Chapter 408

Isabella Sinclair and Gregory Thornton exchanged rapid-fire technical discourse, their conversation flowing with intellectual energy.

Observers could clearly see Gregory growing more animated the longer he spoke with Isabella. His eyes sparkled with professional admiration.

Midway through their discussion, Gregory actually discovered several knowledge gaps in his own expertise. This realization only heightened his excitement.

"You've proven me right," Gregory suddenly declared with a laugh. "Sinclair, your understanding surpasses mine in every way."

The admission sent ripples through nearby listeners. As a leading AI authority, Gregory's public acknowledgment of a younger peer's superiority was unprecedented.

Only Nathaniel Graves wore a subtle, knowing smile in response.

Victoria Kensington stood silently nearby, listening intently.

Genevieve, lacking technical knowledge, grew visibly impatient. "How can they possibly have this much to discuss?"

Victoria remained silent, but her grip on her wine ss turned her knuckles white.

While Salzburg's AI field had made impressive advances recently, with professors like Theodore Sinclair and Walter Pembroke gaining national recognition, they still lagged behind experts like Gregory Thornton and Frederick Langley.

If Victoria had initially dismissed Isabella's knowledge as merely picked up from Nathaniel during the Yardley University symposium, she could no longer maintain that illusion.

Isabella's expertise was alarmingly comprehensive.

To engage Gregory as an equal - even occasionally outmatching him - how could this be achieved in less than a year?

This meant Isabella must have been highly skilled before joining InnovaTech.

That controversial research paper of hers... it might genuinely be her original work after all.

If true, then professionally, Isabella had already surpassed her.

But how?

Isabella had barely graduated before becoming Alexander Whitmore's secretary. Where could she have acquired such advanced knowledge?

"Victoria?" Genevieve finally noticed her cousin's pale complexion. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Victoria took a slow sip of wine, her silence more telling than any response.

Kieran Blackwood had recognized Isabella's brilliance before, but tonight she exceeded even his expectations. As he listened to her technical exchange, a colleague leaned in.

"I did some digging on Ms. Sinclair for you. She's not originally from Fairview."

"Her parents divorced, and her mother has... mental health challenges. She moved here with her uncle's family over ten years ago."

"When their business struggled a few years back, no one stepped in to help. They don't seem well-connected here."

"Things have improved slightly recently, but in Fairview's social hierarchy, they're practically invisible."

Seeing Kieran's impatient glance, his friend continued, "As for her marriage... The Sinclair family's social obscurity makes information scarce."

"Despite extensive inquiries, no one seems to know anything concrete."