Chapter 288
Yvette looked at him, eyes downcast. Her voice was hoarse and she rubbed her temples. She thought, ‘Middle-aged rebellion in men is really scary. If one day Jeremiah becomes that rebellious, just give him a good slap and be done with it. That’ll save a lot of trouble.’ She glanced at Howard, who looked really thrilled. “Howard, I usually keep to myself and don’t really know the rules of this circle.”
Howard’s eyes were clearly saying, “I don’t believe you, don’t lie to me.”
Yvette paused for a second. She thought, ‘If that’s the case, I’ll just be straightforward. She calmly said to Howard, “Howard, I’m above the rules, no rules can hold me back.”
Howard was momentarily at a loss for words. He thought, ‘Ms. Zeller sure is bold and proud. In the business world, I’m someone who can even make the rules. I lead the trends in the capital market, so I can totally understand and agree with Ms. Zeller’s words. Howard could only put aside his dreams of being the big boss for now. His middle-aged rebellion didn’t succeed after all!
The two talked for another hour. Afterward, Howard walked out of the villa looking energized. Liam, seeing someone finally come out, quickly got out of the car. If Howard didn’t come out soon, he might fall asleep waiting.
Liam approached Howard with a slight bow. “Mr. Yates, you’re out.”
Howard said, “Okay, let’s go back to the company. Remember to schedule lunch with Rashad from the biochem lab for tomorrow.”
Liam nodded repeatedly. Once in the car, he kept glancing at Howard through the rearview mirror. Judging by Howard’s good mood, there shouldn’t be any problems. His anxious heart finally calmed down.
Howard had already noticed Liam sneaking glances at him. He thought, ‘Is there something on my face? Why is this kid sneaking glances at me?’
Howard closed the document and looked up. He caught Liam as he peeked at him.
The two of them locked eyes. The atmosphere was strange and awkward.
Howard wore a serious expression. “You’ve glanced at me no fewer than ten times on this trip. Is something wrong with me?”
Liam quickly shook his head. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He thought, ‘Can there be anything more awkward than being caught by the boss? My toes are digging into the ground out of embarrassment.
Liam quickly replied, “Mr. Yates, I just feel like you’ve been especially happy since leaving the villa.”
Howard wasn’t upset. He glanced at the anxious Liam and said calmly, “It’s nothing, I just learned something unexpected.”
Howard was known for his poker face. Except when he was with Yvette, getting a smile from him was nearly impossible for everyone else.
Liam really couldn’t imagine what could make Howard so happy. It definitely wasn’t because of money; it had to be because of Yvette.
The next day, at the national new energy press conference. Major media outlets from around the world were all present. Every media outlet brought their latest equipment to secure the best positions for first-hand video coverage.
The successful development of new energy in Clusia marks a new era in energy. Clusia has surpassed the advanced technologies currently owned by Mysonna. This press conference is truly attracting a lot of attention. Today, the world’s attention is focused on this event.
James attended today in formal clothes. At his level, he only showed up if it’s a really formal and significant event.
In the lounge, Marcus helped Jay straighten his tie. He lowered his head slightly, his voice was a bit deep. “What’s going on? You’ve been distracted since carly morning. What are you thinking about?” Marcus asked.
Jay looked up and found that Marcus was a head taller than him. The height difference really made him want to punch Jay. He thought, ‘What did this guy eat to grow so tall? I heard he drank a lot of milk as a kid. Maybe I should drink some too. Growing late is still growing! As long as I grow a bit, it’s fine.
Jay said, “It’s nothing, just that I feel weird if Siren doesn’t come today. Without her in the new energy development, we might still be on the wrong path, and wouldn’t have succeeded so quickly. On a day like today, when we’re celebrated for our success, she doesn’t show up. It makes me a little sad. She should be here with us, getting everyone’s applause.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Marcus was silent for a few moments and he looked at Jay’s face. “Jay, do you think it’s possible that Siren isn’t showing up just because she’s too lazy?” Marcus suggested.
The nice atmosphere was just interrupted like that. Jay suddenly wasn’t sad anymore. He twisted Marcus’s arm with force, wrinkling his black suit.
Marcus hissed in pain. Jay reluctantly nodded. “Okay, I guess you might be right.”
Seeing Jay’s mood improve, Marcus chuckled too. He thought, “This guy just loves getting caught up in the details. There is still another theory I haven’t mentioned-maybe Yvette really doesn’t care about the Siren identity? Or what if she doesn’t lack the fame, status, and wealth that everyone yearned for?’
At exactly 11 o’clock, the new energy press conference officially began. Besides the core members from the national physics lab, top leaders from relevant departments also attended this press conference. Everyone attended this conference had important statues in this country.
Jay and Marcus were seated on either side of James. One on his left, the other on his right; one in a black suit, the other in white, making for a striking combination. Marcus had already gained some popularity in society. A few years back, when he was taking classes at Betrico University, a student secretly took a picture of him, posted it online, and it went viral. So, besides James, the media focused their cameras on him the most.
The press conference proceeded smoothly. It went smoothly until the final part, when James went on stage to speak. With a cane in hand and his back straight, James walked up to the stage slowly. Even though he was almost in his eighties, his posture was still upright.
As the top figure in the country’s physics field, he couldn’t afford to show weakness in front of the world media. James got on stage, picked up the microphone, and looked at the international media below. His words were forceful and clear for a full thirty minutes. The auditorium echoed with his powerful voice.
Finally, it was time for the reporters to ask questions. James looked energetic, his face glowing with health.
This time, Mysonna’s government sent their top mainstream media. They were widely recognized as having the most challenging media personnel to deal with. The person who came this time was a white man, appearing to be in his forties, with keen eyes. He was the first among the media present to ask a question. “Hello, Dean James, in your report you mentioned that this new energy project owes much of its success to someone named Siren. It was their research that sped up the development and introduction of this technology. However, this person is unwilling to show up, could you explain why Siren doesn’t want to make an appearance? Is there a reason for this? Please elaborate.”
Jay and Marcus exchanged a look. It was obvious they had come well-prepared. It seems like it was the right call for Yvette to keep Siren’s identity a secret. They both thought, ‘How many talents have they already taken from our country to Mysonna?
‘Mysonna has been looking for opportunities to tarnish Clusia’s reputation these past years. They’re quite adept at swaying public opinion and misleading people worldwide.’
James lifted his eyelids and wore a polite smile. He’s handled this kind of malicious situation countless times when he was younger. The current scenario is just a piece of cake. He thought “Trying to blow things out of proportion?’
James picked up the microphone and slowly looked at the white male reporter who asked the question