2
“No! This is a collaboration with the National Heritage Foundation. A last–minute change will only cause problems!”
Grandpa Sterling’s voice boomed through the conference room.
I paused at the doorway for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.
Since they want it, I’ll give them everything.
I carried a file box and, under everyone’s watchful eyes, placed it in front of Grandpa Sterling.
“Mr. Sterling, these are the Sterling Arts Foundation’s generational restoration reports and core documents concerning the priceless Renaissance ceramic piece.”
I instinctively straightened my back, my voice unwavering:
“Since the board has decided that Ms. Hayes will lead the upcoming projects, these materials naturally should be transferred.”
Grandpa Sterling pressed down on the file box, opening it to quickly flip through the contents.
Hundreds of high–resolution detailed comparison reports, each bearing my handwritten signature.
The board members seated around us remained silent, no one attempting to ease the suffocating tension.
Grandpa Sterling looked at me, his expression unreadable:
“My dear, I’ve put you through too much. Julian can be so stubborn; I can’t talk any sense into him.”
I forced a self–mocking smile.
“Grandpa Sterling, you overstate it. I am an art restorer for Sterling Antiques: fulfilling my duties is simply part of my lob.”
11:10 AM P
<
“Grandpa Sterling, you overstate it. I am an art restorer for Sterling Antiques; fulfilling my duties is simply part of my job.”
Before I finished speaking, I glanced at Julian Sterling. His face was resolute, though I couldn’t discern his emotions.
“Thank you.”
I pulled my gaze away, then took an encrypted USB drive from my pocket.
There’s one more thing.”
“This contains all the core customs data for the priceless cultural artifacts I’ve handled during my ten years in office. Please keep it safe yourself, Mr. Sterling.”
Serena Hayes’s expression shifted subtly, her hands twitching with eagerness.
Seeing this, Grandpa Sterling immediately took the USB drive, his brows furrowed, but he said nothing.
A
“Since all restoration reports and techniques have been trans, my work here is concluded.”
754
I nodded to Grandpa Sterling, then to Julian Sterling, and walked straight out of the place where I had poured my heart and soul
for ten years.
Suddenly, someone called out behind me.
“Stella Sterling, wait.”
Julian Sterling’s voice was cold: He stood up from his chair.
“Since you are no longer the restorer, you no longer have the right to enter the lab.”
“Security, immediately revoke all of Stella’s access!”
Grandpa Sterling suddenly exploded in anger, questioning:
“You ungrateful brat, what are you doing?! Stella dedicated herself to Sterling Antiques for ten years. Is she someone you can just drive out?!”
Julian Sterling’s face remained expressionless:
“Father, I’ve said what needs to be said. Now that Serena is leading the project team, Stella’s presence here will only cause unnecessary misunderstandings.”
The conference room fell into a suffocating silence.
I looked around. The shareholders who used to curry favor with me now all lowered their heads, refusing to meet my gaze.
The air in the room was stifling.
I offered a faint smile, my voice calm:
“Since Mr. Sterling has made his decision, I will comply and leave.”
Just as I pulled open the conference room door, a familiar voice abruptly rang out.
11:10 AM P
<
0
“Professor Sterling, please wait.”
My apprentice, Amber Evans, was already standing by the door, two security guards behind her, her face grim.
She stepped forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm:
“Professor Sterling, please return all Sterling Antiques‘ issued restoration tools, and the smart grinding equipment you signed for they are all company property.”
She pointed to my ID badge on my chest, then looked at the tool bag in my hand, her expression meticulous.
“According to protocol, personal items can be taken, but company property must be registered and returned.”
Serena Hayes stood by, a slight smirk playing on her lips:
“Stella, you need to leave everything that belongs to Sterling Antiques, including the clothes on your back. Otherwise, if any artifacts go missing later, you’ll have a hard time explaining yourself.”
Grandpa Sterling said coldly:
“These tools are Stella’s personal property! I gave them to her myself years ago! Who dares to touch them?!”
