Chapter 137

Victoria froze for a split second before pressing her lips into a thin line.

This wasn't the response she'd hoped for.

Frederick was already turning to leave when she rushed forward. "Mr. Aldridge," she blurted out, "how can I improve?"

He paused briefly. "Research more. Stay updated with industry advancements."

Just then, Alexander returned.

Before he could speak, Frederick stated, "My business here is concluded. I'll reach out in a few days."

"Understood."

With that, Frederick left.

Alexander studied Victoria's expression. "That bad?"

She nodded bluntly. "He rejected me."

"What exactly did he say?"

Victoria recounted the entire conversation, including Frederick's blunt assessment.

"You're clearly talented," Alexander said. "And his advice is sound."

Victoria hesitated. Lately, she'd neglected deep research and rarely kept up with tech breakthroughs.

Had Frederick noticed her lack of dedication? Did he consider her professional attitude lacking? Was that why he'd refused her?

Realizing it was her work ethic - not her skills - that had cost her this opportunity, she felt marginally better.

Alexander squeezed her shoulder. "There's always next time."

"I'll try again." Victoria believed correcting her approach would meet Frederick's standards.

She regretted wasting months on racing. Had she focused, she might already be his protégé.

Frederick returned to the villa.

Inside, Isabella and Nathaniel were prepping ingredients for stew.

"You're back early," Nathaniel noted.

Frederick shrugged off his coat. "Hmm."

Nathaniel glanced at Isabella emerging from the kitchen, then smirked. "So no new apprentice, then?"

Frederick ignored him, accepting a bowl from Isabella.

Silence spoke volumes.

Nathaniel chuckled, winking at Isabella. "Told you I had her pegged from day one."

Isabella smiled, shooing him back to the kitchen for meat. "Yes, yes, you're brilliant." When he returned, Nathaniel asked, "Where would you rank her technically?"

"Marginally above average PhD level."

"Great minds."

Over the past decade, their nation's AI advancements had likely surpassed global benchmarks.

As a pivotal industry figure, Frederick constantly interfaced with cutting-edge tech and elite talent.

Victoria's skills were impressive for a layperson. Among top-tier candidates? Merely adequate.

Compared to Frederick's inner circle, she lagged far behind.

As for Nathaniel and Isabella? That was an entirely different caliber.

At twenty-five, Victoria couldn't hold a candle to what Isabella had achieved years prior with CUAP.