Chapter 172 Mr. Hamilton Is Also Coming
Sophia, not far away, saw this scene and was almost driven crazy with jealousy. She gritted her teeth and glared at Olivia.
In her imagination, today's scene should have belonged to her—she should be the center of everyone's attention.
But now, Olivia had stolen all the spotlight!
Sophia clenched her fists, her eyes unconsciously looking toward Michael beside her.
At this moment, Michael's expression was complicated, yet his eyes showed amazement at this version of Olivia.
Today's Olivia was completely different from what he had seen before.
In such a setting, she showed no sign of timidity. Instead, she faced all these business figures with confidence and composure, calm and capable.
Nothing like before at the Johnson family, when she was just a housewife.
Now, she radiated an amazing charm that was so dazzling it was almost impossible to look away.
Sophia noticed the change in his expression, and her heart filled with bitterness. She immediately tugged at his sleeve, reminding him, "Michael, we should take our seats too."
"Mm."
Only then did Michael snap back to reality. He said to Sophia, "The seats are assigned, so I could only arrange for you to be in the last row. Let's part ways here. I'll head to the front first."
Hearing this, Sophia nearly lost it.
She could only sit in such a corner?!
But in front of Michael, she didn't dare show any dissatisfaction. She had to act obedient and reply, "Okay, you go ahead."
She waved at Michael and watched him leave before secretly grinding her teeth.
She wasn't someone who gave up that easily!
After today's conference ended, she would make sure to network with the big shots present.
She would prove that she was in no way inferior to Olivia!
Michael, not far away, had now reached the first row.
Although the Johnson Group had that scandal before, it was still the wealthiest in Emerald City, and the summit organizers wouldn't slight them. They would still give them this prestigious seating.
Michael's seat was also near the center.
However, Olivia sat on the left side while he sat on the right, with several seats between them.
When he arrived, many people around noticed him. Quite a few wanted to cooperate with the Johnson Group, and they all greeted him.
Olivia naturally heard these flattering voices too. She looked in the direction of the sound and locked eyes with Michael.
Her eyes held no emotion, as if she was just looking at a complete stranger.
With just one glance, she coldly withdrew her gaze.
Michael felt somewhat displeased by her dismissal.
The old Olivia would never have treated him this way.
But he didn't say anything and soon took his seat.
However, after he sat down, some people around him looked at him strangely.
Some even started whispering.
"I think I heard some rumors before about Mr. Johnson and Ms. Smith. Don't know if they're true..."
"I heard them too. Supposedly Mr. Johnson wronged Ms. Smith because of a homewrecker."
"Tsk, that homewrecker really has some skills. Mr. Johnson must be blind."
"Exactly. If it were me, how could I bear to let a wife like Ms. Smith suffer?"
Michael's hearing was good. Although they were speaking very quietly, he still vaguely caught some of it.
It felt like being laughed at, and his eyes immediately filled with gloom.
"Alright, alright, everyone stop gathering here."
Beatrix spoke up at the right moment, telling those around them, "The summit is about to start. If you have anything to say, talk after it ends. Please return to your seats now."
Beatrix had a lot of influence, and no one objected. They all dispersed.
After everyone left, Olivia could finally catch her breath.
Daniel was somewhat curious and asked, "Who is that center seat reserved for?"
Beatrix smiled and said, "Harmony City—Skyward Corporation."
Hearing this company name, Olivia's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
This name... sounded so familiar.
If she remembered correctly, this seemed to be Andrew's company???
The rumors she'd heard in Harmony City before were still fresh in her mind.
So would Andrew be here today too?
She didn't know why, but she suddenly felt a bit expectant.
At the same time, she was puzzled and curious. "As far as I know, Skyward Corporation does military equipment, right? Are they also involved in artificial intelligence?"
Beatrix obviously knew more than her and smiled as she told her, "Skyward Corporation was one of the earliest domestic companies to get into artificial intelligence. Their leader not only has great vision but is also extremely capable.
In the early days, he personally led teams to develop multiple intelligent systems, and even more high-tech things..."
At this point, she lowered her voice, "I'll tell you quietly—currently, many products used internally by the military come from Skyward Corporation, including artificial intelligence, drones, and some anti-terrorism reconnaissance and detection equipment, and even more classified things.
But I don't know the specifics. We can't discuss internal information too much."
