Chapter 112 Performing a Show
With an official smile, Lillian shook hands with Michael. "Hello, Michael."
Alexander looked at the two of them in confusion. He wondered, 'When did they get to know each other?'
Everyone took their seats. Michael had also brought a secretary with him, who was beautiful and carried herself with grace, much better than Lillian.
"Mr. Sinclair, this wine is from Michael's private collection. If it weren't for you, he wouldn't be so generous," Lori Ramirez, a secretary of Michael, said with a charming smile as she walked over to Alexander and poured him a glass of wine.
Lillian silently admired her. 'I can't say such flattering words in this kind of situation. Look at Lori. She does it effortlessly. Clearly, I am more suited to office work.'
Alexander didn't have a cold expression. He just nodded slightly and exchanged pleasantries with Michael.
The table was filled with people chatting about various topics while Lillian was the only one seriously eating.
Suddenly, Michael called her, "Ms. Hill."
Lillian, caught off guard, looked up and swallowed her food, forcing a smile, "Michael, what's up?"
Michael leaned on the table, teasingly saying, "Ms. Hill, the last time I saw you, you were just an office assistant. It wasn't long before you were accompanying Mr. Sinclair to a business dinner. You've been promoted quickly. Here, let me toast to that."
Lillian felt flustered by his words, and even more so when he toasted her. Her face turned red, and she quickly raised her glass, "Michael, thank you. But it was Kaitlyn who was off today. I'm filling in."
Michael laughed. "You can't say that. Mr. Sinclair has many secretaries. The fact that he brings you along shows you're excellent. You have to drink this toast."
Lillian said, "Of course, I'll drink it." She then tilted her head back and drank the entire glass.
The high-proof alcohol burned her throat as it went down, making her feel like it was on fire. Lillian's eyes widened, trying not to make an exaggerated expression, silently enduring it. She ate some food to ease the discomfort.
Alexander glanced at her and said to Michael, "Michael, don't bully the newcomer. Next time, you can drink with Kaitlyn."
Michael laughed. "I don't realize Mr. Sinclair cares about the newcomers. If Ms. Hill can't handle it, I won't make it hard for this little sister."
'Litter sister?' Alexander blinked. 'Do you two have a good relationship?'
Lillian was okay with Michael's term. She was more focused on the discomfort from the strong drink, lowering her head to eat and suppress the unpleasant feeling in her mouth.
While Michael's secretary, Lori, was impressive. She drank with several high-level executives from the Whale Group and still looked fine, her cheeks rosy. She even sang Jazz for everyone.
Lillian had almost finished eating and looked at Lori, who was singing on stage. She couldn't help but wonder, 'Aren't they supposed to discuss cooperation? Why have they yet to talk about work? Seeing them all with flushed faces, it seems like they are just here for a business dinner. '
She shook her head. If she didn't accompany Alexander to these business dinners, she wouldn't know what they were like.
"Ms. Hill, I see you shaking your head. Do you think Lori's singing is bad?" Michael suddenly looked at her and asked leisurely.
"No, Lori sings wonderfully. She's amazing at Jazz," Lillian quickly praised.
Michael smiled. "How about Ms. Hill sings a song for us, too?"
"Sorry, I can't sing Jazz." Lillian hesitated, noticing the teasing look in Michael's eyes.
"That's okay. If you can't sing Jazz, you can sing a pop song, right? Come on. Sing one to liven things up." Michael pressed on.
Lillian nervously glanced at Alexander, hoping he would say something on her behalf.
"Then go up and sing a song. It's not a big deal," Alexander said nonchalantly.
Since Alexander said so, Lillian had no choice but to go up. She looked at the audience. Besides Alexander and Michael, who were around the same age, the other executives were in their forties and fifties. To cater to their tastes, she chose a classic song, 'Love Song.'
She knew how to sing this song thanks to Lisa, who loved it and sang it every day while cooking. Over time, Lillian had learned it by heart.
Lillian started singing along with the music, keeping a good rhythm.
She sang with emotion.
Alexander watched with a slight smile. She had cleverly chosen a song that would appeal to the audience. It seemed she had some wit after all.
When the song ended, Lillian took a bow and said, a bit embarrassed, "Sorry for the amateur performance."
The older men applauded and said, "That is really great."
Trembling inside, Lillian returned to her seat and glanced at Alexander.
The dinner continued. As everyone drank, the conversation finally turned to cooperation. Lillian perked up, ready to assist Alexander if needed.
However, she noticed that the discussion about cooperation was brief and lacked follow-up, which disappointed her. As the conversation shifted to current events, she got up and left the room, heading to the restroom.
Coming out of the restroom, she saw Michael being helped out of the men's bathroom by Lori.
"Ms. Hill, Mr. Sinclair is really something," Lori teased with a smile. "Look, he makes my boss drink until he throws up."
Lillian felt awkward and asked with concern, "Michael, are you okay?"
Michael washed his face, stood up straight, and smiled. "If you tell Mr. Sinclair to give me an extra five percent profit, I might feel better."
Lillian looked at him, unsure if he was genuinely drunk or pretending, as he was still talking business.
Lori said, "Michael, you two talk. I'll head back first."
Lillian also didn't want to talk to Michael. When she was about to leave, Michael called her back.
"Ms. Hill." he staggered over to her, stood in front of her, smiled, and said, "Go back and persuade Mr. Sinclair not to be so stubborn. Giving up five percent profit won't hurt him."
Lillian discreetly took a step back and forced a smile. "Michael, you're quite the joker. As a secretary, I can't decide company matters."
"My apologies. Ms. Hill, don't take it to heart," Michael also took a step back, changing his tone and apologizing.
Lillian said, "Not at all. I haven't even thanked you for not making me pay for the car repairs last time. I've been meaning to, but I've been busy with work and studying. Do you have time one day so I can treat you to a meal as a thank you?"
