Autumn’s smile was warm. “Besides, the last time we met, your grandfather did me a great favor. I never got the chance to properly thank him. Tonight’s on me. Let it be my way of showing gratitude.”“I’ll have to check with them first,” Stellar replied, a little concerned. “They’re getting on in years… they might not enjoy a big crowd.”“Of course,” Autumn said kindly. “You go home and ask. I’ll send you the address in a bit. And if they’d rather not come, that’s perfectly fine. Just enjoy your evening with them. Leave everything here to me.”A wave of warmth rose in Stellar’s chest. “Thank you, Autumn.”After saying goodbye, she drove home.By the time she reached the villa next door, the sun was dipping toward the horizon.She spotted her grandmother sitting alone in the living room, holding something in her hands. The older woman was deep in thought, her expression tinged with nostalgia and faint sorrow.At first, Stellar thought she might be imagining it.She walked over quietl
“No need,” Stellar cut him off without hesitation. “If that’s all you wanted to say, then there’s no point in continuing this conversation.”The executive on the screen looked slightly disappointed but didn’t press further. “I understand. Everyone has their own path, and I won’t force the matter.“What I’d really like to discuss is the turbine blade technology in your hands. I’m prepared to offer you a substantial licensing fee personally. “All I ask is that you authorize its use so our country can benefit from it too.”They used to stand high above, looking down on her with disdain, and now they came crawling, asking for access.It was laughable.Stellar smiled faintly. “Sorry. This technology isn’t for export.”The man’s pleasant expression froze for a split second. His smile grew stiff. “Must you be so heartless, Miss Rivers?”“That’s not heartless,” she replied coolly. “Why should I hand over something I developed on my own?”Her firm stance made the man lose his temper. “Don’t
Just then, the projector on stage lit up.Everyone looked up in unison and their eyes widened.“What... what is this?”“This is the complete experimental log and original thesis documenting the development of my technology,” Stellar said, arms crossed as she looked down at Linus like he was nothing more than a speck of dust. “Mr. Lee, I suggest you open your eyes and see clearly. Does my original work bear any resemblance to your country’s so-called research pathway?”Linus stared at the screen, scanning every detail. The more he read, the more shaken he became.This approach—this entire direction of research—was something their teams had never even considered.Could she really be a genius?“Look at that pale, ashen face of his. The answer’s written all over it.”“The more he tries to discredit her, the more ridiculous he looks.”“They say this conference is being streamed globally. Foreign viewers are going to witness this. Must be humiliating for them. They’ll probably feel downrig
At two o’clock sharp that afternoon, Stellar arrived at the press conference.Originally, she hadn’t intended to attend in person. But the higher-ups were deeply impressed by her breakthrough—this was a major leap forward for the aerospace industry.They insisted on her presence, wanting the world to see that their people from Capital City weren’t to be underestimated.After some consideration, Stellar agreed, realizing it was a great opportunity to build momentum for the new project.The venue was packed with reporters and spectators.At the center of the stage stood the single-crystal turbine blade she had developed, drawing every gaze in the room."This is the latest single-crystal blade developed by our lab…"Stellar stood on stage, her voice calm but unmistakably commanding. "It can withstand temperatures of up to 1700°C and has a fatigue life of 1500 hours—twenty percent higher than the world’s leading models."A collective gasp rippled through the audience.For years, this fiel
"Then step down and let someone truly capable lead this project forward."Stellar stared at him for a moment, then asked with a trace of disbelief, "Truly capable? Are you referring to yourself?"Henry flushed, clearly feeling insulted. He snapped, "Yes, I am. At least I’ve worked diligently in this position for twenty years, unlike this boastful little girl."Stellar shook her head, no longer interested in playing word games. "Who said my research failed?"The room fell silent in shock."What are you implying? Are you trying to say you've already developed the single-crystal turbine blade technology?" Henry let out a mocking laugh. "If you're going to bluff, at least make it believable—"Before his scornful words were finished, Stellar directly revealed the sample.Under the lights, the blade shimmered with a strange metallic luster, its surface mirror-smooth and edges razor-sharp.The sight left everyone speechless."You... you actually..." Henry could hardly believe it. The idea
The next day.When Percy arrived at the lab as invited, he was still a little stunned by the gesture.He quickly spotted Stellar seated at her desk with her back to him and hurried forward. "Stellar, are you really agreeing to work with me?""Please have a seat, Mr. Moore."Stellar gestured for him to sit, composed and poised. "I gave it a lot of thought last night. Your production line could indeed be helpful, and since this is mutually beneficial, there's no reason to refuse you on a business basis.“But if you’re hoping to use this partnership as leverage for anything else, then we can stop right here.""I won’t," Percy said quickly, adjusting his tone. "I’m offering this in good faith. No conditions, no expectations. Please trust me."For him, just being able to help her, even from a distance, was enough."Alright. I’ll trust you this once more."Half an hour later, the contract was signed smoothly, and the project could finally move into production.Percy hesitated a moment before