The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 387 Better Late than Never

Isla held the microphone as she shivered and trembled with fear, given the huge responsibility to shore up Cloud Advertising Company with redoubled efforts that warranted the general recognition, as she was completely aware that the assembly would not give the organizer, Cloud Advertising Company a just consideration.

The society was full of snobs and despicable people who delighted at the sight of other's misfortune and fall.

Isla took a deep breath and conducted the press conference in the manner that Autumn would approve of: leaders address; the speech from designers.... and finally Andy's keynote presentation.

Over forty-five minutes had passed since Autumn's departure, now even Andy's presentation had concluded. But Isla had no choice but to rely on Andy stretching his presentation as long as he possibly could. Andy sensed Isla's anxiety and tried to speak slowly and yet in an engaging tone. He maintained the slow pace right till the 'Thank you!' he concluded his speech draft. At that moment, Isla thought the crisis was past being averted and there was nothing else she could do.

Isla had to face the challenge head on and while suppressing her anger towards Paula who was shamelessly standing amidst the assembly.

However, right when Paula least expected that Isla's confidence received a boost. She cleared her throat, and cast a glance across the vast assembly. Andy was gripped by severe fear that the press conference would be ruined, as Autumn had just told him over the phone that she would need at least another ten minutes to return, however the hiatus would be of great difficulty to smooth over. Isla mustered up her courage, well poised, to address the assembly with the utmost sincerity, slowness and clarity almost like an edited film scene.

"Distinguished guests: my name is Isla Zhao, you all know me as the planner and the host of today's event."? Isla's words and expressions laced with humour made the assembly burst into laughter. "I think most of you came to hear about me because of the company I previously worked for. The fact that I transferred my allegiance to Cloud Advertising Company which was earlier ill-reputed and not well- staffed as its general manager... being blamed for plagiarism gave rise to a series of misunderstandings."

Isla smiled gently with a calm expression, "Autumn is my close friend who would not steal the work of a lesser known planner after staking her reputation. I decided to lend her my complete support and faith to help her survive the most difficult hours.... and we made it."

"Today's event, I acknowledge, is far from being perfect, but the fact that we try to establish Cloud Advertising Company in the field of fashion with its enterprising members is well manifested."

Isla was relieved to see Autumn as she smiled, "Giant Promise Company, with tremendous achievements in other fields, has now turned to seek fortune and prosperity in the field of fashion, where many other dissenting voices currently prevail... in relentless pursuit of excellence and fame. I hope it is the time for our company to take stage."

Isla's eloquent presentation started a wave of thunderous applause of the assembly which all started with Andy's loud claps.

The press conference was conducted smoothly despite the bumps.

Moreover, the reality behind the proposal scandal and plagiarization were proved and exposed. Isla tried her best to reap the harvest that she desired and worked hard to achieve.

Isla, with her head held high, addressed the distinguished guests, "The winter fashion of Giant Promise Company is coming...."

The catwalk show went as well as expected. Isla, who looked poised in an evening dress, was given a coat from Autumn as she walked off the platform. Autumn said in an appreciative yet proud tone, "Isla, thank you for your efforts."

"Autumn, we really made it!" Isla could not contain her excitement, "We carried out the day smoothly without any hiccup!"

"That is true!"? Autumn was also amazed as she accepted the reality of the success her efforts warranted despite all doubts.

The thunderous applause gave Isla goosebumps and also happiness.

"Autumn, enjoy this moment of appreciation we receive for all our hard work." It was a big recognition for Isla who thought her efforts and time were recognized and were not wasted.

The press conference was concluded perfectly with Isla's ending presentation reposted and it was liked by several hundred thousand followers. Autumn spoke to Isla humorously, "Isla, as you see, now you are an online star inspiring and motivating others."

"Please do not tease me like this." Isla had overcome her gripping fear and she explained the situation to Autumn, "But for the exigency, I would not have addressed the assembly like that. Aron would come to tease me should he watch the live."

"There was more pride than fear in your voice." Autumn smiled to Isla. "Aron will be happy and proud to see that." "Autumn..." Andy's voice interrupted their joviality and returned their thoughts to the matter of the missing clothes.

They were rendered speechless and nonplussed.

"Mr. Xu..." Autumn looked at Andy in shame. "The scandal will be investigated soon with joint responsibility on my part. I take the liberty to request more time in dealing with this matter."

"I'm not here for that." Andy replied with great composure, "Autumn, today's event ended up in success owing much to your teamwork and hard work. So I have decided to add a bonus of 10% on the previously agreed price to reward your company."

This favor left the assembly consumed by their jealousy. However Autumn seemed to be worried. "Mr. Xu, this may be against the usual practice."

Isla thought this offer over and echoed her disapproval, as they found it shameful to accept Andy's favor simply due to the event's crisis.

"Mr. Xu, it feels like that we found ourselves in the vulnerable spot of this crisis owing to our neglect and mistake and we... should not be granted this generous offer for such a mistake!" Isla spoke to Andy with embarrassment.

"Believe me when I say you deserve this bonus!" Andy looked at them in gratitude. "Today's event was a paragon of the like. Our model clothes are well known all owing to Isla's splendid presentation which justifies my reputation!"