Chapter 452

Then came her groundbreaking academic paper, which turned heads. They realized she wasn’t just a pretty face-she was genuinely brilliant. Johnny was already recognized as a tech genius, and now it seemed his partner was equally matched. People started to think they made quite the power couple. But it wasn’t until this launch that they saw the full picture. Maggie wasn’t just some talented woman. She was a tech prodigy. Johnny being a genius was one thing.
Now he had a girlfriend just as exceptional-it felt like he’d hit the jackpot twice over. A number of the CEOs couldn’t help but feel envious. After Johnny let go of Maggie, someone quipped teasingly, “Mr. Gray, who would’ve thought Miss Miller was so talented? You’ve been hiding her away. That’s just unfair.” “Exactly!” Johnny raised an eyebrow. “Hiding her? Please. You all just lacked my eye for talent.” Still, everyone’s focus was now squarely on Maggie.
After a few jokes with Johnny, the CEOs quickly turned to Maggie with warmth and respect. “Miss Miller, congratulations.” “Thank you,” she said. “Our company’s working on related tech projects-any chance we could sit down sometime soon? I’d love to discuss them in detail.” Before she could reply, another CEO interrupted. “That project’s nothing special. Miss Miller, you should take a look at what my company is doing-” Acrowd quickly gathered around Maggie and Johnny. The atmosphere was buzzing. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
Franklin remained seated, watching the scene unfold without moving. Julia sat beside him, hands clenched, equally still. She glanced over at Franklin again. But he still hadn’t looked her way-not even once. It was as if he’d forgotten she was there entirely. Her face paled, and she gripped her hands tighter as she looked toward Maggie in the near distance. Of course she understood the implications of this launch’s success, The market for autonomous vehicles was limited.
With Jamison Group’s triumph, the market share for others would inevitably shrink. Before today, Wilson Tech’s breakthroughs had given it potential to dominate the billion-dollar market. But now- ‘The thought hit her like a punch, her chest tightening. And Maggie? If the technology she just presented was indeed her own, the patent income alone would make her rich beyond belief-let alone the shares, bonuses, and long-term influence.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Franklin’s voice. She turned, seeing him glance at his watch. “Don’t we have something else scheduled? It’s about time. Let’s go.” Despite all that had raced through her mind earlier, she now felt utterly blank. Still, she stood and followed him as they made their way over to Mr. Jamison to say goodbye. Mr. Jamison was still surrounded, standing beside Maggie and Johnny. Seeing them approach, he greeted Franklin with courtesy. “Mr.
Wilson.” Franklin shook his hand. “Congratulations.” Mr. Jamison smiled. “Likewise.” Franklin then looked at Maggie. “Congratulations,” he said. Her expression remained calm. “Thank you.” Franklin then said to Mr. Jamison, “We’ve got another engagement, so we’ll take our leave. Mr. Jamison, everyone-let’s catch up next time.” Mr. Jamison and the other CEOs nodded in response. But as they exchanged polite goodbyes with Franklin, their eyes inevitably drifted toward Julia.