"I see."
Olivia nodded, understanding what Beatrix meant, her heart filled with shock.
Although she had known Skyward Corporation was impressive.
She never imagined that reality was even more amazing than the rumors...
Andrew, it seemed, was truly more than just a psychologist!
The more she learned, the more she felt he stood at the pinnacle, beyond reach.
As they talked, many others at the venue were also discussing this center seat.
"I heard that seat is specially reserved for Harmony City's Skyward Corporation."
"Skyward Corporation is coming too?"
"Of course. When it comes to technology development in the country, whose technology can compare to Skyward Corporation?"
"Does this mean we might have the honor of meeting Mr. Hamilton today?"
The executives who had looked so composed just moments ago now showed excitement on their faces when talking about Skyward Corporation.
"In Harmony City, this big shot has always been very mysterious, rarely appearing at public events. Even when he does appear, it's at very high-level occasions. Ordinary people rarely get to see him."
"Right, I wonder if we'll have the honor today to network with him..."
Olivia was also curious whether Andrew would actually come today.
Amid everyone's discussion, the summit finally began.
The venue lights dimmed, and following the program, it started with the organizer's opening speech.
The organizer was an official representative with considerable status, so naturally his words carried weight.
"First, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this summit. We express our gratitude.
Everyone present today is a well-known and capable enterprise in the industry..."
The representative on stage spoke with an official tone. After finishing his words of thanks, he finally got to the main point.
"I'm sure everyone is curious about the plan and purpose of this summit.
So here, I won't beat around the bush. I'll tell you frankly that through this conference, we officials want to assess cutting-edge technology and bring enterprises with great potential into official cooperation..."
The audience, who had been listening drowsily, instantly became alert upon hearing this news.
The venue erupted in an uproar.
Before coming, everyone had thought this was just a simple awards ceremony. They never expected there would be a deeper purpose.
Everyone was very surprised, including Olivia, who found it somewhat unexpected.
However, thinking about it, it made sense.
This was an era that valued technological development.
No country would think it had too much high technology; they were all seeking constant breakthroughs.
Of course, Olivia wasn't carried away by this good news.
Even though she was very interested, she knew there would definitely be evaluation standards.
Not just any company could seize this opportunity.
Beatrix beside her had obviously thought of this too.
She leaned over and said to Olivia with a smile, "Others might still be uncertain, but your chances are definitely very high. Let me congratulate you in advance!"
Olivia smiled modestly and said, "Your congratulations are too early. What if it's not us? Wouldn't that be awkward?"
Beatrix shook her head and said, "Don't sell yourself short. I'm saying this based on facts."
She analyzed for Olivia: "This year, your system is the most advanced among all technology developments. From the information I have, no one can surpass it yet.
If you're not selected this time, I really don't know who else would have this opportunity."
Daniel wasn't as modest as Olivia.
He raised his chin and said to them both, "I also think we can do it. I believe in your ability!"
Hearing this, Olivia laughed and said, "Why are you like this too?"
Although both of them thought it was possible, Olivia still wasn't that confident.
What she didn't know was that while the three were talking, Michael in the distance was also looking their way.
His brows furrowed slightly, as if he had thought of the same thing.
Among everyone present, Olivia being selected was an inevitable result.
After all, the system she developed was truly too advanced.
Realizing this, Michael felt indescribable emotions.
Clearly, this honor should have belonged to the Johnson Group.
But when this woman was at the Johnson Group, she would rather hide it than bring it out.
Had she been planning for today all along?
Thinking of this possibility, Michael felt anger rising again.
It seemed Olivia hadn't been completely loyal and devoted to their marriage.
All that talk about loving him was just her lies!
Now divorced, she really wasn't pretending anymore!
Sophia, sitting in the back, was digging her palms so hard they were about to break!
This was impossible!
Why announce this at this exact moment?
This way, wouldn't that bitch Olivia successfully reach a higher level?
Once she successfully cooperated with the officials, she would leap up a whole class. How could she deserve it???
This honor should have belonged to her!!!
While she was grinding her teeth in hatred, the official speaker had already moved to the next part of the program.
He continued, "Next, we will present awards to this year's outstanding domestic enterprises and developers.
First, let's welcome our first honored guests, Ms. Smith from Nexora Tech and her partner, Mr. Wilson..."
As his voice fell, thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue.