Frederick adjusted his glasses as he faced the crowd calmly, looking distinguished in his well-tailored suit. "Calm down, everyone. I sent Ms. Everheart an invitation because she has a special identity—one that is very significant in our industry. She is more qualified than anyone here to join this summit, so for the good of our industry, please respect everyone here as equals."The man's words instantly enraged the older individuals in the hall."Frederick, what are you saying? She's just an inexperienced little girl! How could she possibly contribute more to the industry than us? Did you fall for that temptress' tricks, youngster?! Did you exploit some loophole so you could invite her here?""Don't forget that we can remove you from your position just as easily as we put you there, so don't get cocky with us!"Frederick smiled sadly. "By the time the conference starts, all of you will understand that I was only speaking the truth. If you still think Ms. Everheart has no right to
After all, Renee had no money, while Jovan had no skills. Since they were both practically outcasts, the guards figured it would be safest to side with Seraphina.Jovan lost his temper, and grabbed the guard by his collar furiously. "Do you have a death wish? How dare you ask us to leave?!"Renee, however, shrugged dismissively. "Let him go. If they want us to leave, we will.""Why should I? This is clearly an abuse of power! We got an official invitation fair and square, so what makes them think they can just take that away from us?" Jovan snarled defiantly. Being a pampered son of the Hunt family, he had never been treated like this before.Renee smirked and said mysteriously, "It's alright. Even if we leave now, they'll be begging us to come back."Seraphina laughed mockingly and sneered, "Just who do you think you are? Apart from the heads of this summit, everyone here is replaceable, especially people like you who only got an invite through their connections!"Ignoring her,
The most important part of the event was starting soon, and several important figures were already seated at the round table. This included Stefan, Frederick, and many other powerful leaders of the industry.The rest of the participants could only observe their meeting from a large meeting room outside the hall. Even the biggest sponsor of the event, Seraphina, was not allowed to attend the conference.To start the conference, the eight industry leaders would have to press the activation button, located in the middle of the conference table, simultaneously. This activation button was shaped like the Earth and divided into eight pieces, representing the eight regions that contributed most to the technology industry. The conference was scheduled to start soon. Some people had even brought automated translators, and they counted down excitedly."Five, four, three, two…"There was a long silence. Nothing had happened, and the attendees were visibly confused. The activation button sho
Next to him was Akio Higashino, a legend of Aeos who specialized in artificial intelligence. The man was the third most influential individual in the room, after Stefan and the new KCL chairman.Akio was very ambitious, and wanted to diversify his business to different technological domains. Not only did his company excel in artificial intelligence, they were also researching electronic chips as well. However, they were unable to make a breakthrough in their research, resulting in their inability to produce the electronics they wanted. Hence, they were stuck in third place.For over a decade, the man had been trying to destroy the partnership between Hunt Enterprise and KCL Holdings, in hopes of replacing Hunt Enterprise as KCL's business partner. If his company, Higashino Corp, could sign a contract to work with KCL, he was confident that they would surely surpass KCL in the future."Mr. Hunt, you're so calm! Could it be that you've already signed a contract with KCL in private? If
Everyone immediately turned to Seraphina."Huh? Is… Is it really up to me?" The woman was stunned. Although the Murphys were the biggest sponsor of the event, the family was actually not familiar with the electronics industry. Seraphina had only been acknowledged because of all the money her family had spent, so she felt a bit insecure attending such an event. However, hearing that she would be the sole reason behind the success of this event, she felt pride bloom in her."Yes, Ms. Murphy, the newest chairman of KCL, requested you, specifically, to cooperate with them…""I'll do anything for them! It's an honor for me to be of assistance!" Seraphina was even more excited after hearing that the new chairman had personally requested her. After all, if she managed to befriend this new director, she would become a renowned figure within the technology industry as well. Powerful and rich businessmen would have to put effort into getting on her good side if they wished to work with KCL.
