CHAPTER 5: SECOND ENCOUNTER
Today, MB Group held a press conference to announce that Leopold would assume the position of CEO, leaving everyone stunned. Hadn't they just fired Mark? Indeed, a large corporation does things quickly. Everyone focused on Leopold, a face unfamiliar to the public, but judging by the academic credentials MB Group disclosed, he was no ordinary person.
Reporters eagerly awaited to meet him, curious about this new figure. Successfully securing a few interview questions would surely earn them a handsome bonus this month.
Since following Chris, Leopold has matured significantly, transforming his appearance from his hairstyle to his demeanor. He no longer wore his hair long but cut it short and dyed it from black to chestnut brown. This change even surprised Mr. and Mrs. Ravenswood. When the press conference began, Leopold stepped out like a deity, with a handsome face and sharp eyes resembling Chris.
Many questions were directed at him: "Leopold, forgive the intrusion, but you seem unfamiliar to us, yet your academic credentials are impressive. Can you tell us about your background?" Hearing this, Leopold paused to think.
"Today, I'm introducing myself as the CEO of MB Group, under the leadership of Chairman Christopher, for which I am very grateful. Thank you for the reporter's question. I just want to ask everyone here, "Surely you've heard of the Ravenswood family, haven't you?" Seeing the nods from the audience, Leopold took the microphone and continued.
"Ravenswood has only one sole heir, and that's me, Leopold. Although I'm only twenty-four, I don't care what you think or say. I just want to prove to the chairman that he won't regret choosing me for this CEO position."
Putting down the microphone, Leopold bowed to everyone and then walked back inside, concluding the brief press conference. Initially, he hadn't intended to reveal his status as the Ravenswood heir, but he thought of his parents' hardships in the business world. Since childhood, to protect his safety, they haven't publicly disclosed his identity. Over twenty-four years had passed, and this announcement would let everyone know that Leopold was now ready to shoulder the Ravenswood legacy.
Outside, Chris and Paul were waiting in the car for Leopold. They had watched the press conference and, seeing the bodyguard escorting Leopold out, praised him: "Well done, you've got the spirit now, kid." Chris's compliment filled Leopold with immense joy. Chris had previously mentioned he wouldn't be involved in the press conference, leaving it to Leopold to handle the media as he saw fit.
The three of them headed back to Chris's private residence. Leopold's parents had been living in the U.S. for many years, frequently traveling back and forth to visit their son. Since most of their work was based in the U.S., they entrusted Leopold to Chris's management.
The traffic was heavier than usual today, and their car was stuck at an intersection. Looking out the window, Leopold was indignant to see a girl being bullied by a man. She was crying sorrowfully, prompting him to show Chris and Paul. Chris vaguely recognized her figure and face. Wasn't she the girl who had saved his life?
"Please, let me go. We're over," Celestia pleaded, trying to push the man clinging to her away, but he stubbornly held on. With no other option, Celestia kneed him in the groin, taking advantage of his pain to slap him hard across the face: "Dare to hit me? I'll kick you."
The incident drew the attention of the surrounding crowd, who laughed at him, fueling his rage. He stood up, ready to punch Celestia, but instead hit someone else's back. The crowd cheered—it was Leopold. The car parked nearby was Christopher's, recognizable by its special license plate reserved for him alone.
Chris had initially intended to get out and give the guy a beating himself, but Paul, still in the car, stopped him and said, "The chairman's status isn't something anyone dares to mess with, and you don't even know that girl. Stepping in could affect your work and reputation!"
Seeing the sense in Paul's words, Chris remained seated and simply instructed Leopold to handle it. Given that Leopold had just made a public appearance at the press conference, leaving a positive impression on the surrounding people could prove advantageous in the future. Chris hadn't yet told Paul about how the girl had saved his life after the assassination attempt, so Paul's advice was reasonable.
On the other side, after hitting Leopold, the assailant was quickly punched and sent flying by him. The crowd around them cheered in awe. "I warn you, never touch this girl again," Leopold said, taking off his coat to cover Celestia, whose shirt had been torn. After issuing his warning, he helped her into the car in front of everyone, and this incident quickly became a top search trend.
Celestia, not wanting the situation to escalate further, went along with the stranger into the luxurious car. Once inside, still shaken, she couldn't hold back her tears when Paul asked, "Miss, did he harm you?"
She cried loudly, and the three men in the car did nothing but continue their journey back to the headquarters. However, Chris requested that they head to his private residence instead. Celestia sobbed for a while before eventually calming down, her face tear-streaked. Chris handed her a handkerchief and said, "Don't cry anymore. Where do you live? We'll take you home."
"I'm sure he'll be waiting at my house. Just drop me off at any hotel."
She knew her ex-boyfriend's temper well; this wasn't the first time he had harassed her. They hadn't expected this girl to be so brave, willing to stay at a hotel alone at night.
"Our house is like a hotel. You can stay for the night. With men around, he won't dare to do anything," Chris offered, surprising Paul, who was sitting in front. Chris had never made such a generous offer before.
"Yes, yes, the chairman is right..." Paul began, but stopped when he saw Chris wink at him, then changed his tone, "Don't worry, we just want to ensure your safety."
"Thank you all. I'll trouble you for one night," Celestia said, already terrified. Her ex-boyfriend had even brought a knife, and without anyone around, she had just managed to fight back in the moment.
"Little girl, what's your name?" Chris lowered his voice, trying not to scare Celestia. Although she had saved his life before, he had learned everything about her. But in such a situation, it was best to remain calm.
"Celestia Rosewood…" She turned, tears still glistening in her eyes. This moment left him a bit stunned; her eyes were truly beautiful when seen up close.
"But... have we met somewhere before?" She hiccupped slightly, asking in a soft voice. Christopher was momentarily startled and pretended to look away. "Maybe on TV? I think so."
The rest of the journey was silent. When they arrived, Celestia was overwhelmed by the opulence of the house before her but had no other choice. She quietly followed the three men inside. Outside, only the bodyguards were present, while inside, the butler followed the chairman's orders without question. Paul and Leopold went to their respective rooms, both arranged by Chris with all the necessary amenities.
The butler showed Celestia to her room. She thanked him with a nod, but before entering, she remembered something and called him back, whispering, "Sir, could you please buy me a makeup set tomorrow morning?"
Her request surprised the butler, but thinking she was brought here by the chairman, he didn't question it and simply agreed before leaving. The room was far more luxurious than her current lodging. Exhausted from the earlier scuffle and crying, she quickly went into the bathroom. After washing her face, it became clear that her true appearance was far more beautiful than what people usually saw.
The makeup with freckles she had applied served to conceal her true beauty. This was why she had asked the butler for the basic makeup set.
Celestia's real hair was thick and beautiful, but she had intentionally braided it into two pigtails to make herself look as unattractive as possible.