"It''s Mr. Langford and Ms. Marchand from The Langford Group."


    Immediately, one of the staff stepped forward and ushered Violet to a seat in the very front row.


    Curtis took a seat right next to McNeil.


    "I wanted to show you the new game our tech team''s developed. Mr. Langford, if you''re interested, maybe you could join our next project."


    McNeil''s face remained impassive. "I''m only here to support Violet. Though, you do have quite a knack for pimping out yourpany, don''t you?"


    Curtis fell silent. That choice of words made him nce over McNeil''s shoulder at Violet, both men momentarily stunned.


    Pimping out? Really?


    Well, alright then.


    Curtis cleared his throat. "The program was written by a very talented woman in mypany. She''s quite a rare find."


    McNeil, clearly uninterested, barely reacted.


    As the gameunch officially began, Gwh pointed at the giant screen. "Hey, that looks just like the game I yed!"


    But not quite it was another racing simtor, simr but not the same.


    "Now we need a game tester! Any volunteers want toe up and give it a try?" the host called out, inviting the audience to test the new game in a lighthearted tone.


    Violet had her hand up before the host even finished speaking. She was already on her feet. "I''ll do it."


    In the audience, Ailie smirked.


    Well, isn''t she everywhere?


    Does she even y video games?


    Too bad Victoria isn''t here. This was supposed to be her big day, the one where she stole the show.


    Ailie nced at McNeil and then at the little girl beside him.


    Suddenly, realization struck her like a bolt of lightning.


    Gwh?


    Victoria had said it was her daughter''s birthday today, and she had to rush home for the celebration.


    So, how exactly did Gwh end up at a gameunch?


    Ailie quickly snapped a photo and sent it to Victoria.


    "You sure you''re going to celebrate your daughter''s birthday at home?"


    What a "sweet little angel," huh? The kid was busy tagging along with her dad, fawning over his future wife.


    As far as Ailie remembered, nobody told Violet toe to theunch. As the manager of the Investment Department, Ailie''s attendance was enough-Violet hadn''t even been involved in this project.


    Meanwhile, Victoria was still at home, waiting like a fool.


    Two hours had passed. She chatted absentmindedly with Lyndon and the others, her gaze fixed on the front door.


    Minutes ticked by. Still no sign of Gwh.


    Then, her phone buzzed with a message from Ailie.


    Victoria opened it and realized Gwh was at theunch with McNeil and Violet.


    The presents and cake on the table suddenly looked ridiculous, mocking her enthusiasm.


    She should have seen iting. There was no reason Gwh''s gift had to be given on her birthday, no reason to treat this as some special surprise.


    These days, any day spent with Violet was the only day that seemed to matter to Gwh.


    Victoria packed away herptop and stood up from the couch.


    Xenia, watching her, looked nervous. "Ma''am, should I call Mr. McNeil for you?"


    She could tell Mrs. McNeil had given up waiting for her husband and Miss Gwh.


    "That''s not necessary. I''ve already downloaded the game for Gwh-it''s on her tablet. You can let her know when she gets home, or call Mr. McNeil and ask him to pick it up whenever he has time."


    She had plenty to do-not just sit around waiting.


    Back at theunch, Violet was already deep into the game.


    Gwh, watching from the audience, was practically bouncing with excitement.


    After a round, Violet, clearly pleased, took the microphone from the host and looked right at Gwh.


    "I''d like to invite a young gamer to team up with me. Miss Gwh, would you like to join me?"