Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1237

Adolf paused, then realized who the man was.

The Smith Group had sponsored Harrisburg University before, so Adolf kept things polite. “Robert did have dinner with us just now,” he said. “But he had some other business and left early. If you wanted to see him, you’re a bit too late.”

Alison hadn’t expected things to go this badly.

His coworker looked at him, clearly nervous. “Alison, what should we do now?”

They’d just blown an assignment from the CEO, and he honestly didn’t know how he’d explain it when they got back.

Alison was already bracing himself for a lecture. He just waved it off. “Let’s head back for now. Have someone check where Robert’s gone, and we’ll try to set up another meeting.”

***

Meanwhile, Audrey Williams and her team arrived at The Smith Group, and she and Walter Wilson personally showed Robert around.

Both companies had tech teams full of industry stars. When they heard Robert was visiting, everyone came over to greet him, friendly and warm.

At first, Robert just admired what he saw, but as the tour went on, he felt even more fired up. Sure, he had a reputation of his own, but there were so many things about NextGen Technologies and N.Z. Tech that he genuinely respected.

From talking with Audrey and Walter, he learned that their joint project was going to be presented at the upcoming International AI Summit.

That got Robert’s interest. “What kind of system are you planning to show at the summit? There are a ton of companies competing this year. It’s going to be intense.”

Walter and Audrey both knew the summit would be packed with top players. But they weren’t the type to show up unprepared.

Audrey noticed right away what he was thinking.

She smiled and asked, “Robert, what do you think about our project?”

Robert nodded. “I think you’re on the right track. When you meet a real need, that’s how you get ahead. I love this idea—it actually matches something I’ve imagined myself. After hearing Mr. Wilson’s explanation, I think you have an even better chance of success than I thought.”

Walter glanced at Robert. Even in the short time they’d known each other, he had a pretty good sense of Robert’s character. He was straightforward and didn’t just say things to be nice. Hearing words like that meant Robert truly believed in their project and was genuinely hopeful for them.

For Walter and Audrey, that was the best news they could get.

Walter grinned, a little shy. “Honestly, Robert, you deserve some of the credit too.”