?Chapter 417:


    Neil was surprised that Connor had decided to let Derek lead an entire department. With a tone of uncertainty, he questioned, “So, Derek is going to build and manage the Robotics Research and Development Department Two entirely on his own, including picking the staff and setting its research agenda?”


    “That’s right,” Connor replied. “You are eager to give Derek a chance to shine, aren’t you? I’m on board with that. He’ll have full control of Department Two, which will be just as significant as Department One, and he’ll report directly to me.”


    “That’s fantastic,” Neil said, rubbing his hands together in excitement. He tugged on Derek’s sleeve, urging him, “Show some gratitude, Derek.”


    Derek, already daydreaming from the excitement, imagining himself as the big boss in a handsome suit riding the waves of technology development, finally came back to his senses. Visibly flustered, he said to Connor, “Thank you, thank you so much, Uncle Connor.”


    Connor, however, added, “While it’s true that Department One and Department Two are side by side, they will also be inpetition. There will be substantial rewards for whichever department achieves breakthroughs first. But remember, if a department doesn’t show progress, I won’t hesitate to shut it down.”


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    Derek turned to Franco, his expression troubled, saying, “Isn’t that somewhat unfair, Uncle Connor? Department One is all set to go, while I haven’t even started to assemble my team.


    It stands to reason that Department Two mightg in producing resultspared to Department One. And if you finalize the deal with Windsoul Robots today, Dr. Finley will join Department One and provide them with support. Surely, Department Two won’t be able to catch up anytime soon, right?”


    “You have a point, Derek,” Connor nodded in agreement. “But don’t worry. I’ll ensure you have a lot of time to catch up with Department One. I’m doubling your department’s budget. Feel free to organize your team and resources as you see fit.


    You have full autonomy over the personnel and equipment you want to bring in. At any rate, the resources at your disposal should not fall short of what Department One has. As for the partnership with Windsoul Robots, I’ll remain neutral.


    Compete with Franco as you wish. The decision for Windsoul Robots to coborate with which department will hinge solely on your efforts.”


    Derek’s excitement grew when he heard this. He turned to Franco with a smile. “It seems we’re set for a rivalry at work, Uncle Franco. My apologies in advance if my team outperforms yours.”


    Franco managed a strained smile and responded, “Let’s keep family out of office politics. Just call me Franco. I wouldn’t want to hear youin about your Uncle Franco using his seniority to overpower you when Department Onees out on top.”


    Derek shot Franco a cold look and remained silent. Though they were roughly the same age, Franco was still considered his uncle, which frustrated Derek. He was determined to show Franco, through his achievements, that he deserved respect, even as a junior.


    With the opportunity Connor provided, Derek was determined to prove himself in front of everyone. Turning to Marissa, Derek gave her a significant nce.


    Marissa picked up on his signal immediately. Having grown up together, she understood Derek better than anyone else there. While others might not grasp the meaning behind his look, she could.


    His eyes conveyed that he had always been capable, merely hindered by ack of chances. Now, with this opportunity, he was ready to seize his dreams. Marissa’s decision not to be his lover earlier was now her loss!


    Understanding Derek’s message, Marissa felt amused and scratched her ear. She remembered Derek’s difficult past; despite his questionable actions, she felt a twinge of sympathy for him.


    Derek was ambitious yet often unfortunate. The higher the starting point Connor gave him, the harder he would crash in the future.


    In a room where many saw him as a mere ything, Derek was the one taking his role seriously. It was quite poignant.


    Just then, Domenic approached and said, “There’s been an issue with Windsoul Robots, Mr. Connor Daniels.”


    Marissa was taken aback; what could possibly have happened?


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