"What a coincidence, Mr. Hunt… we meet again." Renee nodded at Stefan, a prideful smile on her face."Indeed. You've been planning this for a very long time, haven't you? What a great performance!" Stefan said, raising an eyebrow.'Tsk tsk, it really was her!' Stefan didn't seem shocked in the slightest. Instead, he felt strangely content. 'Oh, Renee Everheart, of course it's you. You took quite a huge risk this time, huh? I have to admit that I'm impressed.'The woman's status left him feeling much more relieved than before. At the very least, as the 'new chairman of KCL', he wouldn't have to worry about her being taken advantage of. Moreover, her wealth was now enough to give four generations of her family a life of luxury."Frederick, what is the meaning of this? Why is this woman here?! Don't tell me she really is the new chairman of KCL?""Exactly, Frederick, you have to give us a reasonable explanation. Is KCL Holdings toying with us elders?!" The attendees immediately voi
Everyone turned to look at Stefan, falling silent right away. They didn't dare to utter a single sound.Renee stared at the man as well, her beautiful eyes clouded with confusion. The man's support was understandable but also extremely unexpected."Our industry doesn't solely rely on experience—skill is a very important trait as well. Since the attendees of this event are all top contributors, I'm sure you've seen her capabilities from four years ago…" Stefan's indifferent gaze traveled over the crowd as he spoke calmly."She managed to pass every test and earned her position as the president of the Electronics Technology Association, which proves that she is more than capable. Now that she has invented the G6 chip, I think she definitely has the right to be a conference member.""I think Ms. Everheart is quite admirable too!" Akio bowed deeply and smiled at Renee. "Welcome, Ms. Everheart! New talents are always welcome. Let's get to know each other better!"Frederick sighed, turn
"So here's another question... Since the G6 chip is about to be publicly listed on the market, can you perhaps reveal which company KCL Holdings will choose to work with? This will decide who's the leader of our industry for the next decade, after all!" Frederick asked yet another question that piqued everyone's interest."Ms. Everheart, don't think about it too much, just partner up with Higashino Corp! Nearly seventy percent of the artificial intelligence technology in our industry was created by us, and our yearly profit is basically immeasurable! If KCL chooses to work with us, I'll give you twenty percent of our shares!" Akio said eagerly to Renee.Twenty percent of shares sounded quite generous, but a partnership with KCL would certainly bring Akio much more profit."Ms. Everheart, you should work with DR Group! We are currently earning a lot of profit too, and I'll be willing to offer up to fifty percent of our shares to you…"The other members couldn't stand by and watch an
The three of them rolled their eyes in unison and looked speechless."Look, Liam. She's the top love-struck idiot. She'll never learn though she'd suffered much." Leia shook her head and sighed. She felt sorry for Renee's bad luck and disappointing actions.Although Leia was a love-struck fool herself, she was better than Renee. She would quickly retreat if she found anything wrong unless the guy shamelessly pestered her. Also, he had to show his sincerity. Only then would she forgive him. Renee was way worse. She suffered countless times because of one single man, but she didn't even hate him. She even wanted to ask him if they could start over.No one could be as "humble" as her.Renee used to be a bright and awesome figure, and it seemed like there was nothing she could not resolve. Yet, she lost herself several times because of a man. It infuriated Leia. Leia was not alone in feeling that way. Liam shared her sentiments and gnashed his teeth furiously. "Seriously, I wonde
Silence washed over everyone instantly. It seemed they were waiting for Renee's answer.Mateo, who was unrelated, was all ears too. He wanted to listen to a spicy story before he got killed. After all, it was related to Stefan, the mighty president of Hunt Enterprise. Of course, it would be amazing. However, Renee remained silent after a long while."Hey, silly. Of course, Renee wants to meet Adie and Abby the most!" Leia glared at Liam because the latter had asked the obvious. She also helped to get Renee out of the awkwardness. "Of course." Liam didn't let it go, and kept pressing Renee. "Is there anyone else you want to meet other than Adie and Abby?" "Certainly. Both Quinton and Margaret are very important to Ren. I know Ren can't bear to let them go," Leia casually mentioned other people except Stefan. She knew Stefan's name was too special to Renee. If she mentioned Stefan, Renee might break down. Hence, she could never mention Stefan."No, you're wrong!" Mateo finall
Previously, Amber cared very much about Liam. Later, she wanted nothing but to stay away from him.She had happily planned their wedding and imagined how to lead their married lives. Later, she planned her wedding with another man…and wanted to learn sewing from Liam to sew their wedding suits. It was heartbreaking!Hence, Liam chose a noble excuse to try and ruin the wedding between Amber and Mateo. He kept using pessimistic wedding opinions to influence Amber's thoughts as a traditional woman.True, he hadn't influenced Amber's mind solely out of his selfishness. Women would have more freedom if they stayed single. He dissuaded Amber from getting married mainly for the sake of her happiness, but it didn't cover up his despicable thoughts. Hence, he chose to keep quiet."Wow, Liam! I didn't expect you to fall for her. I thought you were forced to be with her!" While enjoying the fun, Leia forgot about her sadness and fear. Her eyes went wide as she teased Liam. "Hey, you kno
