Chapter 396

Some time ago, when Frederick Langley discovered that a research paper he had highly praised during peer review was actually authored by someone from YodaVision, he made a special trip to Salzburg just to meet Isabella Sinclair and Nathaniel Graves.

During that visit, he told Victoria Kensington that if she had joined YodaVision when she returned to Salzburg last year, her professional growth would have been remarkable.

At the time, Victoria completely agreed. She believed Isabella had deliberately blocked her from entering YodaVision, causing her to miss a crucial career opportunity.

But now, seeing how much Isabella had achieved in less than a year by working alongside Nathaniel, Victoria realized she might have lost far more than she originally thought.

It wasn't just Nathaniel - there was also Frederick Aldridge.

Frederick's formidable expertise and access to cutting-edge industry knowledge had played a significant role in both Nathaniel and Isabella's professional development.

Just as her mother Eleanor had said, if Victoria had successfully joined YodaVision back then, with her intelligence and capabilities, her progress would've undoubtedly surpassed Isabella's.

But there were no second chances. All of that was just wishful thinking now.

As these thoughts raced through her mind, Victoria glared at Isabella with icy contempt. So this was Isabella's grand plan all along - leaving Fleming Group, getting close to Nathaniel, and blocking Victoria's path into YodaVision.

Recalling how everything had unfolded, Eleanor finally understood Isabella wasn't as simple as she appeared. "I never imagined she could be this calculating," Eleanor said coldly.

Isabella was still engaged in conversation with other attendees. When she turned and noticed the Kensington women staring, she immediately sensed their hostility.

In the past, their expressions had always been filled with disdain or indifference. Today's venomous glare was something new.

But Isabella had no interest in deciphering their sudden change in attitude. She simply averted her gaze with deliberate indifference.

To Eleanor and Victoria, this reaction only confirmed their suspicions - Isabella was arrogant and smug.

It was as if she had already defeated them.

Today, Isabella was indeed the center of attention. Her pride seemed justified.

Considering the value of her research, Isabella had already surpassed Victoria professionally.

But...

Isabella had Nathaniel. She had technical prowess.

Victoria had Alexander Whitmore.

Eleanor regained her composure. "Her success won't last forever," she said calmly.

She refused to believe Isabella and Nathaniel's relationship would remain stable indefinitely.

When Victoria thought about Alexander's feelings for her and how Sophia Whitmore preferred her over Isabella, she too calmed down.

Her gaze returned to Isabella, now filled with familiar contempt. "I must admit I've been neglecting my research lately," Victoria said. "It's time I refocused on my studies."

Even without Nathaniel and Frederick's professional support, if she dedicated herself to continuous learning, who could say who would achieve more in the future?

Eleanor naturally approved of this mindset. "Alexander can help you," she suggested.

Victoria smiled confidently. "I know. He'll absolutely help me if I ask."

With that, she stopped paying attention to Isabella entirely and rejoined the symposium crowd.

But unlike earlier when she mostly networked with corporate representatives, this time Victoria sought out the event's leading experts.