Chapter 31 I Cannot Be Reckless
Selena's POV
The screen was split in two.
On the left was Arnault Group's patent application documents, with clear technical blueprints and algorithm formulas. The timestamp showed eighteen months ago.
And on the right...
On the right played a series of secretly filmed, blurry videos.
The videos were shot in my Swiss laboratory.
In the videos, my team was operating instruments, and the whiteboard was covered with various formulas and sketches... all of them were core secrets of "Project Chimera"!
The video editing was cunning. It matched my team's R&D process with Arnault Group's patent blueprints on the left, one by one. Every transition between frames was silently accusing me—
That I, Astraea, was a thief.
A shameless fraud who stole someone else's trade secrets and dared to show off in front of the whole world.
The venue completely erupted.
"Oh my God! Is this real? She actually copied it?"
"I knew it! How could such a young designer possibly come up with this kind of revolutionary technology!"
"This is so embarrassing! She's making the entire industry lose face!"
I stood on stage, feeling like I'd been stripped naked and put on display.
My gaze swept across the audience. Those CEOs who had looked at me with respect just moments ago were now watching me like spectators at a show.
Their expressions changed from shock to schadenfreude.
I even saw several of them quietly recording videos on their phones.
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.
I told myself this wasn't the time to get angry. I couldn't lose my composure. Once I did, I would truly lose.
"Mr. Arnault," I picked up the microphone again.
"The videos you showed me are grainy, with no time stamps or location info, and you can't even tell who the people are. How does this give you grounds to accuse me?"
"Oh? Is Miss Astraea questioning the Arnault Group's evidence? I think everyone here isn't stupid. Everything in the video is already very clear."
He looked around, and the crowd below stirred again.
"No, I'm not questioning your evidence. I'm questioning the source of your evidence and its authenticity."
I turned to look at the blurry video on the main screen.
"The filming angle of this video is very concealed, clearly shot secretly. Mr. Arnault, I'd like to ask, how did your people infiltrate my Swiss laboratory? This already constitutes illegal intrusion and theft of trade secrets."
My words made Mr. Arnault's smile freeze for a moment.
"Furthermore, the patent documents shown on the left are indeed from Arnault Group. But what I want to say is, filing a patent doesn't mean the technology is mature. The core algorithm of 'Project Chimera' was achieved only after more than three years of R&D by our team and countless experiments."
"You keep saying I infringed on your patent, so please, demonstrate on the spot whether your Arnault Group's 'patent' can actually achieve all the effects of 'Chimera' technology like I just showed?"
My words silenced the entire venue again.
Mr. Arnault's expression changed.
Of course he couldn't.
His patent was just a concept, a prototype, that had never been actually verified.
"Miss Astraea, you're changing the subject," he tried to argue back.
"Am I?" I laughed coldly.
"I'm just asking you to let the facts speak. If you can't, then I suggest we immediately contact the International Patent Office and Swiss judicial authorities. We can conduct a technical assessment on the spot and verify both parties' original R&D records and timestamps. I believe that before a fair third-party institution, everything will become clear."
I looked at him. I was going to force him to show his hand.
Just then, a deep voice came from below the stage.
"Perhaps I can provide some assistance."
My gaze fell on the owner of that voice—Royce Sterling.
He stood up, tall and straight, with an inscrutable smile on his face.
He walked up to the stage step by step and stood beside me.
"Mr. Sterling?" Mr. Arnault's expression looked unpleasant.
Royce was a specially invited investor at this summit. His voice carried considerable weight.
"Mr. Arnault, Miss Astraea, since both parties dispute the ownership of the technology and patent, why not let the facts speak."
He turned to look at me.
"Miss Astraea, I think what you need most right now is fair technical support. Sterling Group has the world's top team in technical assessment. Perhaps we can provide some temporary technical assistance to verify the authenticity and originality of 'Chimera' technology."
I laughed coldly to myself.
This man was indeed a predator.
He didn't want to help me. He wanted to use this opportunity to peek at my core technology.
But he was right. I did need fair technical support right now.
"Of course, Mr. Sterling, I very much welcome it. I believe that with Sterling Group's assistance, the truth will soon come to light."
As soon as I finished speaking, I saw Mr. Arnault's expression become even darker.
But since Royce had spoken, he didn't dare refuse.
"Very good." Royce nodded, then looked at Mr. Arnault below the stage. "So, Mr. Arnault, are you willing to accept Sterling Group's involvement in conducting a joint technical verification?"
Mr. Arnault's lips moved, and finally, he forced out a stiff smile.
"Of course. Arnault Group welcomes any fair verification."
I narrowed my eyes at him. He must still have some card up his sleeve.
"Anna," I picked up my phone and sent Anna a message. "Contact the Swiss laboratory immediately. Have them prepare all original R&D records and timestamps, ready to connect with the International Patent Office at any time."
"Yes, Miss." Anna's reply came quickly.
I turned to look at Royce. He was also looking at me.
"Miss Astraea, it seems you were prepared all along."
"Mr. Sterling, I never like to fight unprepared battles."
I returned his gaze, my voice full of confidence.
I didn't know what Mr. Arnault's next move would be, but I knew I couldn't just sit and wait.
The technical verification process started quickly.
Sterling Group's technical team was very efficient and quickly set up a temporary assessment platform at the venue.
They began comparing Arnault Group's patent documents with my "Chimera" technology.
The venue fell silent, with everyone's eyes focused on the stage.
The air was thick with tension.
I could feel Mr. Arnault watching me like a snake eyeing its prey.
He seemed very confident, so confident that it made me uneasy.
Could he really have some trump card I didn't know about?
Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated.