Chapter 2 A Charming Boy

• Five years later.
• Nexus Creations, Planning Department.
• It was a bustling morning at ten o'clock as many people gathered together, engaging in enthusiastic discussions.
• The young heir of the Sterling family, nearing his fifth birthday, was well-known for being adored by the family's patriarch and his wife. Each year, they spared no expense in orchestrating a grand celebration fit for a prince.
• This year was no different.
• Numerous event planning companies racked their brains, all vying for this opportunity. Unexpectedly, Nexus Creative was fortunate enough to be chosen.
• "It's quite peculiar, isn't it? The Sterling family has always favored big-name companies. Why choose us now? Though we've carved out a respectable niche in the industry, it's still a bit of a shock to be selected."
• "I heard the elders of the Sterling family let the boy make the decision himself. How he landed on our doorstep is anyone's guess."
• "Well, it's a fantastic opportunity for us, right? Collaborating with the Sterlings is a dream come true for most. If we nail this, the rewards could be monumental. Remember what Dawn Creations received last year? A seven-figure sum! Talk about living the high life!"
• "Money's no object to them. Did you hear about the young prince's birthday gifts? A luxury cruise ship at one, a private jet at two, a castle in France at three, and a hefty chunk of the Sterling Group's shares at four. The kid's practically rolling in billions!"
• "Enough of this. Such a glamorous lifestyle is simply absurd. I wouldn't trade places with him for all the world!"
• "Indeed, envy won't get us anywhere. Let's stick to what we know best—hard work. After all, being born into wealth is nothing but sheer luck..."
• ...
• Listening to the conversations around her, Athena felt dazed, tinged with a hint of self-deprecation. Indeed, being born into wealth was nothing short of a lottery win. For people like her, a connection to a prestigious family was nothing more than a distant dream.
• Exiled by her own family, Athena had weathered a string of hardships. The earnings from her surrogate work had long since dwindled, and her mother remained in a coma. And as for the child she bore, she hadn't laid eyes on him since his birth. He must be five by now, the same age as the Sterling Group heir—a fact that stung her heart with a pang of regret and pain that refused to fade.
• Cast out by her family, she faced a series of misfortunes.
• I wonder how he's doing.
• Athena blinked back tears as she pushed aside the bitterness welling in her nose.
• Suddenly, a stern voice shattered her reverie. "Athena, I asked for that document copy ages ago. What's taking so long? Are you incapable of anything? How on earth did you land this job?"
• The voice belonged to Ivy Young, head of the planning department.
• Athena, a recent graduate and a mere two months into her internship, was the target of Ivy's ongoing hostility. Rumor had it that Ivy had intended to secure the position for her younger sister, only to have Athena swoop in and take it instead. Since then, Ivy made it her mission to make Athena's life miserable.
• Though Ivy was insufferably arrogant and unjust, her position as department head rendered her untouchable. Everyone turned a blind eye to her antics.
• Concealing the annoyance in her eyes, Athena swiftly gathered the documents and approached Ivy. "I've printed the copies."
• Unexpectedly, Ivy hurled the coffee cup to the floor as she neared and scolded, "Are you blind? Can't you see where you're going? Clean up this mess immediately."
• Athena frowned.
• She hadn't even touched her just now.
• It was a complete framing!
• "It wasn't caused by me." Athena replied calmly.
• Ivy was furious. Her face, which had some semblance of beauty, suddenly contorted, becoming somewhat sharp and sarcastic.
• "Do you even want this job, Athena? If not, leave! There's no shortage of candidates eager to take your place."
• Athena gritted her teeth, trying hard to contain her anger.
• Of course, she wanted to continue working here. Otherwise, she wouldn't have endured the Ivy for so long.
• Her mother was in the hospital, requiring monthly medical expenses. During her school days, she juggled multiple jobs to make ends meet. The current job paid well, and she was reluctant to let it go. However, Ivy's behavior was simply intolerable.
• Onlookers shifted uncomfortably. They were torn between sympathy for Athena and fear of Ivy's wrath.
• Athena was well-liked for her charm and amiability, while Ivy's competence and position of power cast a shadow of reluctance over anyone who might speak up.
• Taking advantage of the situation, Ivy smirked, "Since you want to keep working in this job, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and clean it. And remember, use your hand to wipe up the spill!"
• Athena clenched her fists but ultimately chose to comply, heading towards the cleaning supplies.
• "Wait a moment!" A soft and endearing voice interrupted from the door.
• All eyes swiveled to behold a charming little boy, impeccably dressed in a miniature suit, confidently striding into the room.
• His features were strikingly delicate, with porcelain skin and eyes like polished gems, twinkling with mischief beneath a veil of innocence. There was an undeniable air of nobility about him.
• Behind him trailed a line of stylish bodyguards, each exuding an aura of solemnity and deference.
• The boy's presence spellbound the room, each person secretly wondering: Whose child is this? He's simply adorable! I wish I could take him home!
• Approaching Athena and Ivy, the boy tilted his head ever so slightly, casting a cool glance at Ivy, his gaze brimming with icy determination.
• Then, his attention turned to Athena, his eyes now alight with curiosity and scrutiny.