Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1277

The buzz outside was nonstop, everyone talking at once.

When Jordan Smith finally woke up, Nathan Gates was already giving him the latest updates.

“Right now, people in the industry aren’t optimistic about us,” Nathan said. “After this hit, it’s not just our reputation that’s hurting. It’s going to get even harder for The Smith Group to move forward in this field...”

Jordan’s head was pounding from his hangover. He pressed his fingers to his temples, his face dark and tired.

“If that’s how it is, then find someone new,” he said. “No matter what, The Smith Group isn’t going down without a fight. There are plenty of talented people out there. Robert isn’t the only genius in the world. I don’t believe we can’t attract the right person if we throw enough money at it.”

Nathan sneaked a quick look at him, barely holding back a sigh. Sure, that sounded good in theory. But finding someone on Robert’s level was almost impossible. People like him were rarer than gold. Ordinary experts just couldn’t fill his shoes.

He had to admit, The Wilson Group and NextGen Technologies had really played this well.

Nathan pulled up another list of names and sent it to Jordan. “These folks are all pretty well known in the field, but honestly, none of them can compare to Robert. If you want, I’ll reach out and see who’s available.”

Right now, The Smith Group’s project was stuck. At this rate, they probably wouldn’t have a finished system ready by the time the international AI summit rolled around.

Jordan knew exactly what was going on. Someone was targeting him, and it couldn’t be clearer who. It was that guy in Cabinda.

Dennis Williams was pulling strings, trying to keep him trapped in Harrisburg and away from Camila Davis. And while he was gone, Dennis had already married Camila.

Just thinking about them being married felt like someone was twisting a knife in his chest. He could barely breathe, anger bubbling up all over again.

“Just bring them in,” he said, his voice low and tight. “Three smart people have to be better than one. Robert is good, but he’s still only one guy. I want results, fast.”

Meanwhile, Audrey Williams was staying busy. She managed to snatch two projects right out from under The Smith Group.

When Jordan heard, a vein in his forehead started to throb. He couldn’t sit still anymore. Ignoring his doctor’s orders, he left the hospital and went straight to the office, dragging his senior staff in for a serious talking-to.

“Useless, the lot of you,” he snapped. “You’re all getting older, but not any smarter. There’s so many of you, and you still can’t outsmart a young woman. Why does The Smith Group even pay you?”

His words stung, and the executives stood there sweating, not daring to argue. But inside, they were struggling.

“Sir, The Smith Group used to be unbeatable in Harrisburg,” one of them managed to say. “But The Wilson Group is strong too, and now they’ve got NextGen Technologies on their side…”

They looked away, but forced themselves to keep going. “With both companies teaming up, even we’re struggling to compete. And Ms. Williams… she’s not just some inexperienced girl. She’s talented in her own right.”