Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 262

If Langford Medical didn't respond, they would definitely be placed on the defensive.

But he also knew that Willow wasn't pushing this purely for the sake of the project right now.

She had been triggered by those photos.

"We can respond," Jude said. "But this can't turn into a rivalry between sisters."

Willow looked at him, her smile dimming slightly.

"You're always worried I'm competing with Wren these days."

"Because a lot of your recent moves have revolved around her."

The moment the words left his mouth, a heavy silence fell over the conference room.

The marketing team kept their heads down, pretending to be deeply engrossed in their documents.

Willow didn't argue back right away.

She looked down, smoothing the edge of the paper. When she finally looked up, there was a glimmer of suppressed hurt in her eyes.

"If I don't compete with her, no one will even see me."

Jude froze.

Willow's voice was barely more than a whisper. "I know I'm not as good as her. She has the degree, the capability, and the title of Mrs. Langford. She stands on a stage and talks about patient boundaries, and everyone applauds her professionalism. But I've been working at Langford Medical for so long, staying up until midnight talking to patients' families, compiling feedback, revising plans... and at the end of the day, people still say I only got here because of Lawrence."

"Willow..."

"I don't want to steal what's hers." Willow forced a small, self-deprecating smile. "I just want to prove that I can do something right, too."

Jude's heart softened.

She always knew exactly what to say to dismantle his defenses.

She didn't claim to be innocent.

She just said she wanted to be seen.

Jude had met too many people who just wanted to be seen.

He was one of them.

Within a massive corporate machine like Langford Medical, it was incredibly difficult for a project manager to secure real authority. He deeply understood the frustration of having genuine hard work eclipsed by someone else's pedigree and resources.

So, even though he vaguely suspected Willow was using his empathy against him, he couldn't bring himself to be harsh.

"I'll help you secure the keynote speaker spot for the symposium," he said. "But on three conditions."

Willow waited.

She wouldn't even let them see her lose her composure.

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Eleanor Langford.

"Did you see the photos from tonight? I don't know what Wren was thinking. Dressed all in black, standing on stage lecturing about boundaries like she was trying to crash the event."

Willow read the text, a faint curve forming on her lips.

The key had just delivered itself to her door.

She didn't reply immediately.

She waited half a minute before typing her response.

"Eleanor, it's probably just her work mindset. She's been under a lot of pressure at Stellaris lately. It's natural that she sounded more like a corporate representative than a wife tonight."

Just as expected, Eleanor replied within seconds.

"She has zero regard for the Langford family anymore! If Lawrence hadn't given her the platform tonight, she never would have been standing up there."

Willow lowered her eyes, typing slowly and deliberately.

"Please don't be upset. Honestly, I'm just a little worried about Leo. Wren is getting busier and busier, and Lawrence is overwhelmed with work. If there are any upcoming events at his school, the family might need to step in and help out."

She didn't specifically mention the portrait day.