Chapter 373

Frederick Langley's true intention was merely to uncover the core technology behind Infinite-CM.

Nathaniel Graves shook his hand with practiced ease.

"Professor Langley, you flatter me. I've studied your seminal papers on recurrent neural networks and attention mechanisms over a dozen times—they've fundamentally shaped my research approach."

"The honor is entirely mine."

Frederick naturally wished to prolong their discussion. However, the conference opening ceremony was imminent.

Before they could continue, staff members ushered them to their designated seats.

Following the organizers' introductory remarks, Frederick, Nathaniel, and other distinguished guests delivered their keynote addresses.

Every attendee sought opportunities to network with these two luminaries.

When the first session concluded, both men found themselves swarmed by corporate delegations and academics alike.

Isabella Sinclair, Julian Montgomery, Kieran Blackwood, and Dominic Fairchild had no need to jostle through the crowd. They remained on the periphery, observing quietly.

Alexander Whitmore similarly had no reason to push forward.

But accompanying Victoria Kensington placed him squarely at the center of attention.

His simple gesture—twisting open a water bottle for her—drew another wave of envious glances from surrounding women.

Many industry experts and executives who knew of Alexander and Victoria's relationship had previously questioned his choice.

Given his aristocratic lineage and professional accomplishments, why choose someone like Victoria? While undeniably beautiful with respectable academic credentials, her family background paled in comparison.

Now, discovering she was Frederick Langley's protégé, everything clicked into place.

Previously, people tolerated Victoria out of deference to Alexander. Now, knowing her academic pedigree, their courtesy transformed into genuine enthusiasm.

Victoria noticed everything—the women's jealous stares, the businessmen's sudden deference.

Accepting the water bottle, she took a measured sip and smiled faintly.

Her gaze drifted toward those excluded from the inner circle—Isabella, Dominic, and their group.

Dominic's astonishment was palpable. His wide-eyed admiration couldn't be concealed.

Kieran Blackwood appeared equally shocked, though Victoria remained unsurprised.

Then her eyes met Isabella's.

The other woman's expression remained impassive, as if entirely unaffected.

Victoria suppressed a sneer.

Was Isabella truly indifferent? Or merely pretending aloofness?

After all, she now stood as Frederick Langley's student—a height Isabella could never hope to reach. She could only gaze upward in envy.

Isabella caught the fleeting contempt in Victoria's eyes. Though uncertain of the exact thoughts, the gist was obvious.

Amused, she returned an icy, dismissive glance.

Victoria interpreted this as forced composure.

Shifting her attention to Julian and Kieran, she noticed Kieran's focus remained entirely on Isabella—as if no one else existed.

But Kieran wasn't one to judge by superficialities.

Having witnessed Isabella's capabilities, he'd never genuinely favor someone like Victoria.

Therefore, his apparent fixation on Isabella didn't concern her in the slightest.

As for Julian, he stared in her direction, visibly stunned.

Victoria smiled.

He'd always recognized her talents, but likely never anticipated this level of distinction.

Would he still harbor feelings for Isabella now?

Frederick genuinely wished to engage Nathaniel in substantive dialogue. But between Nathaniel's schedule and the organizers' demands, no opportunity arose.

At lunch, Nathaniel excused himself for another engagement, departing with Isabella and their group.

As they passed Alexander and Victoria, Isabella kept her gaze forward. Alexander, engrossed in conversation, didn't so much as glance her way.

Frederick's Ceravelle visit concluded on the conference's second day. He left disappointed by the missed opportunity for deeper technical exchange.

But his regret proved short-lived.

Shortly before departure, he told Victoria with visible excitement: "NMI's latest issue received an extraordinary submission—innovative perspective, impeccable methodology. The review panel was thoroughly impressed. Once published, I'd love substantive discussions with the author."

As both a world-renowned professor and NMI reviewer, Frederick was technically barred from pre-publication disclosures about submissions—including personal evaluations.

But given his stature, he doubted anyone would challenge this minor confidentiality breach.

Intrigued by his praise, Victoria eagerly anticipated the journal's release.

Fortunately, NMI's new issue would publish imminently.

She understood Frederick wouldn't have mentioned this unless he held high expectations for her.

"I understand, Professor. When the issue releases, I'll study that paper thoroughly."

Frederick nodded approvingly. "Excellent."

After seeing him off at the airport, Victoria finally returned home.