The line went silent for a full two minutes before Violet received a message.


    "V&S Group."


    She stared at those three words, brow furrowed. She''d never heard of them before.


    "Who''s listed as owner?"


    Surely not someone with thest name Turner, she thought for a split second- then dismissed the idea as absurd. Why would she even think of Victoria? That woman had nothing going for her; it couldn''t possibly be her.


    "The owner''sst name is rk, but for confidentiality reasons, I can''t give you more details."


    That was all Violet needed. Her tone was cool as she replied, "Thanks, that''s enough. No need to send me the full name."


    rk. Didn''t ring any bells.


    Violet returned to her seat, clutching the printouts she''d brought with her.


    McNeil nced at her, a silent look passing between them that made Violet feel a little self-conscious.


    "Mr. Campbell isn''t seeing anyone," she said, a touch defensive.


    Simms, sitting nearby, gave a derisive snort. "Please. He''s just a senator, but he acts like royalty."


    McNeil paused a moment before replying. "Stein''s father and grandfather were both generals. Now he''s carrying on the family legacy. Ordinary people have no chance of getting to him. It''s not surprising you were turned away."


    Violet felt a surge of urgency.


    "That drone project only has a shot if we can get Stein''s support. If he won''t even meet-"


    She trailed off, frustration clear in her voice.


    McNeil, as always, seemed unbothered. "No need to rush."


    In truth, it was Simms who was feeling the pressure. After Violet''s proposal was shot down at Quantum Core Technologies, she''d handed the project over to Simms.


    McNeil was never all that keen on the drone sector anyway. If a business couldn''t be controlled directly, it rarely held his interest. Last time, his investment in Quantum Core''s gaming division had lost hundreds of millions-he''d be lying if he said it didn''t sting.


    He wanted to support Violet, but never intended to bring Simms into the fold. Besides, things were awkward between him and Simms-awkward enough that he said nothing, and Violet had no choice but to wait.


    The moderator arrivedte, and the industry experts and schrs took their ces on the stage one by one. Thest to appear was the main event: Stein himself.


    As soon as he stepped onto the tform, the once-noisy conference hall fell silent.


    A ripple of astonished gasps swept through the crowd.


    No one spoke, but every eye was fixed on Stein. They''d all assumed only a bespoke suit could showcase a man''s charisma, but it turned out a tailored officer''s jacket did the trick even better.


    No one had expected Stein to be so striking-somanding. They''d pictured a balding, paunchy old politician; instead, here was a man who radiated authority and presence.


    "Now, let''s wee our esteemed research veteran, Professor Vaughn, to give the opening remarks—"


    The moderator introduced the panel of schrs one by one. Their talks were heavy on academic jargon, and most of the audience quickly lost interest. The women, in particr, had eyes only for Stein-they barely nced at the stage for anything else.


    A handful of lecturester, polite apuse trickled through the room. But when the moderator introduced Stein, some people pped so hard their hands turned red. Victoria sat quietly in the back, watching as the room held its breath. Stein''s voice filled the hall, deep and resonant as if piped through surround sound.


    "It''s a pleasure to be here in Starfall City—"


    He made a few perfunctory remarks before cutting straight to the point.


    "Today''s tech expo is all about finding capablepanies to partner with the military and develop advanced defense equipment. If you have questions, now''s the time to ask."


    His words sent a jolt of excitement through the room, especially among the business leaders in the front row.


    Simms, meanwhile, discreetly tugged on Yulia''s sleeve. Yulia leaned in closer to Violet.


    "Remind McNeil to find a way to approach Mr. Campbell," she whispered.


    Violet murmured back, "Don''t worry, Yulia. McNeil listens to me—he''ll keep it in mind."


    At a moment like this, everyone was vying for a chance to speak with Stein. Some were genuinely hoping for his favor; others just wanted a moment in the spotlight.