580: Did that earn your respect?

Did that earn your respect?

"The success of the Lyon Group of Companies will not happen without every single one of the people tonight…" Dominic looked around the venue with a smile, barely seeing their faces as the spotlight was on him. "... I am beyond grateful that ever since I took up this position, everyone supported me in ways I didn't expect. As you can see in this graph behind me…"0

Dominic could only express his gratitude once a year for everyone to hear. Although the company treats its employees to dinner every month, it was still different when he was expressing it verbally. Therefore, everyone listened with big smiles plastered on their faces. Some, however, didn't care much about what the CEO was saying nor did they pay attention to the stats Dominic was showing behind him. They simply adored their handsome big boss and wondered why his wife never showed up to any of the events he was in. 

"Starting from the Zyon Networks…"

Heaven, who was standing on the side, glanced at the graph behind Dominic. Her husband had been discussing and giving brief explanations of the company and its subsidiaries' progress over the past years. Even Heaven, who wasn't truly in such business, could understand this amazing feat. 

"Just when did he have the time?" she murmured to herself. "Even I cannot achieve such a feat."

Silas, who was hearing her mumbling, couldn't help but laugh. Hearing his laughter, Heaven turned her head back to him. 

"This is surprising," he said. "I thought since you're the wife, you'd have a general idea of how amazing your husband was."

"I know he's amazing, but seeing these numbers and stats still surprised me."

"Well." Silas drew a deep breath as he raised his head, glancing at the new page shown behind Dominic. "That is why he is Dominic. On the outside, he always looks like he's doing the same thing every day. But once we look at the stats, you can hate him, but you can never deny he truly is a natural-born leader. He's amazing."

Heaven studied the glint that was flashing across Silas's eyes. She could say there was admiration in them. Well, that shouldn't be a surprise. Even a person like her was amazed by the stats she was hearing. Considering Dominic had been doing a lot of extracurricular in the past and everything that had happened in the past year, they were expecting the Lyon Group would slow down. It didn't. If anything, the company and its subsidiaries continuously grow. 

Of course, it wouldn't happen without everyone's help. But for sure, Dominic had a huge contribution to everyone's success.

"My heart was overwhelmed as I was checking the stats…" Dominic refocused his speech on his personal sentiments. He looked around again, smiling, capturing many women's hearts and men's admiration. "Thank you for everyone's hard work. My heart is full and I know mere words of gratitude aren't enough to express my heart. However, may we all aim for greatness and work together in harmony."

Dominic stepped to the side as he stood in the middle of the stage. He lowered his head formally, expressing his gratitude with a deep bow. A round of applause followed his sincere gesture as everyone could feel the CEO's sincerity. Although many believed it was just a part of the ceremony, some were encouraged to work harder. 

Meanwhile, Heaven and Silas idled in the corner and watched everything unfold before them. When Dominic straightened his back, the host of tonight's event started speaking joyfully. 

"How motivating," Silas whispered, which didn't go past her keen ears. "I know many don't care, but for sure, his speech and gestures raised the morale of those who actually mattered in this place."

His eyes veered to the VIP section where all the distinguished guests of the company sat. "And earned the respect of his new friends."

"But did that raise your morale, cousin?" she asked, watching him look back at her. "Did that earn your respect?"

"My respect for Dominic never disappeared in my heart, cousin." He smiled. "I looked up to him since we were children and even now that we're adults, I still think he's amazing. For sure, as long as he's there, he'll shine the brightest."

Heaven didn't speak this time, observing Silas quietly. She then nodded in understanding, raising her brows as she heard Mr. Yang not far away from her. 

"Pepsi!" 

"Huh?" Silas furrowed his brows, shifting his eyes to the voice approaching them. He cocked his head to the side, recognizing the head of the art department because of the shine on his balding head. "Pepsi?"

"Well, that's what they called me," she answered quietly, keeping her eyes on the approaching Mr. Yang. "It's a misunderstanding on their part, but I'm also at fault since I didn't correct them."

Silas arched a brow and glanced at her. But before he could say anything, Mr. Yang already reached them. 

"Pepsi, what are you doing here?" Mr. Yang immediately asked with a look of dismay plastered on his face. "We are needed with the team later. You should come with me…"

Mr. Yang trailed off as he finally noticed the person standing just a step behind Heaven. When he looked up, he gasped in panic at the face looking back at him. However, he quickly realized this man wasn't Dominic. The CEO of the company was just speaking on the stage just now. Therefore, this man wasn't him. 

"Director Zhu!" He exclaimed, thankful he met Silas during the inspection and knew who he was. "What are you… huh?"

Again, Mr. Yang trailed off as he glanced at the errand girl. He darted his eyes between Heaven and Silas, wondering why this errand girl was with the director of the company. Squinting his eyes at Heaven, Mr. Yang couldn't help but have a ridiculous conclusion in his balding head. 

Heaven was beautiful, after all. Even when she would come to work bare-faced, she was undeniably beautiful. But tonight, dressed in a tight red dress with such light yet enticing makeup, gave her a different allure. One would mistake she was from a wealthy family and was a distinguished guest of the company and not just some errand girl in the art department. In other words, it wouldn't be a surprise if she caught the director's eye. 

"Boss Yang, you shouldn't be too obvious in making malicious conclusions." Heaven frowned because Mr. Yang's face already showed what he was thinking right now. "It just so happened Director Zhu was hiding from the crowd and chose this corner to hide. I'm grateful he's kind enough to encourage a person like me who is at the bottom of the hierarchy."

Heaven smiled, and she looked back at Silas. "Thank you for your advice, Director Zhu. But it seemed I have to go." She lowered her head while Silas smiled and nodded. 

"Boss Yang, let's go," she said when she faced Mr. Yang once again, snapping the man back from his trance. 

"Uh, yes." Mr. Yang cleared his throat, offering Silas a polite smile. As he turned on his heel to go back to their spot, Heaven followed. But alas, just when she took a step, Heaven wobbled as her vision suddenly shook. If not for the arm that went across her shoulder, she would have missed her balance and fall. 

Looking up and seeing Silas hold her, Heaven furrowed her brows. 

"Are you okay?" he asked, but his voice suddenly sounded distant. 

"No," she whispered, blinking, but her vision was shaking and blurring. "I feel… dizzy."

"Pepsi, about the…" Mr. Yang trailed off as he looked back. He barely saw Silas standing beside Heaven, his hand across her shoulder before all the lights in the venue went out. 

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