The Blackwood Research Institute’s satellite project had been in the works for months.
Gian had just returned from grueling field tests in the desert and had already hinted at some big news.
The whole country was paying attention.
This satellite wasn’t just another technical achievement—it symbolized a new chapter for the nation.
The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.
People glanced at one another in disbelief.
Being named chief engineer for a project like this was a rare honor.
Not just anyone could take on such a role; this was a national-level project—far above mere rivalry between companies.
Blackwood’s project was a matter of international prestige.
Millie’s face went pale, then flushed with color.
Had she heard that right?
The chief engineer’s daughter, and this was her graduation celebration.
Who else could it be?
For a split second, Millie’s composure cracked. She looked at Chairman White, forcing a strained smile. “Are you sure there’s not been some mistake?”
Chairman White turned to her. “You think I’ve lost my mind?”
Millie bit her lip so hard it almost bled.
Liam looked even more stunned—his eyes wide as saucers.
Bianca and Paula both turned to stare at Danielle.
They’d just been mocking her for lacking a degree, for being ordinary—and now, suddenly, she was revealed as the chief engineer?
Impossible.
There must be a mistake.
She only had a bachelor’s degree, after all.
Liam racked his brain, finding it hard to believe. Gian would do anything for Danielle, even give her a title she didn’t deserve. Maybe that was what had happened.
He leaned over, whispering reassurance to Millie. “Don’t panic. This could all be a misunderstanding.”
Millie drew in a shaky breath. “Forgive me for being abrupt.”
She forced a brittle smile. “Perhaps you don’t know the full story. Danielle really doesn’t have the skills or the talent for something like this. I hope you’ll look into it carefully and not be misled.”
Chairman White listened to Millie, then turned his head and fixed her with a look. “Miss Fletcher, your plagiarism case is still unresolved. You’re in no position to give advice. Take care of your own affairs before you worry about others.”
“I value integrity. The recent innovations at AetherX Dynamics are impressive for the field,” he continued. “But your actions have been a disappointment.”
Millie felt lost, the words swirling around her.
She glanced over at Alexander, who sat silently nearby.
She’d always projected an image of success.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself. “I’ve already given my statement on the case,” she said. “The court will decide the outcome.”
“Danielle keeps insisting I stole her work, but her so-called evidence is hardly complete,” Millie protested. “She just wants to ruin my reputation and sabotage my career.”
“Chairman White, until the facts are clear… I hope you’ll reserve judgment.”
She was convinced everyone had already made up their minds, that she was guilty.
Jake spoke up, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll let the evidence speak for itself. If you’re innocent, you’ll be cleared. If not, justice will be served. We don’t slander the innocent, nor do we let the guilty walk free.”
“Mr. Davidson, you think I’m at fault too?” Millie let out a short, incredulous laugh.
She looked over at Danielle. “Sophia’s VerdPhoenix X7 uses some of the same technology. There are papers and references out there. Maybe you do have some real skill, or maybe Gian just handed you everything. Maybe we just drew inspiration from the same sources by coincidence.”
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