"I have some things to take care of, so I''ll head out first," Nathaniel said as he patted his nose, bidding farewell to the children before leaving.


    He truly was busy today. The sudden public appearance of Rnd, the head of The Lockwood Group, had sent shockwaves through the business world, causing substantial fluctuations in the stock market. The Pembroke Group also felt some tremors and there was plenty to handle.


    After a brief pause at a café, M took Julian by the hand and headed to the mall. They bought a heap of upscale children''s supplies and toys before heading back home to Oakwood Estate.


    The child remained silent throughout the trip, clutching tightly to M''s hand with a clear sense of insecurity. M noticed and softly inquired about his recent life. Julian answered quietly, only speaking when spoken to, and seemed even more withdrawn than thest time she saw him.


    Seeing him like this tugged at M''s heart. She resolved to finish her current tasks quickly so she could expose Julian to more of the outside world. A broader perspective might lighten his mood, she thought.


    On their way home, M received a call from Miranda, who urged her to check the news. M casually browsed through her phone, which was flooded with reports about Rnd''s public reappearance. This news quashed previous widespread rumors of his disappearance and death. Simultaneously, The FM Group, apany admired by many for its coborations with the renowned Forest Team, announced its final partnership with The Lockwood Group, propelling this information to the top of trending topics.


    This week''s first day belonged to The Lockwood Group. M wasn''t particrly interested in these affairs. Her main concern was that once The Lockwood Group stabilized and its coboration with The FM Group solidified, it would maintain a bnce with Montgomery Holdings, bringing her closer to going abroad.


    Hopefully, everything would go smoothly.


    At the hospital.


    Lysander was also aware of the news about The Lockwood Group. Leaning against the hospital bed, he listened to Leonard''s report without much change in expression or surprise.


    He had anticipated this and was more interested in other news. He picked up the teacup from the bedside table, took a sip of water, and asked casually, "What''s Forrest up to these days?"


    Leonard, sitting by the bed, swiped through his tablet and brought up a document. "We''ve heard he''s preparing to list his newpany and making good progress. He''s been in frequent contact with the authorities, especially the Federal Security Bureau."


    "Listing? The Federal Security Bureau..."


    Lysander toyed with the cup in his hand, deep in thought, then suddenly smiled.


    "He''s nning to settle domestically, isn''t he?"


    "Seems that way."


    Leonard asked, "Should we interfere with hispany''s listing?"


    Lysander''s eyes darkened slightly, a faint smile ying on his lips. "Why interfere? I''d love for him to seed with the listing, anchor him here. I''m more worried he might leave."


    "And his dealings with the Federal Security Bureau?"


    Lysander nced at Leonard and replied calmly, "With a groundbreaking algorithm like his, attracting the Federal Security Bureau''s attention was inevitable. Just leave it be."


    Lysander himself possessed exceptional talent inputing, recognized as a genius. If he hadn''t been forced by his family to return and take over Montgomery Holdings, spending thest seven years solidifying his control over the massive corporation, his achievements inputing would surely rival any contemporary genius, if not surpass them.


    When he first encountered the prototype of the ''As Language Model'' developed by the Forest Team, even as a half-finished product, he recognized its immense potential for future development, which is why he wanted to coborate.


    Now that it was confirmed Forrest was the developer, coboration was off the table. They couldn''t see eye to eye and wouldn''t work together.


    And it wasn''t as if there were no other options. The Al field wasn''t short of exceptional talents besides Forrest.


    Lysander''s eyes flickered subtly, and he gave a calm order, "elerate the search for a partner."


    The project needed to proceed quickly.


    "Yes," Leonard acknowledged.