Chapter 131

Lockhart Enterprises was still in its infancy, with only a handful of employees. The two young women managing the exhibition booth were just interns. This grand event was far beyond their usual scope, and they had been treading carefully all day.

"Sir, we apologize, but Ms. Lockhart is extremely busy. If you have any concerns, you may address them to us."

"Fine!" The man's face twisted in irritation. "The Global Tech Summit has strict participation criteria. Your company hasn't even been operational for a full year, and you have no proprietary products. You clearly don’t qualify. You have three minutes to vacate this hall—or I’ll have security escort you out."

"But we were invited!" one intern protested. "If you remove us now, you’re defying the organizers!"

The man’s face flushed crimson at being challenged. With a furious kick, he toppled their display board. "That was then. This is now. If the higher-ups say you’re out, you’re out. And if you resist, don’t blame me for what happens next!"

He barked orders into his walkie-talkie, summoning a squad of security guards to dismantle Lockhart Enterprises’ booth.

A crowd of industry professionals gathered, but none intervened. Instead, they watched with smug satisfaction. To them, small startups like Lockhart Enterprises had no place among the elite.

"Go ahead. Try it."

Vivian Lockhart’s voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. She strode forward, chin lifted, eyes blazing. Though her tone was calm, the authority in her presence was undeniable.

"Ms. Lockhart!" The interns rushed to her side, relief flooding their faces. In just two weeks under her leadership, they’d already witnessed her unshakable resolve.

They quickly briefed her. "This man claims we don’t belong here. He threatened to destroy our setup if we don’t leave!"

"So, you’re in charge?" The man sneered, emboldened by her gender. "Then stop wasting time. Take your junk and get out!"

Vivian despised bullies—especially those who preyed on the weak to inflate their own egos. Her expression turned glacial. "Apologize. On your knees. Now. Before it’s too late."

"What did you just say?" The man’s face contorted in disbelief. "Do you have any idea who I am? I could ruin you with a snap of my fingers!"

"Why would I know a nobody like you?" Vivian checked her watch. "But I’ll give you thirty seconds to introduce yourself."

Her dismissiveness enraged him. He seized her collar, snarling, "You’re begging for a beating, aren’t you?"

Vivian glanced at his grip on her shirt. "Remove your filthy hands. Now."

"You dare talk back to me?" Humiliated in front of the crowd, he raised his hand to strike her.

A sharp crack echoed through the hall.

Then—a scream.