Liam found Leia unlucky and disappointing. He simply stopped talking.A brief silence overcame them. It seemed like they had accepted their fate to get killed as they quietly waited for their death.Macsen had returned to the shop to treat his wound. After struggling for a long while, Mateo failed to struggle free. Macsen's subordinate whipped him several times. "Motherfucker! Just wait. I'll make you pay!" Mateo furiously cursed Macsen's subordinate. Macsen's subordinate sneered. "Hmph. You want to make me pay? I think my boss will skin you alive. It's been a long time since I've seen a lamp made of human skin. We're waiting for a good show!"Leia had closed her eyes, but when she heard that, she shuddered and reopened them abruptly. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Liam, what's that?" "Uh…" Liam found it too cruel and couldn't bring himself to explain it to Leia. He hated his incapabilities. "It's my fault. I got you guys into this mess. Damn it all!""No, we can't blam
Renee was well aware of the situation and was calm in the face of death. "If Macsen wants to kill us, Benjamin will feign ignorance. I think we're doomed here today.""Whatever. I'm not afraid!" Leia didn't take it too seriously, grinning. "You and Liam are the most important people to me. Although we weren't born on the same day, it's great that we can die on the same day. I want us to be siblings in our next lives!""Silly, you're so optimistic. We're going to get killed, not attending a party! Why are you this happy?" Liam's gloominess and tenseness gradually relaxed because of Leia's optimistic and happy tone. "Yeah, it isn't a big deal. I have no regrets since I can die with you guys.""You guys have no regrets, but I'm unlucky!"Mateo kept sighing. "If I knew, I wouldn't have meddled in this or caught you guys. At most, I'd be suppressed by another guy. But now, I'm about to get killed. I regret it! You have big supporters, don't you? Is there any way to contact either of
When the fight reached an intense moment, Macsen's subordinates managed to surround Liam and Mateo. They were disappointing.Macsen's most loyal subordinate aimed a gun at Liam's head and screamed at Renee, who had gone mad. He tried to threaten her. "Let our boss go, or I'll make you pay a price!" Renee regained her wits and turned to look at Liam. Her mouth was bloody. A helpless sigh escaped her. "Why are you this useless? How could they get you?"Helpless, she slowly got up and let Macsen go temporarily. "Motherfucker! Go to hell!"When Macsen regained freedom, he was no longer a gentleman. He slapped Renee twice with one hand and held his neck with the other. Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Tie them up with the woman on that ship!""Okay!" Macsen's subordinates were obedient. They quickly grabbed a thick and heavy rope to tie up Renee, Liam, Leia, and Mateo together, tying the rope around them thrice."Liam, why are you caught too? You're so useless. We even wanted
Everyone looked at each other in dismay before raising their weapons to attack Renee.Liam ordered his subordinates to fight Macsen's men when he noticed the danger. "Don't hurt her, or I'll fight you!"There were more than ten people from both sides. When they started fighting, the whole jetty was filled with the sounds of weapons and bullets. It was a mess.That battle sacrificed a lot of Liam's subordinates. Gradually, he failed to hold on."Mateo, where are your men? Get them into the fight. If anything happens to Boss, you'll suffer too. That crazy Stefan will kill everyone!"While fighting Macsen's subordinates, Liam wanted to involve Mateo in the fight since the latter was merely watching. Besides, he knew what a man like Mateo, who was good at weighing the pros and cons, cared about the most.As expected, Mateo chose to side with Liam when he heard that this mess would affect his relationship with Stefan.After all, Macsen was the most powerful person in the fort. It wou
"What do you want? I'm warning you! Stay away from me, or I won't go easy on you!"For an unknown reason, a chill ran down Macsen's spine when he saw how fierce Renee looked. He wondered why she was that fierce. She could walk fast even when dragging a sandbag over 110 pounds—she wasn't ordinary.Holding a gun, Macsen flexed his fingers as his knuckles turned white. "I don't care about people's lives! I can kill them if I'm happy, including you!""Is that so?" Renee stubbornly faced the gun and walked forward. She glared at him coldly. "A demon like you should never live. I'll kill you, even if I have to die for it!"She swiftly pounced on and pushed him down despite the heavy sandbag.Everything happened so fast, Macsen was dumbstruck. Renee even managed to knock on his gun. The gun went off, firing a bullet at a nearby stone pillar. It nearly hurt one of Macsen's subordinates. "Oh, you don't care about people's lives, do you? You can just kill them, huh? I'll make you suffer t
Macsen clenched his fists, agitated. For many years, he was mainly responsible for the armed forces of the fort. On the other hand, Benjamin instructed his adopted sons to take care of his business. Previously, Hunt Enterprise promised the Jenkins family many profits under the condition that Renee and Joanne could leave the fort safely. Hence, Benjamin let them go at that critical point despite the humiliation he faced. Afterward, Stefan continued his close cooperation with the Jenkins family. While this happened, the relationship between Macsen and Benjamin grew tenser. Gradually, Macsen kept gathering power to surpass Benjamin one day and take revenge on Stefan.Renee and Leia's sudden arrival at the fort was beyond Macsen's expectations. Although he was getting stronger, he wasn't powerful enough to fight Benjamin and the Hunts. Despite this, he naturally wouldn't give up such a good chance easily. Macsen's revenge was the result of his impulsiveness. He had been reckless,