I felt Evelyn's hand tremble slightly as she squeezed my arm. The entire room had fallen silent, dozens of expectant faces turned toward us. Some showed genuine curiosity, others barely concealed anticipation for a public spectacle.
"You don't have to do this," I whispered.
"Yes, I do." Her voice was steady despite the tremor in her hands. "This might be our only chance."
She stepped forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she walked toward the small stage. Every step carried the weight of her company's future.
"Thank you, Isabella," Evelyn said, accepting the microphone with composed grace.
She stood at the center of the stage, scanning the crowd with the poise of a seasoned executive. When she spoke, her voice carried clearly through the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I won't insult your intelligence by pretending Hua Mei Biomedical isn't facing challenges."
A few people nodded appreciatively at her directness.
