CHAPTER 175: CHAPTER 175: THE DUEL BETWEEN TWO MEN OFFICIALLY BEGINS

Restroom.

Both of them took off their hairpins and placed them in the basket beside them, tidying their hair.

This time, Summer Shaw’s movements were much gentler and she didn’t pull out a single hair.

"Before we officially announce our companies’ partnership, you should demonstrate our new product," Juliana said to Summer Shaw.

"How does that work? It’s your research achievement, you should be the one to showcase it to everyone," Summer Shaw replied.

Juliana smiled lightly, "The company is ours, and you’re the head. If you demonstrate it, it will increase your exposure and that’s also beneficial for our brand’s enhancement."

Summer Shaw understood her intention and agreed.

At this moment, Isabelle Sinclair walked in from outside.

She glanced at the basket placed between the two of them at the sink.

She walked over and squeezed herself between the two of them.

Summer Shaw frowned and glanced at her, but she looked at Juliana instead.

"Miss Jacobs, what a coincidence running into you here," she said with a smile.

Juliana’s smile was faint, "Indeed, quite the coincidence. Coming to the restroom for an encounter usually means there’s something questionable brewing inside, feels uncomfortable if not relieved."

Isabelle Sinclair was left speechless, her smile immediately faded. As she turned to leave, her hand "accidentally" knocked over the bamboo basket on the sink.

"Oops, sorry about that."

She bent down to pick it up and quickly took the hair from the hairpins.

She remembered the two hairpins: Summer Shaw’s was diamond, and Juliana’s was pearl.

The hair she removed was placed in separate sections of her handbag, distinguishing the inner and outer layers.

There was no way she’d get it wrong.

She moved swiftly, and to Juliana and Summer Shaw, it seemed as though she was simply picking up stuff from the floor.

"These hairpins didn’t break, sorry about that."

She said, placing the bamboo basket back on the sink before leaving.

Juliana stayed silent, not even giving her a glance, as she picked up her own hairpin and pinned it back.

However, Summer Shaw noticed a problem: someone had cleared the hair from the hairpins.

She looked in the direction Isabelle had left, her mind puzzled, but being uncertain, she said nothing to Juliana.

Both finished touching up their makeup and returned to the event.

The host began the official announcement ceremony.

"Firstly, let’s invite Mr. Sharp from Aetherflame Dynamics to the stage to demonstrate a new product developed by their company."

Summer Shaw walked up confidently, demonstrating a "high-energy-density solid-state battery pack."

"The solid-state battery developed by our company can provide instantaneous high power support for large data centers, high-performance computing, and AI training, with improved stability and safety."

As soon as she finished speaking, someone interrupted from the audience.

"This level of instantaneous power is theoretical; how do you prove it?"

Summer Shaw slightly raised an eyebrow, "If used in airborne directed-energy weapons, its energy output is equally adept, does that answer satisfy you?"

The person said nothing more.

It’s known that if Aetherflame’s product is genuine, it will establish Aetherflame Dynamics’ leading position in the industry.

Following that, the demonstration ended amid applause and admiration from the crowd.

Next, Ms. Thorne took the stage.

"It is our honor for Cryovault Titanium to establish a strategic partnership with Aetherflame Dynamics. Next, please allow me to solemnly invite the founder and chairman of our group, and the key driver of this collaboration, to the stage to witness this moment with Mr. Sharp."

Just as Summer Shaw and Juliana were surprised that Cryovault Titanium’s chairman would personally show up, the door beside them slowly opened.

Evan Grant walked in from outside, impeccably dressed.

He looked entirely different from his previously downcast appearance.

Not only Juliana and Summer Shaw but everyone present was shocked.

After the downfall of Cortexa, the entire Grant Family had fallen from grace, yet Evan reappeared here with a new identity.

Cryovault Titanium’s development overseas wasn’t achieved overnight, meaning Evan’s escape from the mire of the Grant Family began years ago.

And as his wife at that time, Juliana knew nothing about it.

After Evan took the stage, he gave Juliana a meaningful look and then spoke confidently and calmly, "Hello everyone, Cryovault Titanium’s focus had been overseas, and this collaboration with Aetherflame Dynamics marks a strategic shift towards a domestic focus. Director Jacobs, our connection is far from over."

Juliana’s face turned pale, her hands subtly trembling.

Summer Shaw gritted her teeth.

Never did she expect, after keeping him from extending his influence into the company, to stumble here.

Right then, Quinn Shepherd emerged from the crowd below the stage.

No one expected that Elias Langley’s secretary was there, so a path was automatically cleared as Quinn stepped onto the stage.

Quinn handed a document to Juliana.

"Mr. Langley has high regard for your company’s battery technology prospects. So, welcome to join the Helios Energy Association."

Juliana looked down to see a "membership agreement."

The terms were favorable, especially the statement "ensure unlimited support for R&D funding," making this agreement not only substantial but also enviable to peers.

Before Juliana could speak, Summer Shaw snatched the agreement, "Sign it now, I brought the company seal."

Quinn smiled and nodded.

Juliana instinctively scanned the room, not spotting Elias Langley.

He must still be in Kingsford, unable to leave, hence sending Quinn for this task.

Evan Grant clearly understood Elias Langley’s move.

This was just the beginning of the contest between the two men.

"Congratulations to Aetherflame Dynamics."

Evan Grant’s face displayed a faint smile, his words were exceptionally cordial.

What followed was a time for informal discussions.

Jared Langley and Isabelle Sinclair left the event early, while Juliana and Summer Shaw were surrounded by the crowd.

Before long, Juliana had gathered a stack of business cards.

Some even wanted to add her on WeChat, which Summer Shaw blocked.

Summer Shaw skillfully dealt with everyone, noticing beads of sweat on Juliana’s forehead, she took all the attention on herself, allowing Juliana to quietly slip away from the crowd’s view.

Juliana went to the restroom to wash her face, and upon coming out, she encountered Evan Grant leaning against a wall.

She instinctively took two steps back.

Evan Grant saw her wariness and sneered, "Even with Elias Langley’s involvement, I won’t give up on you. Juliana, I need you to know one thing: I married you not for benefit, but because I genuinely like you."

Juliana seemed to hear something ridiculous, her eyes full of disdain.

"You know full well the roots of the Grant Family are rotten; your chances of turning it around are slim, so you’ve already paved a way out for yourself, capable of a smooth retreat regardless of success or failure. As for me, you just watched me struggle in the mire, letting me fend for myself, never considering even a bit for me. Now, where do you get the face to say you like me?"

Evan Grant was not embarrassed by her accusations. Instead, he stubbornly declared, "Whether you choose me or Elias Langley, you must learn how to be a qualified ’Rich Lady.’ If you put emotions first, you won’t survive. I’m teaching you survival skills, but you only see me as unfeeling."

Juliana let out two cold laughs, "If following your rules means becoming a lonely outcast like you, then you truly exemplify that theory. You can keep such a great thing to yourself!"

With that, she turned and walked away.

Evan Grant’s voice came leisurely from behind her, "One day, you’ll realize that only I truly have your best interests at heart."

Juliana maintained a stern face, walking quickly, as if she couldn’t bear to stay a moment longer.

Just as she passed a tightly closed door, a large hand suddenly grabbed her wrist and swiftly pulled her into a nearby room.