back to look at her.
"To a man, are these things really that crucial?"
"It depends on the person," Alaric replied.
Cecilia frowned.
"When it comes to someone like you, Ms. Lockhart, it's very important," Alaric said slowly and deliberately.
She thought, 'So Alaric's point is… that just being with me matters so much.'
Her heart fluttered a little.
Cecilia watched Alaric's back as he walked away.
Alaric was clearly from a prestigious family.
He was definitely in the spotlight.
She thought, 'So why does he seem so… lonely?
'It is almost as if he has grown up without any affection, all alone.
'He is truly perplexing.
'But it seems… I've already been enchanted by him.'
The Next Day, when Cecilia opened her eyes, Alaric was already gone.
She thought, 'Normally, he isn't up this early—is today different?
'Or have I really upset him last night?
'He is being quite petty if that is the case.
Cecilia, slightly annoyed, threw off the covers and got out of bed. As she was about to head to the bathroom, she noticed a note on the bedside table.
She picked it up: [Had to leave early. Don't worry about it. — Alaric.]
She thought, 'Who's worried about you?'
Despite herself, a smile appeared on her face.
Cecilia controlled the flutter of emotions inside her, set the note down, and went to freshen up.
After a quick shower and a professional outfit change, Cecilia had breakfast and headed to the Lockhart Group.
Upon entering her office, Cecilia had barely sat down when Rose began her report, "Ms. Lockhart, there's a high-level meeting scheduled for 10 AM. The chairman's secretary's office reminded me early this morning to inform you to attend."
"Did they mention the topic?"
"No, they just said you needed to be there."
"Alright." Cecilia nodded and added casually, "I expect the Flower Beach International launch marketing campaign to be ready ahead of time."
"Yes, ma'am." Rose nodded, "I've already urged the marketing department; the latest submission deadline is before Wednesday this week."
"Mmm." Cecilia acknowledged.
"Is it still black coffee for you, Ms. Lockhart?"
"Thank you."
Cecilia had already turned to immerse herself in her work.
Rose made Cecilia a black coffee and Augustus a warm glass of water, then left the office to avoid further disturbance.
Rose always felt that Cecilia became a true workaholic when she was on a task, very dedicated and focused.
At 10 AM, Cecilia entered the high-level conference room.
To her surprise, Juliana and Andrew were also present.
She sat quietly in the corner, waiting for the meeting to commence.
Theodore, seated in the central position, spoke directly into the microphone, "The reason we've gathered for this high-level meeting is simple: to verify the pledge Cecilia made when she joined the company and presented to all our top executives!"
A smile appeared on Cecilia's face.
Theodore couldn't wait to vindicate her.
"Cecilia made a promise before all the executives," Theodore called to his personal secretary. "Secretary."
"Yes, Chairman." The secretary understood and hastily projected the documents onto the screen.
Everyone's attention was drawn to the large electronic screen displaying the performance report.
"This is Cecilia's performance since she joined the Lockhart Group three months ago," Theodore said, "surpassing her initial pledge."
The room erupted in applause.
Cecilia maintained a composed demeanor, her face graced with a smile.
"The Lockhart Group has always promoted based on merit," Theodore said gravely, his tone commanding respect. "So, I'd like to propose a new position for Cecilia."
His words took everyone by surprise. Even Cecilia was taken aback.
Theodore continued, "As you all know, Vincent, who previously managed our marketing division, is currently incarcerated due to some issues. I don't need to elaborate further on that. His duties are temporarily being handled by the CEO, but as you can imagine, the CEO's responsibilities are vast, and he can't maintain this indefinitely. Therefore, I propose Cecilia for the role of Senior Vice President of the Lockhart Group, overseeing all marketing operations."
The room buzzed with surprise.
Cecilia, too, was stunned. This was an unprecedented leap—five levels up from where she was and even more dramatic than any of the promotions Alaric and the others had seen.
The whispers among the attendees grew louder. After all, Cecilia was only 22 years old.
In the history of the Yakurosean Empire, no 22-year-old had ever been appointed as the president of a top 100 global company. The mere thought seemed preposterous to some.
"I oppose this!" Andrew's voice cut through the murmurs, loud and firm. "Vincent's incarceration does not automatically make Cecilia the right candidate. She's only been with the company for three months. Sure, she's achieved notable results, but not enough to warrant such a high position. Theodore, this seems a bit self-serving."
Theodore's gaze locked onto Andrew's, unyielding. Andrew looked as if he was steadfast in his reasoning.
Andrew was adamant that Cecilia should not be promoted to Senior Vice President. Reflecting on his own journey, he found it absurd that Cecilia, so young, could leap into a role that had previously taken Vincent nearly forty years to reach.
"So, who do you think is more suitable?" Theodore asked, his voice cutting through the tension.
"Anyone but Cecilia," Andrew replied bluntly.
Of course, Andrew couldn't suggest himself, despite his belief that inheriting such positions was a natural progression. He found it too awkward to ask Theodore to appoint him directly.
"And what exactly makes Cecilia unsuitable?" Theodore challenged.
As Andrew was about to respond, Theodore interrupted, "Is it her age? Just because she's 22, should we dismiss her capabilities? Look around—how many of us have struggled with the Tower of Light or shied away from the Flower Beach International project? Cecilia has turned both of these major challenges around in just three months. Who can say she doesn't have the ability to handle a higher position?"
Theodore's tone was confrontational, leaving little room for disagreement. The room fell into a heavy silence.
After a few seconds, some began to speak in support. "I back Cecilia as the Senior Vice President. I believe young talent like her should be given a chance to shine and make a bigger impact."
"I support her too. Cecilia's achievements in such a short time are impressive. I'm excited to see what she'll accomplish next."
"I agree…"
Support for Cecilia grew louder and more frequent.
Cecilia had not expected such widespread endorsement.
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