Julia tried to cheer him up by saying, “How about this?” Let’s celebrate at KTV after dinner if we still have time. Call Nathan and the others, and let’s have a party all night!”
Lincoln’s attitude brightened after hearing Julia’s suggestion, and his disappointment faded like a morning mist. His joy was palpable as he screamed, “Deal! Okay, I’ll contact Nathan and the others. We’ll kick off the party on the eighth day at the KTV and wait for your arrival.” “Sounds perfect,” Julia responded, smiling as she envisioned the upcoming celebration. Soon after, silence ensued in their conversation as they pulled up to J&C Limited. A buzz of activity was happening inside the giant glass skyscraper of the company as it glistened in the sunlight.
After all, today was a pivotal moment for the company. A crucial meeting would be held in the spacious conference room, where the company’s success or failure would be decided.
Inside the room, Julia handed out carefully prepared files of her presentation to the assembled executives and stockholders as tension mounted at the meeting. Each page provided thorough information about a new product line.
As she started her presentation, her voice was strong and authoritative. She announced, “This is the ‘Beauty by Medicine‘ series, specifically created to address people battling acne scars and blemishes. The benefits will start to show within only a week.”
Her words lingered in the air, heavy with possibility and fresh ideas. Conrad, one of the important investors at the firm, agreed with Julia as he nodded his head. He had complete faith in Julia’s skills and abilities. Besides, his sister’s credentials as a healer were bolstered by the fact that she
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had studied under a well–known figure in the field.
However, the executives were completely skeptical. Everyone in the room started talking among themselves in uncertainty, their expressions etched with worry about Julia’s pitch.
“Will skincare products based on this formula truly deliver on their promise?” one executive questioned, his eyebrows furrowed.
“Can you tell us the origin of the product’s formula? Is it reputable?” another shareholder interjected, seeking reassurance,
“Did a famous doctor at a renowned hospital develop this idea?” A third person added their two cents, mirroring the general air of doubt.
Nonetheless, the blast of inquiries didn’t bother Julia. Her gorgeous brows arched confidently as her lips curled into a knowing smile. Everyone in the room was waiting for her response with bated breath.
Her scarlet lips parted gracefully, ending all their speculations with three words.
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“A Divine Doctor.”
An air of anticipation lingered before Julia’s words finally sank in.
After Julia’s declaration, the room went completely silent. Slowly, as they started to understand, their amazement spread through the group, and their faces showed a mix of shock and wonder. After the shock wore off, the marketing manager leaned forward. “What if we use this divine. doctor as a unique selling point? Imagine the buzz!” he suggested enthusiastically. There were murmurs of agreement coming from all directions. It wasn’t all a clever advertising ploy. Having the mysterious Divine Doctor’s name attached to their new skincare product may outperform the support of even the most famous celebrities or sought–after influencers. Julia’s eyes turned to Conrad, her reliable confidant and the company’s owner. Even though she often followed her gut, she weighed his counsel immensely. She decided it would be wise to have his opinion because his years of experience outweighed hers.
Conrad sat back, his furrowed brow belying his profound thought. With caution, he asked, “Julia, have you gotten approval from the divine doctor–your master?” I’ve heard that the divine doctor has a mysterious personality and enjoys spending time alone. We’d like to avoid upsetting her in any way possible.
Sh
was quiet for a second before answering, and her expression betrayed a hint of remorse. “I got it, Conrad. She’s given her consent.”
He let out a massive sigh of relief. “Good. This is a once–in–a–lifetime chance. But, still, timing is everything.”
Julia’s eyes twinkled with excitement and understanding. Under her professional demeanor, she secretly held a grudge against Ross Corporation for a minor but personal offense. She was using their product to do more than simply make money and make a statement to them. And from what Conrad said, she knew they shared the same thoughts.
Conrad leaned forward, his voice a whisper of insinuation. We’ve seen that Ross Corporation, one of our biggest competitors, has been exploring a field related to cosmeceuticals. They are just waiting for the right moment to spread rumors about us. When they least expect it, we’ll use the fact that we’re connected to the divine doctor to our advantage.
‘Brilliant,’ Julia thought, her admiration for Conrad growing.
When everyone in the room was talking about their new skincare line, the marketing manager asked, “So, if we’re putting the divine doctor angle on hold for now, how do we plan to market this?” He straightened his tie and raised his eyes at her.
But Julia had her plan all figured out. “We’ll collaborate with Hailey Richards. She has made a name for herself as a famous beauty influencer on social media. She can help people suffering from acne by hosting live–streaming sessions and inviting them to join. Our product is suitable for on–camera use, so when our audience watches every single episode of her live stream, they will notice changes in as little as a week.
If the rumor of their product being fake had been brought up in any other situation, the company might lose its market. Knowing that could happen, there were clearly risks with live streams. But the fact that the divine doctor stood behind the product line put any doubts to rest.
As the meeting ended and the executives started to leave, Julia’s phone kept going off, which her attention. She took a quick look at the missed calls.
got
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Jared.
Quickly, she dialed his number, and his familiar voice came through the phone, resonating with a familiar sultriness and depth that sent shivers down Julia’s spine. She shook off the feeling and reminded herself that she wasn’t the type to be easily moved by just a voice.
“I’m sorry if I couldn’t pick up your call. I was in a meeting,” Julia explained, her voice steady. With a mix of sarcasm and disappointment, Jared said, “I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing you yet. I hoped to catch up, but then again, you’ve been busy lately.”
She hadn’t been to Jared’s company, and the little Jade Statue might have been there. As Julia realized that, she planned to stop by Jared’s office in the next few days.
Jared’s voice carried an underlying note of dejection as he misread her lack of response as disinterest. “I will be tied up tonight. Might not be back on time.”
Her mind elsewhere, she responded automatically, “That’s fine,” thinking about her plans with Maddie at the bar.
There was an odd pause, with both feeling a space growing between them. Jared’s voice, laden with a hint of sadness, broke through. “Just that? Nothing more?”
Julia paused, unsure if she should explain or let the moment pass. Just as she was about to hang up, Jared’s voice, deep and full of raw emotion, rang out again.
“Julia…”
His sweet, pleading voice left her gasping for air.
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