Want My Womb? I'll Make You Childless novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Richard Bennett couldn’t help but think that Clara was trying to leverage Ryan Walker to pressure him into handing over Linda Bennett’s shares, considering she had shown up at Nova AI right after he had called her.

He subtly signaled Victor Bennett to remove Clara from the conference room, lest she cause trouble.

Understanding the cue, Victor Bennett strode forward, grabbing Clara’s wrist before she could react and pulling her towards the door.“Come with me, I need to talk to you.”

“Whatever you want to say, say it here.”

Clara frowned, trying to break free, but Victor Bennett’s grip was like a vise, leaving a red mark on her wrist as she struggled.

“Clara, can’t you be reasonable? Don’t interrupt Dad and Engineer Walker’s meeting.‘

Clara struggled, and Victor tightened his grip, yanking her forward. Her heel skidded on the slick tile, scratching out a sharp, grating sound that made everyone’s skin crawl.

The sound hit Ryan’s ears, and his fingers, which had been resting on the edge of the table, clenched instantly. A frostiness crept into his deep–set eyes, his gaze like an ice pick aimed squarely at Victor’s back.

He stood up, as if to push past Victor and get to Clara, but Richard blocked his way.

“Engineer Walker, please excuse my daughter. Her uncle spoils Clara, and she can be a bit much sometimes.”

Richard forced a smile, relieved when Victor dragged Clara out of the conference room.

“By the way, when will the person in charge of Blade get here?”

Blocked by Richard, Ryan could only watch as Victor took Clara out of the conference room. The temperature in the room seemed to plummet.

His

eyes

fixed on the slightly ajar door, his voice laced with ice:“She’s already here, but you just escorted her out.”

Richard was taken aback, then turned to look at the door, bursting into laughter as if he’d heard the biggest joke in the world.“Engineer Walker, you can’t joke about something like this.”

“I know Clara’s capabilities better than anyone. She didn’t even finish college and probably doesn’t even understand the basic concepts of artificial intelligence. How could she possibly be another technical lead for the Blade system?”

He paused, his expression turning serious.“If you want to help her get shares in the Bennett family, we can talk openly about it. There’s no need to use the identity of the Blade lead as a smokescreen.”

“Besides, Blade is a key project in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense. The person in charge can’t be just anyone. Clara…she can’t handle that kind of position.”

Just as he thought, Clara was here to join forces with Ryan to get shares in the Bennett family.

Ryan was really confused, actually making up the identity of the Blade lead for her.

“She has the ability.”

Worried about Clara, Ryan didn’t want to waste any more time with Richard. He grabbed his coat from the back of the chair and strode

out of the conference room.

As he passed Richard, he glanced at him sideways, his eyes full of mockery.

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“I heard that Mr. Bennett is Clara’s father, but it seems you don’t know her at all. Looks like you’ve been a bit negligent as a father.”

The remark stung, flushing Richard’s face. He wanted to retort, but words failed him. Seeing Ryan stride towards the exit, he knew he’d made an enemy with his little outburst.

Inwardly, he blamed Clara. If she hadn’t caused a scene at Nova AI, he wouldn’t be in this predicament.

Now, not only had he failed to meet the other Blade project lead, but he’d also earned Ryan’s displeasure.

Outside the conference room.

Victor had pulled Clara into a corner before releasing her arm.

She rubbed her sore wrist, noting the angry red marks. A chilling fury welled up inside her.

“Victor, what exactly do you want?”

Victor scoffed, crossing his arms, and looking down at her with unconcealed contempt.

“Clara, even if you’re after Mom’s shares, there’s a time and place for your antics!”

“Don’t you know how much Dad values this project? If you can’t help, at least don’t make things worse.”

“Don’t think Ryan Walker protecting you makes you important. Trying to interfere with Grand Horizon’s partnership with Nova AI to threaten Dad into giving you shares.”

“Have you even considered what you’ve done for this family all these years? What makes you think you deserve to sit back and reap the

rewards?”

“Sit back and reap the rewards?”

Clara scoffed, “Victor, would the Bennett family be where it is today without Mom?”

“Those shares were left to me by Mom. Why shouldn’t I claim what’s mine?”

“It’s you who’s been enjoying the fruits of Mom’s labor while cozying up to her enemies, never bothering to investigate the truth behind her car accident, instead choosing to pin all the blame on me.”

“Do you think that by doing so, Mom will forgive you and ease your conscience?”

“Say that again, I dare you!”

Victor, stung where it hurt the most, flew into a rage and reached out to shove Clara.

But before his hand could even graze Clara’s shoulder, a stronger hand clamped down on his wrist.

Ryan’s gaze fell upon Clara’s slightly reddened wrist, his eyes darkening. He tightened his grip, and Victor winced in pain, beads of cold sweat instantly appearing on his forehead, his face flushing crimson.

“Mr. Bennett, whatever the case, Clara is still your sister. Laying your hands on her isn’t appropriate, is it?

Ryan Walker’s voice was like ice, his eyes blazing with anger, staring at Victor Bennett as if he wanted to devour him whole.

