Chapter 90

Chapter 90

The head of the technical department wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Mr. Collins, Ms. Bennett, we've already done an emergency check. Only Ms. Bennett, Mr. Collins, Mr. Watson, and I have access to the final encrypted files, and there's no record of any unusual access."

As his words fell, the conference room became dead silent.

"So you're saying the problem might be with the people?"

Michael's voice dropped as his gaze slowly swept across everyone present except Teresa and himself.

The conference room instantly became terrifyingly quiet, as if the air itself had frozen.

The team members exchanged glances, and the technical director looked nervous too.

Teresa's heart sank a little.

Someone leaked information at this critical moment?

The third round presentation for the Horizon Group project was just around the corner. If their core design was in the hands of their competitors, they would not only lose their advantage but could also be accused of plagiarism.

"Now is not the time for mutual suspicion."

Teresa's voice was cool as she broke the silence first.

She stood up, walked to the projection screen, and carefully compared the details on both sides, her eyes frighteningly calm.

After a while, she turned to look around at the employees present, then at the technical director.

"I trust you all. This team didn't get where it is today easily. I don't believe anyone inside deliberately leaked information."

Her words had a calming power that eased the tense atmosphere slightly.

"However."

Teresa drew out the word, changing her tone.

"We must get to the bottom of this. Mr. Collins is right. There are two urgent matters. First, we need to immediately reassess our proposal and see if we can make adjustments. Time is tight, but it must be done."

She paused briefly.

"Second, we must thoroughly investigate the leak. Not just the system, but everyone who had access to the core materials needs to be checked, including leadership."

At this point, Teresa looked at Michael and pressed her lips together: "I'm afraid I'll need your help with this, Michael."

Michael met her gaze, his eyes showing complete trust and support.

"Alright, I'll arrange it. Also, from today on, all core work will be conducted offline in a closed environment. Permissions will be reset, and I'll control them directly."

"I agree."

Teresa nodded.

This was the safest approach for now.

"But Ms. Bennett, Mr. Collins."

Beside them, Mary looked worried and couldn't help asking: "What if the Smith Group insists they developed it independently? After all, they made optimizations, so it looks more like an iteration."

"Then we'll let the evidence speak."

Teresa's eyes turned cold.

"We have complete design process drawings, data analysis records, and team discussion minutes. What do they have? If they did it, there will definitely be traces."

Michael added.

"I'll contact authoritative experts and certification agencies in the industry and prepare in advance. If the Smith Group wants to scheme against us, we'll play along to the end."

When the meeting ended, everyone left with more work to do. Teresa and Michael stayed until the end.

"Teresa, are you okay?"

Michael looked at her slightly haggard face with some concern.

"I'm fine."

Teresa shook her head and rubbed her temples.

"I'm just a bit tired. Simon will really stop at nothing to win."

Her tone carried deep disappointment and sarcasm.

Michael watched her trying to hold herself together and felt sorry for her. He wanted to pat her shoulder, but remembering Matthew's reminder, his hand paused in mid-air.

Finally, he quietly withdrew his hand and just said gently: "Go rest for a bit and drink some water. I'll keep an eye on the proposal adjustments and the investigation. Don't forget, you still need to go home tonight to be with Daisy."

At the mention of Daisy, Teresa's eyes softened for a moment, and she nodded: "Okay, thank you, Michael."

Just then, Michael's phone vibrated. He glanced at it, his expression changed slightly, and he turned the screen toward Teresa.

It was a brief message.

After reading it, Teresa looked up and met Michael's eyes. Both saw the confusion in each other's gaze.

This matter seemed to be getting more and more complicated.

At that moment, in the Smith Group's CEO office.

Simon had just learned that the Watson Group's core design had allegedly been leaked and was highly similar to his own proposal.

His first reaction was shock, followed by fury.

"Find out for me whether someone inside did this or if someone is framing us."

Simon's voice was ice-cold as he addressed the senior executives and technical director in front of him.

Although the competition for the Horizon Group project was fierce, Simon had always disdained using such underhanded tactics as stealing competitors' core secrets!

This was not only about business ethics but also about the Smith Group's reputation and his pride.

"Mr. Smith, our design team insists it was independently developed and has complete process records."

The technical director reported nervously.

"Moreover, regarding that node in their proposal, we did mention a similar concept in earlier internal discussions, but it was shelved due to cost issues. This time, we optimized the original idea by incorporating new materials..."

"I don't want explanations."

Simon frowned and interrupted sharply.

"I want evidence—evidence that can prove our innocence. Also, conduct an immediate internal investigation of everyone involved in this project. Check if there's been any unusual activity recently or if anyone has had contact with people from the Watson Group."

He rubbed his throbbing temples, feeling extremely irritated.

What would the Watson Group think?

His heart stirred, and he couldn't help wondering what Teresa would think.

She must think he was behind it, that he was retaliating, that he would stop at nothing to win.

A few days later.

A business reception, organized by the Meadowbrook City Architecture Industry Association after long preparation, was held in the ballroom of the city's most upscale hotel.

Political and business figures from the industry gathered there.

Teresa hadn't wanted to attend, but Matthew believed this was a good opportunity to showcase the Watson Group's image, clarify rumors, and connect with potential supporters, so he insisted she attend with Michael.

Teresa wore a simple black off-shoulder gown with her hair loosely pinned up and light makeup. She seemed out of place among the glittering surroundings, yet strangely drew everyone's attention.

Michael wore a classic dark blue suit, looking refined and elegant. Standing beside her, the two looked like a perfect couple.

As soon as they entered, they became the center of attention, with whispers all around.

"Look, that's Teresa from the Watson Group. She's been in the spotlight lately, but she's got plenty of troubles too."

"That's Mr. Collins next to her, right? I heard their relationship is quite special."

"Did you hear about the Horizon Group project leak? The Smith Group and the Watson Group are going to put on quite a show."

"Who knows? In this kind of competition, it's hard to tell what's true and what's false."

Teresa seemed oblivious to the stares and gossip, calmly greeting several familiar seniors and partners.

Beside her, Michael skillfully deflected some ill-intentioned probing.

However, what was meant to come would eventually come.