Chapter 174 She Suits My Taste More
At the summit venue, after Olivia received her award, the ceremony continued.
After she came down, quite a few other companies went up to receive awards and give speeches one after another.
Even the Johnson Group was no exception.
When the host announced on stage that the Johnson Group had won for their fifth-generation Bloodheat Activation system, Olivia's lips pressed tightly together below.
Daniel let out a cold laugh directly, "The Johnson Group has the nerve to go up and accept this award?"
Hearing this, Beatrix beside them couldn't help but ask curiously, "I heard this system was developed when you were still there, Olivia. Is that true?"
Olivia nodded, not denying it, "Yes."
When Beatrix looked at the stage again, she didn't even know what to say.
Whether the Johnson Group had any shame or not, they went up on stage anyway and started giving their acceptance speech.
Listening to it, Beatrix just felt that the Johnson Group was even more shameless than she had imagined.
Olivia had brought them so much profit, yet they used her and then tossed her aside. And now they still had the nerve to go up there...
As time passed, the awards ceremony was coming to an end.
Everyone thought it would be over soon.
At this moment, the host on stage announced another award.
It was a major award that could rival Olivia's.
"This award goes to Skyward Corporation. Please come up to accept it!"
Hearing the words "Skyward Corporation," the people at the venue perked up again. Applause thundered as everyone wanted to see the legendary Andrew.
But they were disappointed.
Andrew had already left.
The person accepting this award on behalf of Skyward Corporation was Nathan Evans.
When they saw Nathan appear and accept the trophy on behalf of Skyward Corporation, the venue erupted again.
"Skyward Corporation must be really something, even the person accepting the award on their behalf is someone like Nathan..."
"I think it's understandable. After all, Skyward Corporation isn't some small company."
"Exactly. Just look at the products they've developed and where they're used."
"True..."
Those who were surprised quickly came to terms with it.
The awards ceremony continued until 5 PM before finally ending.
Everyone moved to the banquet hall next door.
Olivia stayed with Daniel and Beatrix.
In the lounge area.
After the conference ended, Nathan rushed over to see Andrew.
"Mr. Hamilton."
Nathan's attitude was very respectful as he presented the trophy. "I've completed the task you entrusted to me."
Andrew nodded slightly and replied politely, "Thank you, Mr. Evans. Please sit."
Nathan sat down across from him courteously, then smiled and said, "Your presence here today has truly brought honor to this summit."
Andrew spoke calmly, "Not at all. The companies here today all have real strength, and there are many rising stars. I'm sure you'll find satisfactory partners."
Nathan smiled politely and said, "You're too modest. Other companies do have considerable strength, but no matter how capable they are, they can't compare to Skyward Corporation. However, since you put it that way, Mr. Hamilton, you must have been paying attention to this summit. I wonder which of these many companies caught your eye?"
There was a hint of probing in his words.
If they could get Andrew's personal recommendation, they wouldn't have to worry about making mistakes.
Andrew hadn't expected Nathan to ask him directly.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't beat around the bush. "Nexora Tech. I've seen their system, and it's truly impressive. The higher-ups are already considering incorporating it into the special forces' medical system. Ms. Smith is a rare talent. A few of the established companies are also good—stable and constantly making breakthroughs... As for the rest, I don't have much of an impression."
Nathan's eyes lit up slightly, then he asked, "What about... the Johnson Group? What's your take on them?"
Hearing this name, Andrew's expression became somewhat playful. "The Johnson Group?"
"Yes."
Nathan nodded.
He was a native of Emerald City and had dealt with the Johnson Group quite a bit over the years.
For this assessment plan, several companies on the list had already been decided.
However, final confirmation still required approval from the man in front of him.
The Johnson Group had expressed interest in participating and had previously tested the waters, so he was asking tentatively on their behalf.
Either way, the Johnson Group at least had money for research and development.
But... Nathan felt that the expression of the man before him was hard to read.
He couldn't help feeling uneasy and instinctively looked at David nearby.
David naturally understood what he meant. Without wasting words, he said in a flat tone, "Mr. Evans, didn't you look into this? All of the Johnson Group's early systems were created by Ms. Smith from Nexora Tech leading her team. Now that Nexora Tech has become a rising star, do you think the Johnson Group still has any competitive ability? Even today's award-winning Bloodheat Activation system is riding on Ms. Smith's coattails, isn't it?"
These blunt words left Nathan stunned.