“Aren’t you overstepping a bit, Engineer Walker?”

Victor Bennett, gritting his teeth against the pain, forced out, “Since you know she’s my sister, what’s wrong with me, her older brother, teaching her a lesson?”

“You’re not worthy.”

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Ryan Walker narrowed his eyes, increasing the pressure on Victor’s wrist.“Apologize.”

“Ugh…”

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Sweat beaded on Victor Bennett’s forehead. The excruciating pain in his wrist forced a groan from his lips, but he stubbornly refused to

yield.

“It seems Grand Horizon isn’t all that serious about this collaboration.”

Ryan Walker’s voice dripped with a deceptive laziness, but everyone could hear the barely suppressed fury simmering beneath the

surface.

“You didn’t actually believe that signing a contract meant you automatically owned Blade’s civilian application rights, did you?”

“Don’t forget, whether your platform is even qualified to integrate with Blade is still up in the air.”

Richard Bennett, who had followed Ryan Walker, broke out in a cold sweat when he heard this. He realized that Ryan Walker, as the head of Blade, certainly had the authority to evaluate the platform’s technical suitability.

Even if Olivia managed to get Grand Horizon’s platform to integrate with Blade, he could easily make things difficult for them.

The bank loan had already been approved, but if they couldn’t launch the Blade project within the month, the Bennett Group wouldn’t survive until Blade’s official release. Their funding would collapse.

Realizing this, he quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.“Of course we do! We’re absolutely sincere!”

“Engineer Walker, please don’t be angry. Victor just has a bit of a temper. He didn’t intentionally hurt Clara. You’re a magnanimous man; please don’t hold it against him.”

As he spoke, he glared fiercely at Victor, signaling him to apologize to Clara.

Victor understood the Bennett family’s current situation even better than Richard did.

For some inexplicable reason, every partnership the Bennett Group had been negotiating recently had fallen through, except for the Blade project, which was already under contract.

If Ryan caused trouble and delayed the project, both the Bennett Group and Grand Horizon would be headed straight for bankruptcy.

Despite his resentment, he had no choice but to mumble an apology to Clara.“I used too much force just now. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Too perfunctory.”

Ryan raised an eyebrow, tightening his grip on Victor’s wrist.

“Ouch!”

“Walker, please, I’m sorry! I was just being hot–headed. I didn’t mean to hurt Clara. Can’t you let it go?” Victor pleaded, doubling over in pain.

Only then did Ryan release his grip.

Clara ignored Victor, turning to Ryan.“How did your meeting go?”

Ryan didn’t explain. He had followed Clara out of the conference room after Victor dragged her away, only giving Richard a brief look. A shrewd man like Richard understood Ryan’s meaning immediately. He was surprised that Ryan valued Clara so much. Carefully watching Ryan’s expression, he said, “Engineer Walker wants to see if Grand Horizon’s platform can support the Blade

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system. That’s why we came to find you.”

Always so quick to take advantage.

A flash of sarcasm crossed Ryan’s eyes. He turned to Clara.“Let’s go. Let’s go take a look together.”

Richard hesitated, stunned.“Engineer Walker, does Clara… need to go too?”

“What, Grand Horizon isn’t welcoming her?”

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Ryan raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with warning.“If she isn’t welcome, then forget it. I’ll assume Grand Horizon’s platform can’t support Blade.”

Richard’s face shifted, and he quickly reached out to stop him.“Engineer Walker, don’t misunderstand! That’s not what I meant!”

“I just think… Clara is, after all, Mr. Carter’s wife. If she comes along to discuss cooperation, it might not be good for your reputation.”

“Whether it’s good or not isn’t up to you to decide.”

Hearing this, Ryan’s expression visibly darkened.“Are we going or not?”

“Yes, yes, we’re going.”

Richard didn’t dare to say anything more and quickly made a “please” gesture.

Clara smirked and headed towards the elevator first.

Ryan watched her back, smiled, and followed.

Richard walked to Ryan’s side and whispered, “Engineer Walker, Clara is proud and aloof. You don’t need to waste your time on her.”

“Besides, she’s completely devoted to Ethan Carter of the Carter Group. She may not have feelings for you; she might just be trying to use you to deal with him. Don’t be fooled by her.”

“My affairs are none of Mr. Bennett’s concern.”

Ryan interrupted him, gave him a warning look, and followed Clara into the elevator.

He opened the car door for Clara to get in first, then stood by the car, his gaze like a knife as he looked at Richard.

“If Mr. Bennett is indeed in a difficult position and doesn’t welcome the two of us, then…”

Richard wouldn’t dare let him finish, waving his hands frantically.“No! Engineer Walker, don’t misunderstand! That’s not what I meant! Let’s go now, we’ll head to Grand Horizon right away!”

With that, he quickened his pace into the elevator, shooting a sharp glare at Clara.

Clara gently rubbed the red mark on her wrist, ignoring Richard.

Now that she was here, she was definitely going to Grand Horizon. How else would she prove her importance and secure the shares her

mother had left her?

Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the Grand Horizon Tech building.

Having received the message, Olivia was already waiting by the entrance. She wore a white dress, her hair was styled in soft waves, and her face was adorned with delicate makeup, making her look gentle and charming.

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Seeing Ryan get out of the car and instead of immediately coming to her, walk around to the passenger side to open the door for Clara, her expression shifted, her eyes filled with disdain.

The dealings between Anderson Industries and the Carter Group had been widely publicized. She had assumed that Clara’s life without Ethan must have been miserable these past few months, but she had overlooked Ryan!

But even if she was unwilling, she could only force a smile and walk forward to greet them.

“Clara, you’re here?”

“You and Engineer Walker are still so close. He even brings you along on business trips…”

Clara ignored her and headed straight into the building.

Seeing this, Olivia wanted to say something more to provoke Clara, but Richard glared at her fiercely.

“Olivia! What nonsense are you spouting!”

“Clara and Engineer Walker are here today for work. Don’t cause trouble!”

Olivia pursed her lips, but she didn’t dare to disobey Richard’s orders. She could only reluctantly say to Ryan, “Engineer Walker, I’m sorry. I was just joking. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Your apology isn’t for me.”

Ryan said coolly, his gaze landing on Clara, his tone leaving no room for argument, “The person you should apologize to is her.”

Olivia’s face changed, and she looked at Ryan in disbelief, then glanced at Richard.

Richard seemed not to notice the grievance in her eyes and said in a low voice, “Just apologize when you’re told to! Don’t cause trouble!”

Olivia bit her lip, staring at Clara’s back, and forced out three words through gritted teeth:“I’m sorry.”

Clara stopped, turned back, but didn’t look at Olivia. Instead, she looked at Richard.

“Where’s the R&D lab? I want to see if your platform can support Blade.”

Olivia’s face flushed with anger at Clara’s cold demeanor, but she had no choice but to walk over to Clara and gesture towards the lab at Richard’s prompting.

“This way, I’ll take you there.”

Ryan watched Clara’s straight back, a faint smile playing on his lips, and followed.

Inside the R&D lab, a dozen computers were neatly arranged, and several technicians were bustling around a mainframe.

Olivia walked to the mainframe, clicked the mouse a few times, and a string of code appeared on the screen. She cleared her throat and took the lead, “Engineer Walker, this is the platform Grand Horizon built. It’s been debugged multiple times according to Blade’s requirements, so there’s definitely no problem.”

“Whether there’s a problem or not isn’t up to you to decide.”

Ryan took out a USB drive.“Here’s a part of Blade’s system. Try to run it.”

“Okay.”

Olivia quickly took it, plugged it into the mainframe, opened the program on the desktop, and quickly typed on the keyboard. Watching the progress bar on the screen, Olivia smiled with satisfaction, “See, I told you there wouldn’t be any problems.”

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But the smile on her face froze.

But just as the loading bar reached 50%, it froze abruptly, immediately followed by a red error message.

“Warning: Insufficient system resources. System cannot run.”

“Warning: Data mismatch. Installation failed.”

Cold sweat soaked through her back as Olivia frantically tapped at the keyboard. But no matter what she tried, the error messages persisted, and the loading bar on the screen remained frozen.

Richard’s face darkened at the sight, and he hurried forward.“What’s going on? Wasn’t it all tested and ready?

“Olivia, hurry and fix it! Didn’t you say you were involved in the development of Blade and knew the system well?

But when Olivia was in the Blade research and development group, she never had access to the core data. Even the matching of Blade with Carter Group’s Skyline was completed by Clara.

She had only relied on her years of experience when building the research platform.

She never expected that Clara had overturned all conventional knowledge in the development of Blade, and now she simply didn’t know where the problem lay.

Ryan crossed his arms, leaning against a nearby desk, his gaze sweeping over the flustered Olivia before finally landing on Clara Seeing her give a slight nod, he spoke up,“Why don’t we let Clara give it a try?”

Olivia’s face flushed with embarrassment, but she forced herself to say, “Engineer Walker, even if Clara did participate in Blade’s development, wasn’t she just assisting you?”

“Does she even know where the problem lies? I think you should take a look yourself.”

“Yes, exactly.”

Victor nodded in agreement.“Olivia graduated from a prestigious university abroad, specializing in artificial intelligence. If she can’t solve it, what can Clara do?

Richard watched Ryan’s expression, saying nothing, but secretly thinking that Ryan was trying to protect Clara, deliberately inflating her value, and didn’t believe that Clara could solve such a complex technical problem.

Clara ignored them, went straight to the computer, and began typing rapidly on the keyboard.

After a few minutes, Clara stopped typing and pointed to a line of code on the screen, her voice calm.

“The algorithm logic here is wrong, which leads to uneven distribution of system resources, and the system can’t meet the operational needs of Blade.”

“Also, the interface protocol here doesn’t match, so it cannot interface with Blade’s core module, which is why the error occurs.” As soon as she finished speaking, the development lab fell silent. Several technicians crowded forward to take a look, nodding in agreement with expressions of sudden realization on their faces.

“Yes! That’s the problem!”

“We’ve debugged this thing several times and never caught that logic error. You really are sharp, being on the Blade tech team!”