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“Another upgrade?” Izzy repeated, frowning. This has been the third upgrade that she received on this trip. First
was during the first flight where she was upgraded to first class, then she was once again upgraded to business
class on the second flight and now, she was upgraded to a suite room. Isn't this too lucky?
“Yes, Miss Rossi,” the receptionist confirmed, handing over a key card. “Your room has been upgraded to a suite.
Here is your elevator card and room key.”
Izzy glanced at Anna, who stood silently beside her. “For only one room?” Izzy asked, arching a brow slightly. This
trip was sponsored by the company and they were supposed to stay in an adjoining room. So, she was surprised
that she was suddenly upgraded to a suite room.
The receptionist nodded politely. “Yes, Miss Rossi. It's been arranged under your reservation.”
Anna gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Miss Rossi. You should enjoy the suite. I'll be fine in my room.”
Izzy hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Alright, if you're sure.” She accepted the key card and
headed to the elevator.
The suite was impressive, with large windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline and enough space to
feel more like an apartment than a hotel room. She set her luggage near the closet and took a moment to settle
into the plush sofa.
The fatigue from the flight finally hit her. She kicked off her shoes and stretched out on the bed, letting her mind
wander as she closed her eyes. Tomorrow's opening ceremony would be important, and she needed to be well-
rested.
The next morning, Izzy woke up later than usual. The jet lag had taken its toll, and the blackout curtains in the
suite didn’t help her internal clock. She sat up, rubbing her temples, and grabbed her phone to check the time
“Great. Behind schedule already,” she muttered to herself.
She quickly ordered breakfast from room service, choosing something light to save time. While waiting for the
food, she jumped into the shower, letting the warm water wake her up. By the tshe stepped out, her meal
had arrived.
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Izzy ate quickly, glancing over her notes for the ceremony while sipping her coffee. She made sure everything
was in order, then dressed in a sleek business outfit, carefully applying makeup and styling her hair to look
polished and professional.
Once satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her notes and bag before heading out. Then, she met with
Anna in the lobby.
The opening ceremony was just a short drive away, and despite her delayed start, she intended to be right on
schedule. “Izzy...” Izzy's face turned sour when she heard Calen’s voice. She turned and gave the man a polite
smile.
“Mr. Weiss....” she nodded as she pursed her lips, hoping the latter would get the cue and stay away from her. To
her surprise, however, not only did Calen approach her, but he also had the audacity to reach out and try to hold
her hand.
Luckily, Izzy quickly took a step back.
“Do you need something?” she asked, her voice cold. CEO Weiss assured her that Calen wouldn't be on the same
flight or in the shotel as her, so she didn’t know when he had arrived or where he was staying. She actually
hoped that CEO Weiss warned his son to stay away from her as well. It seems that she was wrong.
-“Calen looked around. Like everyone else, he was wearing a black suit, his face surprisingly better than the last
tshe saw him. “Can we talk?” he asked.
“If you need something- please feel free to tell it to my secretary Izzy said.
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Chapter 74
“Izzy, look-"
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“Is it going to be about the project, Mr. Weiss? Because... | thought | already sent you all the details of the project
that I... will be leading.”
“Izzy...” Calen frowned. Again, he looked around and bit his lip. Look... | need you to be logical about this,
alright? | know you were tasked by my father to take care of this project, but this would be your first time
speaking in front of this many people. | believe it’s beneficial for both of us if I do it instead of you.”
Izzy's frown deepened. “Does your father know about this?”
Calen hesitated for a moment before nodding. “He knows | have the intention to speak at the event, but he
wantedto get your approval first.”
“Approval for what?” Izzy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “I'm leading this project. Why would I allow you to
stand in front of everyone and speak? That would make it look like you're the one spearheading the team.”
“Izzy, think about it. This is a major event. It’s your first taddressing such a large international audience.
Wouldn't it make sense for someone with more experience to handle it? It’s not about undermining you-it’s
about ensuring the company looks its best.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And what exactly does that imply? That I'm incapable of presenting my own work? That
| can’t represent the team I've been leading?” Surprisingly, she managed to keep her voice calm despite her
irritation. Why would he think she would give up this opportunity?
Then it hit her. In the past, she would encourage him to speak at events like this while she worked in the
background.
“No, that's not what I’m saying,” Calen said quickly. “But my presence-my involvement-would reinforce the
company’s image. People know me, Izzy. They expectto represent projects like this. You know how these
events work.”
Izzy shook her head firmly. “Unless your father himself informsotherwise, | am not stepping down from this
role. If you have a problem with that, you're free to take it up with him.”
Calen’s jaw tightened as he looked at her. She could see the frustration in his expression, but she stood her
ground.
“Since when have you been this... stubborn?” Calen asked, his voice laced with disbelief. “You were never like
this. Before, you'd always step back, and lettake the spotlight. You'd even convinceto do it.”
Izzy didn’t flinch. “That was in the past. Things are different now. This is my project, my responsibility. If you're
worried about how it'll look for you not to lead, that’s not my problem.”
Calen’s frown deepened, his hands clenching at his sides. “Do you even realize how embarrassing this is for me?
I'm the CEO's son. People will question why I'm not the one presenting They'll assume—"
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“They'll assume,” Izzy interrupted, cutting him off, “that the person most qualified to speak is the one leading
the project. If you're so concerned about appearances, maybe you should talk to your father. But don’t expect
“Izzy, look-" Calen took a deep breath as he stepped closer, his hands outstretched slightly as if he were trying
to touch her. “Izzy, listen to me. I'm not saying you're not capable. You're talented, and | know you've worked
hard for this. But let's not make this personal and think about the company’s reputation. These people know me.
They've seenat events, representing the company alongside my father. They trustto handle situations
like this.”
“If you do this instead of me, it's going to raise questions,” he added. “Questions about why | wasn’t involved,
why the CEO's son wasn’t taking the lead. It could make the company look disorganized like there's internal
conflict or a lack of alignment in leadership. That's not good for either of us.”
Izzy's expression didn’t waver.
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“And,” Calen continued, “this isn’t just about me. It's about the team and the shareholders. They'll want to see
someone they recognize someone with a track record of handling events like this. You're brilliant, 1zzy, but this is
your first major event. Lettinghandle the presentation would reassure everyone involved.”
Izzy tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “If that’s how you feel, Calen, then maybe you should take it up
with your father. Or better yet, speak to the board that approved my presentation instead of yours.”
Calen’s jaw clenched. “Izzy-
But she didn’t let him finish. She stepped past him, grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server, and
turned back to him briefly. “I suggest you direct your arguments to someone who has the authority to change
this decision. That person isn’t me.”
Without waiting for a response, she walked away, leaving Calen standing there, his frustration evident as he
watched her disappear into the crowd.