Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 132

"Could you elaborate on your reasons for doing so, Ms. Sutton? Aren't you worried that others might use your source code to develop newer technology and replace yours?"

Lily answered with confident composure. "Of course not. Not only am I the Director of R&D at Sterling Group, but I am also a citizen of this country. It is my absolute honor to contribute my meager efforts to the advancement of our nation's technology. I hope our tech sector continues to evolve daily. I also hope everyone can learn, progress together, and achieve a mutual win."

Lily's words were impeccably delivered. She was already riding a wave of popularity, and this move elevated her personal reputation while simultaneously scoring massive attention and goodwill for Sterling Group.

Applause erupted through the crowd.

Lily grew even more spirited, radiating a proud, vibrant confidence that left her utterly unrivaled in the spotlight. If she had a tail, it would be wagging in the sky.

She looked at Summer triumphantly, as if staring down a loser who had fallen into the dirt.

This entire exchange didn't escape Jude's notice.

He pursed his lips, glanced at Summer, and offered his own arm. "Summer, do you want to hold on? You can borrow my arm for a bit."

Summer shook her head calmly. "No need. I'm not some fragile flower that needs to rely on a man's arm or the praise of others to survive."

The current Summer was entirely unfazed by favor or disgrace. In her eyes, Lily's provocation was a total joke—she was just a clown putting on a one-woman show.

She turned and headed into the venue first.

Seeing Summer turn away so coldly, Lily felt an even greater surge of vindicated joy. She assumed Summer was fleeing out of a crushing sense of inferiority.

The first floor housed the exhibition hall, the second was for public tech education, and the third was the actual conference space.

They presented their invitations, registered their details, and entered.

"Summer." A familiar voice called out to her.

Summer glanced back to see Silas Sinclair.

She paused, smiling and nodding in greeting. "Mr. Sinclair."

The people entering the venue alongside Silas were all shrewd players. Anyone Silas actively greeted by name was obviously not a nobody.

Although the crowd didn't really know Summer, they still offered friendly greetings and exchanged business cards with her.

Silas let his gaze shift to Jude, who was standing quietly behind Summer, sizing him up without letting it show. "Is this your little assistant?"

After a pause, Silas added, "Quite a handsome young man."

Jude's mouth twitched. Did these people have no vocabulary?

Had Silas still not given up on poaching her?

Thinking this, Summer replied, "It's going great. As you can see, management sent me here to learn."

Silas replied smoothly, "If you joined my company, you'd be sitting in the front row today, networking and learning from the top industry leaders up close."

"I suppose I'm just not that lucky," Summer chuckled.

As they spoke, many attendees filtered into the hall.

Seeing Silas, they all took the initiative to approach and greet him.

Silas made sure to include Summer, introducing her to his network as though she were a plus-one he had brought himself.

Summer handled the introductions with natural grace and confident poise.

Out of respect for Silas, everyone struck up lively conversations with her.

Just then, Xavier and Lily, having finished their media interviews, finally made their entrance...