After Danielle finished handling the matter, she glanced at her wristwatch.
The fever had eased after she’d taken her medication.
She had a symposium to attend today, a presentation she was giving alongside Gian Atwood.
The Ninesky project was already in its second phase, and if all went smoothly, it would soon be ready for delivery.
Word about the project had already spread like wildfire throughout the industry—Gian’s phone hadn’t stopped ringing for days.
The symposium organizers had invited Ninesky to share their technology and discuss the latest industry trends, creating a platform for professionals to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Ninesky was the guest presenter.
Danielle looked down at the bruises on her elbow and knee, then quickly called Vivian to ask her to take care of her uncle.
After the call, Danielle swung by her apartment to change into slacks and a crisp blouse.
She touched up her makeup, adding a hint of color to look more presentable.
No matter how bad her cold was, she needed to show up looking professional for an event like this.
By the time she came downstairs, Gian was already waiting for her outside.
She opened the passenger door and climbed in.
“Still not feeling well? Are you sure you’re up for this?” Gian frowned with concern as he looked her over.
Danielle waved him off, taking a sip of hot water to soothe her throat. “Just a cold. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Gian knew she had a habit of toughing things out—she never let minor injuries or illness slow her down.
He also knew there was no talking her out of it.
He started the engine, pulling away from the curb as he asked, “How’s your uncle doing?”
Danielle’s grip tightened around her insulated mug. “He’s stable now. Out of danger.”
In the end, everything would work out. Worrying wouldn’t help.
After checking in at the symposium entrance, the organizers directed them to their seats.
The seating arrangements were precise.
Danielle and Gian were placed in the front row.
When they arrived, they saw Alexander and Millie were already there.
Danielle understood why they’d rushed off earlier—they didn’t want to miss the symposium.
Ninesky’s new passenger jet was causing a buzz with its technological breakthroughs. Everyone wanted to hear about it firsthand, to learn from their experience.
Danielle found herself seated next to Alexander.
Millie shot Danielle a surprised look.
With her background, what right did Danielle have to sit on equal footing with Alex?
Liam glanced over, though he wasn’t surprised to see himself in the front row.
If Ninesky’s new aircraft entered service, it would raise safety standards dramatically. Built to military-grade specs, even before its maiden flight, airlines were already lining up to place orders.
“And especially you, Miss Crawford—I’ve heard you’re the lead engineer on this project? Quite impressive.”
Danielle returned his smile, calm and composed. “It’s all thanks to the team effort, Mr. Marshall. I can’t take sole credit.”
“So modest,” Saul replied, studying her. “Since we’ve run into each other, I wonder if you’d have a few minutes to help us with some technical questions? If you’re available.”
He’d been surprised to find Ninesky’s chief engineer so young—and so striking.
Danielle glanced at the time, then looked up with a pleasant smile. “I’ll be on stage soon for our technical presentation. But I’d be happy to help with your questions beforehand.”
Millie and Liam both turned to look at Danielle when they heard that.
A technical presentation? Her?
Gian really was something—he’d written the slides and the script, and now he was letting Danielle take the spotlight?
And the nerve of Danielle, agreeing to field Mr. Marshall’s questions. Maybe she’d been bluffing her way through the industry for so long that she thought she could handle anything.
“Mr. Atwood will be joining as well,” Saul said to Gian. “He’s a renowned expert in the industry.”
Liam shot Danielle a lazy, mocking look. “Mr. Marshall’s just being polite. Are you really going to try and play the expert up there? With your half-baked skills, you’ll be exposed in no time.”
Saul hesitated.
Everyone here was a professional—rarely did anyone attack someone so openly.
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