He quickly came to his senses and said, "Yes, yes, yes, you're absolutely right. I was confused."
The rumors had been making waves earlier, and of course he had heard about them. He was really foolish this time, actually forgetting this point and even bringing it up in front of this man.
Andrew had no intention of continuing the conversation. He said calmly, "Mr. Evans must still be busy tonight, so I won't take up any more of your time."
This time Nathan finally got the hint and knew Andrew was showing him the door.
So he quickly stood up and said, "Indeed, that's the case. Then... I won't disturb your peace any longer. I'll go greet the guests first."
"Mm."
Andrew nodded, and Nathan soon left.
David watched him wiping cold sweat as he went out and couldn't help shaking his head.
At this moment, the banquet hall outside was lively.
Quite a few people had already gathered around Olivia, Beatrix, and Daniel.
These guests had come over to chat with them and toast.
Although Nexora Tech was a rising star compared to those established companies.
Everyone had seen their capabilities.
Given time, they would definitely lead the pack.
Better to have one more friend than one more enemy.
If there could be some cooperation or guidance, that would be even better.
In this noisy setting with clinking glasses, Olivia still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Even though she wanted to avoid it, she ended up reluctantly drinking some in the end.
But there were rewards for the effort—at least at this banquet, she made quite a few connections...
On the other side, Sophia also found Michael and met up with him.
Given the Johnson Group's standing, quite a few people came to chat with Michael.
When they saw the woman beside him, some uninformed guests were quite surprised and instinctively asked, "And this is?"
Before Michael could speak, Sophia actively introduced herself, saying to the other party, "Hello, Mr. Howard. My name is Sophia, and I'm Mr. Johnson's companion. I've heard before that Mr. Howard has an extraordinary bearing, and seeing you today, it's indeed well-deserved..."
Her behavior was appropriate, and her words were very tactful, making the executives who came to greet Michael very pleased.
It must be said, Sophia was truly skilled in this area.
But not everyone didn't know who she was.
When some guests heard Sophia's name, their expressions became somewhat strange.
If they remembered correctly, this woman was the reason Michael abandoned Olivia, right?
They didn't expect that on such an occasion today, Michael would still bring Sophia out...
And besides, hadn't there been rumors before about her plagiarizing formulas?
After such a huge scandal, she still dared to show off in public.
How could she act like nothing had happened?
Everyone looked down on Sophia in their hearts, but for Michael's sake, they didn't say anything.
But not everyone would indulge Sophia.
Daniel not far away naturally didn't miss what was happening here.
Hearing this, he let out a cold laugh and said, "Isn't this summit only for invited guests? How did they let just any trash in?"
His voice wasn't lowered.
The mocking words reached Michael and Sophia's ears directly.
Sophia's expression stiffened, as if someone had stepped on a sore spot.
Michael frowned, seeming somewhat displeased.
Daniel didn't stop there.
He continued in his roguish manner, this time directly naming Michael. "Mr. Johnson, everyone knows you dote on your mistress, but at such a grand occasion today, having her run around the whole venue like some socialite—isn't that inappropriate? Everyone here is at least someone of status. Aren't you lowering everyone's standards? Not to mention, this Ms. Brown has stolen pharmaceutical formulas from our company before. This woman has a criminal record, yet you still let her network with so many distinguished guests. Don't tell me... she's plotting something again?"
Hearing this, Michael's face darkened.
And Sophia standing beside him turned pale.
Because she had no way to refute what Daniel said.
But she had already paid the price—what more did they want?
Today was an opportunity she had worked so hard to seize. Was it going to be ruined again?
Sophia looked at the guests nearby.
The people who had been chatting pleasantly just moments ago were now instinctively distancing themselves from her.
Sophia was trembling with anger!
Daniel's words were truly vicious!
He was basically saying outright that she wanted to plagiarize other companies' secrets too...
Now everyone was looking at her with contempt.
Sophia couldn't stand such looks and felt terrible. "Michael..."
She looked at Michael for help, wanting him to get her out of this situation.
Michael's expression wasn't good either.
But compared to Sophia, he was barely managing to stay composed, just looking at Daniel with some displeasure. "Mr. Wilson, the person who stole the formula was someone else, and he has already confessed. The police closed the case long ago. It has nothing to do with Sophia. As for why she's here, she naturally came as a staff member accompanying the Johnson Group. Does Mr. Wilson have an issue with the Johnson Group's arrangements too?"