Chapter 436

"Isabella understands engines and microchips? That's impossible!"

Even after Isabella Sinclair's research paper caused waves in academic circles, Reginald Kensington still refused to believe she was the true author.

Now Eleanor was telling him Isabella had mastered complex engineering and semiconductor technology?

Preposterous.

Eleanor lowered her lashes. The truth was just a search away.

Minutes later, after watching segments of Isabella's keynote at Velotra's launch event, Eleanor's stomach twisted into knots.

Reginald, however, remained in denial.

Genevieve's furious voice crackled through the phone. "She planned this! First sabotaging Uncle Reginald's logistics venture, now coming after InnovaTech!"

On that point, both Kensington parents agreed.

Whether the breakthrough technology truly belonged to Isabella or not, one thing was certain—Velotra's unveiling would cripple InnovaTech's market position.

Before they could strategize, Genevieve's panic escalated. "What now? Analysts predict Velotra will monopolize the autonomous vehicle sector. InnovaTech can't possibly compete—"

Though Velotra's advancements appeared formidable—

Eleanor unclenched her fist, adopting an artificially calm tone. "Technology evolves daily. Today's leader becomes tomorrow's follower."

"Global autonomous vehicle adoption hasn't commenced. We still have time. The tides of fortune change swiftly. Declaring market winners now would be premature."

Her words contained partial truth.

Yet Reginald knew better. His tech firm had produced no meaningful innovations in years. Gaining technological supremacy wasn't child's play.

If breakthroughs came easily, the world wouldn't have so few tech titans. Early advantage meant everything.

Velotra's progress wasn't incremental—it was revolutionary across multiple domains with global implications.

Competitors could either admire from afar or embark on futile chases—requiring one year minimum, twenty at worst.

By then, the market would have—

Reginald's agitation surfaced. "I wonder what Alexander makes of this development."

Eleanor understood his unspoken request to contact their daughter.

She replied smoothly, "They're handling critical negotiations. Let's discuss this after Victoria and Alexander conclude their business."

"Very well."

No alternatives remained.

After dining with Alexander and Vincent Holloway, Victoria returned to the Kensington estate.

Though her family hadn't interrupted the meal, she knew they'd seen Velotra's broadcast—and Isabella's starring role.

As predicted, she found her parents and Genevieve waiting in the drawing room.

Before questions could begin, she preempted them. "You've seen the news?"

"Indeed," Eleanor confirmed. "What was Alexander's reaction?"

Victoria settled onto the chaise, shaking her head. "He didn't comment."

Eleanor's teacup halted mid-air. "Explain."

+25 Bonus

Victoria's nails dug into her palms. "Regarding Velotra's launch—complete silence. Not one word."

No remarks about Isabella. No analysis of Velotra's technology. Nothing.

Eleanor's porcelain cup clattered against its saucer.

Reginald and Genevieve gaped.

This defied Alexander Whitmore's character entirely.

Velotra's advancements threatened InnovaTech's survival.

Normally, Alexander would've reassured Victoria, dissected Velotra's tech from every angle—engineering, commercial, strategic—and formulated countermeasures.

This time?

Radio silence.