Chapter 434

Alexander's gaze remained fixed on the stage, completely unaware of Victoria's intense stare.

She bit her lower lip and turned away sharply.

The product launch by Velotra had become an unprecedented sensation.

When Isabella and Jonathan stepped down from the platform, another wave of thunderous applause erupted through the venue.

Every corporate executive in attendance immediately rose to offer their congratulations to Jonathan and Isabella.

Nathaniel moved swiftly through the crowd toward Isabella.

The impact of Velotra's autonomous vehicle technology would undoubtedly send shockwaves through global markets.

Isabella's professional stock was about to soar to unimaginable heights.

Having known her for years, Nathaniel felt genuine pride in her achievement. Without thinking, he pulled her into an embrace. "Congratulations," he murmured.

Isabella's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you, Professor." Her whisper was so quiet only Nathaniel caught the familiar title.

The tech moguls present understood talent when they saw it. At this moment, their interest in Isabella far surpassed their curiosity about Jonathan.

A genius like her represented a walking goldmine - if anyone could lure her away...

Mental calculations began behind polite smiles, though no one dared approach Isabella directly yet. This was Velotra's moment after all - Jonathan deserved their respect first.

They swarmed Jonathan with congratulations before casually attempting to engage Isabella in conversation - only to find Nathaniel had already claimed her attention.

Over recent months, Isabella and Nathaniel had become a frequent sight at industry events together.

Some executives had met her before.

Back then, they'd dismissed her as merely Nathaniel's arm candy - beautiful but insignificant.

Then her groundbreaking research paper made waves, forcing them to acknowledge her intellect.

Nathaniel was a prodigy, and Isabella, being both brilliant and in the same field, suddenly seemed like a worthy match.

But after today's demonstration, they realized Isabella wasn't just talented - she was a once-in-a-generation mind.

For Nathaniel to be a genius was impressive enough, but to have a partner who matched him? The man had it all.

Envy flickered behind many carefully composed executive expressions.

As Nathaniel released Isabella, one CEO couldn't resist teasing, "Mr. Graves, keeping Ms. Sinclair's brilliance under wraps like this? That's downright criminal."

"Absolutely," another chimed in.

Nathaniel arched an eyebrow. "Who said anything about keeping secrets? You simply lack vision."

But all eyes remained on Isabella.

After exchanging pleasantries with Nathaniel, they turned to Isabella with renewed interest. "Ms. Sinclair, our warmest congratulations."

"Thank you," Isabella responded gracefully.

"We have several cutting-edge tech initiatives underway. Ms. Sinclair, might you have availability for a more in-depth discussion?"

Before she could respond, another executive interjected, "His 'cutting-edge' projects are child's play compared to what we're developing at-"

Soon a lively crowd formed around Isabella and Nathaniel, the air buzzing with competitive energy.

Alexander remained seated throughout, observing the scene with detached interest.

Victoria sat rigid beside him, nails digging into her palms.

She stole another glance at Alexander. His attention never wavered from the center of activity - not even a flicker of awareness that she existed. It was as if she'd become invisible to him.

Her face drained of color. Jaw clenched, she turned her gaze toward Isabella just a few yards away.

The implications of Velotra's success were painfully clear.

The autonomous vehicle market had limited capacity. Velotra's dominance would inevitably crush competitors' prospects.

If yesterday InnovaTech's technological advances promised hundred-million-dollar opportunities, today...

The mere thought made Victoria's chest constrict.

And Isabella?

Setting aside everything else, if the technologies demonstrated today were truly her creations, the patent royalties alone would generate staggering wealth, not to mention consulting fees and profit shares.

As these calculations spiraled through her mind, Alexander's voice snapped her back to reality.

She turned to find him checking his watch. "Don't we have another engagement? We should leave."

Despite the storm of thoughts, her mind had gone curiously blank.

Wordlessly, she rose and followed him to bid farewell to Jonathan.

Jonathan remained encircled by well-wishers near Isabella and Nathaniel.

Noticing their approach, Jonathan offered Alexander a polite nod. "Mr. Whitmore."

Alexander extended his hand. "Congratulations."

Jonathan smiled. "The pleasure is mutual."

Alexander then turned to Isabella. "Congratulations."

Isabella met his gaze evenly. "Thank you."

Addressing Jonathan again, Alexander said, "We have prior commitments. Mr. Sterling, everyone - until next time."

Jonathan and the others nodded politely.

But as they exchanged farewells with Alexander, many eyes flickered curiously toward Victoria.