In the end, a group of people selected ten representatives.
Eight of them were ordinary citizens who had been influenced by online rumors.
The remaining two were journalists.
Because Deanna promised to take these people into the research institute, the crowd blocking the road made way for the car to pass through.
Soon, Deanna and her group arrived at the research institute's gate.
The gate was closed, and a row of security guards holding electric batons stood inside, clearly to prevent the misled crowd from climbing over the gate.
"Ms. Jones is here, open the gate."
The security guards saw Deanna and showed excited expressions.
The gate slowly opened just enough for Deanna's car to enter.
After entering, before Deanna could get out of the car, she heard sounds of dispute behind her.
"Why aren't we allowed in?"
"Ms. Jones said we could come in."
"Move aside!"
Seeing that the crowd was about to clash with the security guards, Deanna quickly spoke up, "Let them in. I did promise them, but only ten of them. The rest cannot come in."
After saying this, Deanna ignored the people behind her, bent down through the sunroof, and got out of the car.
Shannon followed closely, remaining vigilant.
After all, letting ten people in posed a potential risk.
Fortunately, nothing unusual happened as they entered the research building.
Even so, Shannon did not lower her guard.
The people following Deanna into the building looked around curiously.
"So this is what the institute looks like inside. It's different from what we see on TV."
"It looks legitimate, but who knows if they're doing research or just pretending."
"Who cares? We're inside now; we'll find out soon enough."
The eight citizens exchanged excited remarks.
The two journalists didn't join the conversation but were busy capturing every scene with their cameras.
Deanna didn't mind what they said. Since she decided to bring them in, she had no intention of being evasive.
She pointed around and introduced, "This is the first-floor lobby, usually for receiving guests and discussing collaborations. The second and third floors are for administrative and marketing departments."
While speaking, she led them towards the elevator.
Unexpectedly, as they reached the elevator doors, Brent and several managers stepped out.
Both groups were momentarily stunned.
Deanna was the first to react. She narrowed her eyes slightly and asked with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "Brent, are you heading out?"
"No, we heard you were here, so we came down to greet you."
Brent lowered his head respectfully, but a calculating gleam flashed in his eyes.
His words immediately caused dissatisfaction among those behind him. "Mr. Brent, we're not here to greet Ms. Jones. We're here to stop her from taking these people upstairs. The upper floors contain our institute's secrets; we can't let them be exposed."
"Ms. Jones, we know there are many negative rumors about us outside, but we can't expose our hard-earned research because of baseless accusations. If there are people from other institutes among them, our research data could be stolen."
"That's right. I won't allow these people to go upstairs!"
The researchers behind Brent protested in unison.
Deanna remained expressionless.
She understood their concerns.
But others didn't understand and felt disrespected.
"Watch your words. If it weren't for your scandals online, do you think we'd want to be here?"
"Stopping us from going up-are you hiding something?"
"Deanna, you promised to show us around the institute. What's going on now?"
Some people retorted against Brent's group while others questioned Deanna.
The scene became chaotic, making Deanna's head ache.
"Everyone shut up!"
Deanna's loud shout silenced everyone.
Seeing her cold expression and intimidating aura, they quieted down.
Brent saw this and a flash of resentment and jealousy crossed his eyes but quickly disappeared.
Just as he was about to speak to ease the tension, Deanna coldly said, "I allowed these people to visit. If anyone has objections, they can leave the institute. Besides, don't worry about secrets being leaked; the biggest secret has already been stolen. What else can be taken?"
With that, Deanna ignored their reactions, pressed the elevator button, and gestured for those behind her to follow.