Why Can’t He Appreciate You?
922 Words
Lovien shook her head.
Launching this experiment was not just about fulfilling her father Rosent’s wish—it was also about having a legitimate career and preparing for a future battle over Bella’s custody.
So, before the project was officially underway, she didn’t want Adler to know what she was doing.
“Senior Cephas, I need to ask a favor,” Lovien said, her eyes earnest as she looked at Cephas.
Cephas seemed to sense what she was about to request and asked first, “You want me to deliver the presentation for you?”
“With your reputation, you’d be far more convincing than I could ever be,” Lovien nodded.
Cephas had already reviewed her speech and, with his remarkable memory, could deliver it flawlessly. Yet he knew this impressive presentation was Lovien’s own work—her dedication and vision.
A twinge of frustration crossed Cephas’s eyes. How could someone like her be so undervalued? How could Adler not see what he had in front of him?
Lovien lowered her gaze, seeing the concern in Cephas’s expression—but she could not respond.
The conference room gradually filled with powerful representatives from numerous companies, including several CEOs and chairpersons.
Auriel gave a brief, passionate opening before Cephas took the stage to focus on the research directions.
Cephas, dressed in a high-neck black sweater and a casual grey blazer, spoke with precision and authority. Every gesture exuded the aura of a medical prodigy.
Lovien, sitting quietly at the back, appeared like a modest student, yet every groundbreaking concept and advanced medical insight he presented was the product of her own intellect.
“She really should have let Senior Cephas speak. With so many important investors here, if Lovien had gone up herself, she might have scared them away,” someone whispered behind her.
“I know, right? I saw the email and thought, ‘Isn’t it a bit much for someone who didn’t even graduate?’” another colleague muttered.
They didn’t notice Lovien seated at the back, quietly absorbing the praise of her own work without a hint of defensiveness.
She needed this team, and she needed strong investors.
As Lovien watched Cephas’s magnetic presentation, a shadow of movement in the hallway caught her attention.
Her breath hitched—Adler had somehow left the conference room, standing there with his phone in hand. His cool, unreadable gaze was locked on her.
Lovien furrowed her brow. Their eyes met briefly, three seconds of silent calculation, before she quickly looked away.
Adler might invest in her project?
With his wealth and influence, he would be the ideal investor. Yet Lovien’s heart recoiled at the thought. She wanted nothing to do with him, not now, not ever.
“Alright, Senior Cephas, please excuse me,” she murmured, slipping out before Adler could approach.
She prayed that this round of investors would be someone other than Adler. Even if they were less powerful, it would give her more freedom—and the project itself could attract other companies over time.
Lovien left the conference early, taking her car and driving off before she could see Adler’s reaction.
By late afternoon, Cephas texted her:
“Lovien, brace yourself. Adler seems very interested in investing. Dr. Gavin is welcoming his involvement too.”
Lovien’s chest tightened, but she could do nothing. She simply had to wait for Adler to review the project and make his decision.
After picking up Bella, Lovien barely had time to settle at home before Clara Aunt informed her, “Ma’am, Miss Amy is here.”
Lovien paused. Amy, Adler’s younger sister, rarely appeared except for the holidays, and she hardly interacted with Lovien after her marriage.
“Is your brother home?” Amy asked.
“He hasn’t returned yet,” Lovien replied, descending the staircase.
“Cousin!” Bella squealed and ran into Amy’s arms.
“Have you missed me, Bella? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your aunt!” Amy laughed, holding Bella gently. “Do you want to go out for dinner with me tonight?”
“Yes! I want to go out!” Bella clapped excitedly.
“Perfect. Tonight, we’ll go out,” Amy said, pressing Bella’s little forehead.
Lovien smiled softly. “Amy, why don’t we just eat at home? It’s rare to have you visit.”
“Nope, I’ll take Bella out tonight. We’re even going to buy her a new toy!” Amy replied, cradling Bella as she headed out.
Lovien could only remind Bella, “Listen to your aunt, alright?”
“I will, Mommy!” Bella replied happily, and they were gone before Lovien could say another word.
“Ma’am, should we ask if Sir will be home for dinner?” Clara Aunt inquired.
Lovien nodded. “Call him.”
A few minutes later, Clara Aunt returned. “Sir said he’ll be eating out.”
Lovien had already guessed—Amy must have contacted him.
Just then, her phone rang. She picked it up.
“Lovien! I just received a bonus. Let’s go out for a meal!” Elly’s cheerful voice came through.
Lovien had been wanting a break and agreed, “Sure! Where to? I’ll head out now.”
Elly laughed. “Of course, a luxury feast!” She sent the location—an upscale Chinese restaurant atop a premium mall in A City’s CBD.
As Lovien approached the mall entrance, she spotted Elly waving at her—and a small, energetic figure hopping along nearby caught her eye.
Her gaze fell on Bella.
- Writer
