Chapter 453 Business Banquet
A week later, the Pearl E-commerce Platform started blowing up in Serenovia City.
Thanks to some celeb hype, killer promos, sales events, and super convenient services, it became a hit with the office crowd. From a measly 20,000 users, it shot up to 2 million in just a week. The business world was shook.
Cecilia checked the numbers and couldn't help but be impressed by Pierce's skills.
She'd put Pierce in charge of the whole thing, and man, did he deliver.
She knew she made the right call with Pierce.
She saw Rose knock and walk in. Rose said, "Ms. Lockhart, you mentioned tonight's business banquet. I checked with Mr. Lockhart's secretary, and he said if you go, he won't."
"Cool," Cecilia nodded. "He should be spending more time with my mom at his age anyway."
Rose couldn't help but grin.
She used to think the Lockhart Family was untouchable.
Especially when Vincent was around, always acting all high and mighty.
But now, working with Cecilia, she realized the family was actually pretty chill and warm.
"Oh, and you don't need to come with me tonight. Let Pierce tag along. I want to introduce him to some business folks; it'll be good for his career," Cecilia said.
"Am I being ditched?" Rose asked, pretending to be serious.
Cecilia was at a loss for words.
Rose was actually jealous.
"I just don't want to take up too much of your personal time. Plus, you usually just come to babysit me, which isn't necessary," Cecilia said honestly. "Don't worry, no one can take your place in my heart."
Hearing this, Rose relaxed and said, "Got it, Ms. Lockhart."
"Did you get the dress for me?" Cecilia asked.
"Yep, it's ready whenever you are," Rose replied.
"Great," Cecilia responded.
She checked the time and told Rose, "Have Pierce meet me downstairs in half an hour."
"Will do." Rose left.
Cecilia wrapped up some paperwork and then headed out with Augustus.
Pierce was waiting at the door. "Ms. Lockhart."
"Let's roll," Cecilia said. "We're hitting up a business banquet tonight. Time to get fancy."
"Sure thing." Pierce didn't argue.
He followed Cecilia into the car.
When they got to the international mall, Cecilia tried on the dress she had reserved and had the staff pick out a suit for Pierce.
They stood in front of the big window after changing.
Pierce couldn't help but say, "Ms. Lockhart, you look stunning."
"And you look sharp," Cecilia replied, eyeing Pierce.
Pierce wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but he had a certain vibe.
"Is this suit a gift from you, Ms. Lockhart?" Pierce joked.
"So you think I should bill you for it?" Cecilia laughed.
"Nah, I just think you're super generous," Pierce said with a grin.
"Consider it a bonus for your work on this project," Cecilia said.
"Thanks, Ms. Lockhart."
Cecilia nodded slightly, saying, "Hang tight, I'm gonna put on some makeup."
"Alright." Pierce plopped down on a nearby lounge sofa.
Cecilia walked into the makeup room.
The two areas were connected, so Pierce occasionally glanced at Cecilia.
Then he went back to his magazine, looking all chill.
At 6 PM, they headed to the banquet hall together.
It was still early, and the hall was pretty empty.
Cecilia scoped out the place; the person she wanted to see wasn't there yet, so she dragged Pierce over to the dessert table and said, "Let's grab some grub."
"Sure thing." Pierce grabbed some pastries and started munching.
Cecilia dug in too.
Pierce chuckled. "Ms. Lockhart, this is the first time I've seen a gorgeous woman chow down on so many sweets. Aren't you worried about packing on the pounds?"
Looking around, quite a few people had shown up, but no other woman was hitting the dessert table.
"Health first," Cecilia said.
Of course, she didn't mention she was prepping for pregnancy.
Pierce chuckled again.
He realized that besides being a boss at work, Cecilia's down-to-earth vibe made him see her in a new light.
They kept munching on their pastries.
"Cecilia," a female voice called from behind.
Cecilia knew it was Seraphina.
Seraphina still loved hitting up all sorts of parties.
"Do you really eat that many sweets?" Seraphina looked at the pastries on Cecilia's plate, clearly surprised. "Aren't you worried about a food baby?"
"That's why I picked a looser dress," Cecilia said.
"You're so sneaky," Seraphina scoffed.
Cecilia eyed Seraphina's skimpy dress and frowned. "Why don't you wear more? What if you catch a cold?"
"I won't catch a cold; I'm tough now!" Seraphina shot back.
"Take care of yourself," Cecilia still reminded her.
"Can you stop nagging?" Seraphina said, annoyed. "I'm going over to see Sebastian."
Cecilia pursed her lips and watched Seraphina leave.
Pierce also glanced at Seraphina and said, "Is that the famous Ms. Everhart?"
"Is she that famous?" Cecilia couldn't help but ask.
"I've heard about her here and there, that she's got a unique personality."
"You mean she's weird," Cecilia said bluntly.
Pierce smiled but didn't say anything.
It was clear he agreed.
"Sometimes I envy her cheerful and optimistic nature, but sometimes I wish she had a bit more cunning. Oh well, let things take their course." Cecilia wiped the corner of her mouth. "You done eating?"
"Yeah." Pierce nodded.
"Let's go, the main guy for tonight just showed up." Cecilia took a deep breath.
Pierce straightened his suit.
Cecilia and Pierce walked over to the e-commerce big shot, Bill Tackett.
The Kingsley Group discussed its international e-commerce project with Bill, who was visiting the Yakurosean Empire to personally inspect the platform.
Cecilia walked up and said, "Hello, Mr. Tackett, I'm Cecilia from the Lockhart Group."
Bill frowned slightly, not recognizing her.
His assistant whispered an intro of Cecilia's background in his ear.
Bill quickly warmed up, "Hello, Ms. Lockhart, it's a great honor to meet you here today. Nice to meet you."
"Thrilled to meet you too, Mr. Tackett."
They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
Cecilia said, "I heard you're in Serenovia City to build connections for the international e-commerce platform of the Yakurosean Empire."
"Is Ms. Lockhart interested?" Bill asked.
"Absolutely."
"Really?" Bill smiled. "But I've heard the Kingsley Group is all over this project, and we've already got a preliminary deal."
"If Mr. Tackett were truly satisfied with the Kingsley Group, I don't think you'd be here." Cecilia's words were full of confidence.
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