Chapter 268 Quite Likes Being Brainwashed

Chapter 268 Quite Likes Being Brainwashed

After Jasmine's brainwashing session, Emma became even more convinced that Elena was the one pulling strings behind the scenes.

She gritted her teeth, her expression growing darker. "Looks like this conference isn't nearly as legitimate as they claim. The whole thing's rigged."

Jasmine hadn't bothered to lower her voice when she spoke, so everyone who'd invested alongside her heard every word loud and clear.

Their expressions soured. Perhaps they couldn't stomach losing to some upstart, or maybe they just didn't want to fork over their losses—either way, they quickly jumped on the bandwagon.

"Exactly! How can this be allowed?"

"We demand a full review of this matter!"

"That's right—a full review!"

The crowd erupted into chaos. The host's face went pale.

He tried desperately to calm everyone down, but no one was listening.

Elena listened to them pin the blame on her without a shred of evidence, and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Jasmine, if you're going to make accusations, you need proof. What gives you the right to say I'm behind this when you have absolutely nothing to back it up?"

"Besides, you've all been in business long enough to know that winning and losing are never guaranteed. Who could've predicted what happened today?"

Jasmine's brow furrowed at Elena's mocking tone. She refused to back down. "Don't give me that, Elena! You say wins and losses are unpredictable—then why didn't you invest in our company, which clearly had a bright future, and instead bought stock in one that was about to go bankrupt?"

"Because I felt like it."

Elena shot her a glance, her voice ice-cold.

The moment those words left her lips, Jasmine's face twisted with fury.

She glared at the infuriatingly smug woman across from her, seething but unable to find the words. All she could do was grind her teeth so hard they nearly cracked.

The host seized the moment. "Please, everyone, I assure you—all the companies and results presented today are completely legitimate. There has been no manipulation whatsoever."

"If you don't believe us, feel free to report us to the regulatory authorities. We welcome any and all scrutiny."

His voice rang with confidence. The room fell into an uneasy silence, faces shifting with conflicting emotions.

Of course, none of them would actually file a complaint. Anyone who could afford to participate in this investment event was someone of status and influence.

If word got out that they not only couldn't handle losing but also accused the organizers of fraud? They'd never live it down.

After waiting a moment and seeing no objections, the host promptly declared the conference officially concluded.

Within hours, news spread across the internet: Elena had walked away from the conference with massive profits, her sharp instincts leading to a stunning last-minute comeback.

The internet exploded with praise and admiration.

Elena, however, paid it no mind. Shortly after returning to her studio, several company executives called, expressing interest in partnerships.

She didn't turn down any of these unsolicited opportunities. After scheduling meetings with each of them, she informed Aaron of the developments.

Once everything was handled, she finally let herself relax.

Just as she reached for her cup to take a sip, Anna knocked on the door.

"Ms. Elena, someone's here to see you."

Elena raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Mr. Blake from Blake Corporation."

Anna paused briefly before continuing. "He says he has an excellent partnership opportunity and would like to discuss it with you."

Elena blinked in surprise but nodded. "Alright, send him in."

"Of course."

Moments later, the office door opened again. A man in an impeccably tailored suit walked in, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He took a moment to look Elena over before speaking with a grin.

"I have to say, Ms. Elena—you're absolutely brilliant. That move you pulled at the conference earned you a fortune. The whole internet's buzzing about you right now."

Elena sighed at Sebastian's teasing. "Is that really what you came here to talk about?"

"Of course not."

Sebastian shrugged and pulled a contract from his briefcase, setting it on the desk in front of her. "Take a look, Ms. Elena."

Seeing the smug smile on his face, Elena pressed her lips together and picked up the contract, flipping through it carefully.

As she read, her expression grew increasingly serious.

This was an internal Blake Corporation contract with enormous profit potential.

But the price offered was extremely high, and the profit split was seventy-thirty—seventy for her, thirty for Sebastian.

When she realized this, her eyes widened slightly. "Isn't this profit distribution a bit too—"

"Not at all."

Sebastian leaned forward, hands resting on her desk, his smile warm. "This is what you deserve. The split is perfectly fair."

"So? Are we doing this?"

Elena's gaze flickered, but she didn't refuse. She picked up her pen and signed her name on the contract.

After all, only a fool would turn down free money!

"Alright then. Thank you, Mr. Blake."

"Mr. Blake's giving me such a lucrative project and so much profit—I almost feel guilty taking it."

Sebastian caught the playful note in her voice and seized the opportunity with a grin. "If Ms. Elena feels bad about accepting it, how about you have dinner with me? That way, you won't have to feel guilty at all."

Elena studied him for a long moment before offering a faint smile. "Alright. I can hardly refuse an invitation from Mr. Blake."

A glint of satisfaction flashed in the man's eyes as he straightened. "Perfect. I'll pick the restaurant. I'll come get you after work."

"Sounds good."

At six p.m., Elena had just shut down her computer when her phone buzzed. It was a message from Sebastian.

[I'm downstairs.]

Staring at the brief message, Elena pressed her lips together. Without replying, she grabbed her phone and left the office.

When she stepped out of the building, Sebastian was leaning casually against his car door, waiting.

The moment he spotted her, he opened the passenger door.

Soon, the car roared to life, engine purring.

Sebastian tapped the center console touchscreen as he spoke. "I booked a Hunan-style restaurant. If we head over now, we should get there right on time."

Elena didn't particularly care what they ate. She nodded. "I'm fine with anything."

They arrived at the restaurant at exactly seven o'clock. Since Sebastian had booked so late, all the private rooms were already taken. They had no choice but to sit in the main dining area.

Fortunately, the restaurant had a refined atmosphere with tasteful decor. Potted plants separated the tables, offering a degree of privacy without completely exposing diners to prying eyes.

Shortly after they sat down, Sebastian received a phone call and excused himself, stepping outside in a hurry.

Elena sipped her tea and scrolled absently through her phone when a familiar voice, tinged with surprise, rang out nearby.

"Elena?! What are you doing here?!"