Chapter 49
No. Even after confirming that it was Sylvia Dubeck, I still couldn’t shake my suspicion.
“Liar.”
“Li— liar?”
“No… no. I mean, I think that’s right.”
I stepped back two paces, startled. And there was a good reason for my reaction. Sylvia Dubeck hadn’t just changed her hair color. Her eye color and facial features had subtly changed as well. Before, she looked like a backpacker who might sleep at the Bali airport or a rowdy university student, but now she looked like a professional office worker with about ten years of experience.
“You… you’ve changed so much, it’s shocking. I think your face has changed too.”
She smiled proudly at my comment.
“It’s nothing special. This level of change can be done with makeup. I just used medical silicone tape to adjust my eye shape and jawline.”
“But why… ah.”
I was about to ask the reason but then realized it myself and stopped speaking.
“Could it be… you want to go to the event today? To see Jacob Goldberg?”
“Yes. It’s too late now. I should have asked for permission earlier, and I’m terribly sorry. I’ve never had a chance to see that enemy’s face up close until now. When this good opportunity came… I just had to see him.”
Sylvia Dubeck answered with a smile. But to me, that smile didn’t feel like a smile. No, to be honest, even someone who hasn’t lived in the underworld would see the obvious killing intent behind it. Was it really safe to take her along? I looked at her with a doubtful expression and spoke quietly.
“Try to hide that murderous aura in front of the old man.”
“…Is it that obvious?”
Sylvia bit her lip in surprise at my remark and then asked earnestly. A reasonable question.
“Of course it is. Someone like me, who has no training and has just been drifting through life, can notice it easily. A trained person, and certainly a grandfather who’s seen it all, will definitely notice. Think about his age. He’s Jewish, from the generation that survived World War II. Your little youthful aggression is nothing; he’ll probably toy with it instead.”
“…”
“The tower you’ve built over more than ten years could collapse in an instant. Remember that. It’s better to just think of him as a respected and great businessman.”
Sylvia’s shoulders twitched slightly at my continuing words, but soon she returned to a calm expression and nodded, as if she understood.
“Don’t worry about getting in. I’ll tell Oliver. There should be one more staff access pass.”
“Thank you.”
“And during the event today, observe carefully, and instead of freelancing, create a proper identity and join our company. That way, we can attend together next time.”
“Huh?”
“Honestly, that will make it much easier for you to move around and for appearances. I’ll be staying at the office more often instead of working from home, and there’s a limit to what materials I can take out even as an executive.”
“…”
Oh, that worked.
Last time, when Oliver tried the same suggestion, she completely ignored it. But now, she seemed to be listening.
As expected… with children, you have to say what you want when they’re a bit down. You can’t get angry, and you can’t just nag endlessly. Got it.
“Yes. The previous outfit is only effective when hiding among university students or backpackers. Your salary and treatment will remain the same. Actually, it might even get better…”
“Then I’ll do that. Thank you.”
She responded immediately, her eyes sparkling as if she had never refused anything.
“…Then I’ll arrange that as well.”
Even at her young and somewhat naive age, she could easily accept advice she needed and apply it. I thought this flexibility was probably the biggest reason she had survived until now.
But I didn’t voice these thoughts. I simply nodded. Why say it? Any comment would only sound awkward and like a pointed compliment.
7 PM.
Alma’s event was held at the Dolby Theatre in LA. The fact that they hosted the event here, a venue that hosts one of the world’s most famous year-end film award ceremonies, showed how much effort the brand ‘Alma’ and its CEO, Sabrina Garbott, put into this event.
At the deepest part of the venue, Sabrina Garbott walked briskly, quickly exchanging questions and answers with her staff. Her brownish-blonde hair and bright green eyes were strikingly beautiful.
Sabrina Garbott—the granddaughter of Alain Garbott, the founder of Teim, CEO of Alma, the globally renowned leather brand under Teim, and fiancée of Ian Olfeil, the third son of Olfeil Pharmaceuticals.
Her titles were all very prestigious. If she were a key, these titles would be like jewel keychains adorning it. All were achievements she had painstakingly worked for.
Her appearance matched. Even among wealthy heirs, she was quite pretty. As a fashion industry heir, her clothing and sense of style were excellent, often ranking in fashion editorials.
Today, Sabrina dressed entirely in white, ensuring her reputation remained intact. This also supported the subtly leaked ‘upcoming wedding’ news from a few days ago. Her watch and earrings were all from Teim jewelry, part of a bridal collection.
She hadn’t received anything from Olfeil Pharmaceuticals, but her aim was simple: to announce that she was the soon-to-be-married CEO of Alma. Anyone seeing her photos could quickly infer her future spouse and how valuable the Alma brand would become.
“Editors and journalists?”
“120 in total.”
“Influencers?”
“The top 30 fashion influencers all attended.”
“Celebrities?”
“All 43, including ambassadors, were present.”
“And investors?”
“Including VVIPs, 82 total.”
“VVIPs?”
“12 from Teim, 5 from Olfeil. The Olfeil VVIPs haven’t all arrived yet, but they’ll be entering soon.”
“The remaining 65 investors… since there’s no assigned seating, make sure they’re spread out. Don’t look like a block of suits.”
“Yes.”
She was commanding efficiently. She ran this event flawlessly. Usually, such events are handled by a party director, not the decision-maker, but this was a critical event for Teim. It was natural she would lead.
“And make sure the older executives don’t hit on models or young staff. Review the list of investors and executives with known issues again.”
“Yes.”
“If anyone lingers too long with the kids, observe for up to 10 minutes. If they still look uncomfortable, distract them with fashion editors first.”
“Yes.”
“Double-check that the press kits are under the press seats.”
“Yes.”
“For those who ask for two kits, hesitate a bit before giving it. If they take it, they’ll write a proper article, conscience intact.”
“Yes.”
“And the event gift, is it enough?”
“Yes, plenty.”
“Set up the photo zone so earrings can be shown. Remove trash immediately if you see any.”
“Yes.”
As she exchanged instructions, Sabrina received the earrings from another assistant. There was no time to stand still to put them on. Once everyone arrived, she would need to hand over the responsibilities to the party directors stationed around the venue. She skillfully put on one earring while grabbing the other, flicking her fingers with an “Ah.”
“Ian Olfeil?”
“He’s already arrived.”
“Was he wearing the white outfit I sent?”
“Yes. Ah, he asked for you earlier, but I told him you’re busy checking the venue and welcoming attendees. He’s probably walking around the event now.”
“Good. I don’t want him acting too much like the host.”
Sabrina thought carefully and flicked her fingers again.
“If he acts out too much, just bring him to me… no, wait. We have to appear together anyway. As soon as I remove my headset, bring him in front of me.”
“Yes.”
The assistant responded promptly.
Did Sabrina love Ian Olfeil? No. She simply picked someone appropriate. At her position, unmarried men and women of marriageable age must approach marriage as a business matter.
