Filed to story: A Second Chance with My Billionaire Love
Despite this, Frederick’s words were still unable to convince the group of elderly men.
“Cut the crap! This woman must’ve manipulated her way into this position! KCL Group is definitely corrupted, and our association will never be united! We should vote on whether we should allow this woman to be a part of this conference!”
“Exactly, we have to! Every member of the conference carries an important responsibility in our industry – not just anyone can join our cause!”
The people were quite agitated, and their fierce attitudes made it seem like Flossie was a witch they wanted to burn at the stake.
It was basically a typical showcase of sexism and age discrimination; they just refused to believe that a young woman like her would ever possess such skill and knowledge, let alone the right to obtain a higher status than themselves.
“This isn’t quite right though. The new chairman of KCL Group should naturally be a part of the conference. It would be unfair to Miss Ellsworth if we were to change the rules…” Frederick protested, clearly in a difficult position.
He genuinely admired Flossie. In his opinion, the woman was an absolute prodigy in technology, and was clearly much more knowledgeable than these old men who loved flaunting their wealth and status.
It would be unjust for them to doubt her just because of her gender and age…
Just as the atmosphere was becoming tense, Halston raised his hand calmly. “I’m fine with her joining.”
Everyone turned to look at Halston, falling silent right away. They didn’t dare to utter a single sound.
Flossie stared at the man as well, her beautiful eyes clouded with confusion. The man’s support was understandable, but also extremely unexpected.
“Our industry doesn’t solely rely on experience – skill is a very important trait as well. Since the attendees of this event are all top contributors, I’m sure you’ve seen her capabilities from four years ago…” Halston’s indifferent gaze traveled over the crowd as he spoke calmly.
“She managed to pass every test and earned her position as the president of the Electronics Technology Association, which proves that she is more than capable. Now that she has invented the G6 chip, I think she definitely has the right to be a conference member.”
“I think Miss Ellsworth is quite admirable too!” Akio bowed deeply and smiled at Flossie. “Welcome, Miss Ellsworth! New talents are always welcome. Let’s get to know each other better!”
Frederick sighed, turning to the other members. “What do you all think?”
Seeing the two most influential figures in the room taking Flossie’s side, the others naturally didn’t dare to object. With that, they quickly changed their attitudes towards the woman, and started sucking up to her.
“My my, of course we welcome her! Our industry needs young prodigies like you!”
“Miss Ellsworth is a talented young woman and a feminist icon! The future of technology lies in your hands! I can see all the unlimited possibilities you will bring us!”
Flossie flashed them all a fake smile. “You all flatter me. I’m just a lucky young lady who still has a lot to learn from all of you! The industry is blessed to have all of you here…”
Beside her, Halston couldn’t help but smirk. ‘This woman is actually pretty fluent in sarcasm.’
After handling the old men, Flossie found a chance to talk to Halston, and asked him softly, “Why did you help me?”
The man didn’t answer, and instead asked her, “So you disappeared for four whole years just to research electronic chips?”
“Well, that is part of it, but my end goal was to gain control over KCL Group, then use advanced technology to take over H Group as well. When we got a divorce, I rejected your offer of 40 million and only requested for the law firm because I wanted those three lawyers to help me with my equity transfer cases…” Flossie happily explained her plan.
She had never once regretted her choices, no matter how many obstacles she encountered. Everything had brought her to this moment, so she could safely say that her plan had been a success.
“That’s right, I even gave birth during that entire process. According to inheritance laws, Abby and Adie are now legally the heirs to H Group!”
Halston nodded and clapped softly. “That does sound like a perfect plan. I’m impressed!”
He realized that he really did underestimate Flossie. The woman had been planning for four years, and each step had been carefully calculated, giving him nowhere to go.
“Miss Ellsworth, I’m very curious, did you truly invent the G6 chip all on your own? Can you tell us about the research process?” As the host, Frederick asked the question that had been on everyone’s mind.
Flossie replied calmly, “The G6 chip was a success because of my friend’s support as well, and that friend is none other than Liam Osborne, the sixth son of the Osborne family. He provided me with the best laboratory facilities I’ve ever seen, and gave me everything I needed for years…”
Her speech was simple and professional, and it impressed all the people there.
“So here’s another question… Since the G6 chip is about to be publicly listed on the market, can you perhaps reveal which company KCL Group will choose to work with? This will decide who’s the leader of our industry for the next decade, after all!” Frederick asked yet another question that piqued everyone’s interest.
“Miss Ellsworth, don’t think about it too much, just partner up with Higashino Corp! Nearly seventy percent of the artificial intelligence technology in our industry was created by us, and our yearly profit is basically immeasurable! If KCL chooses to work with us, I’ll give you twenty percent of our shares!” Akio said eagerly to Flossie.
Twenty percent of shares sounded quite generous, but a partnership with KCL would certainly bring Akio much more profit.
“Miss Ellsworth, you should work with DR Group! We are currently earning a lot of profit too, and I’ll be willing to offer up to fifty percent of our shares to you…”
The other members couldn’t stand by and watch any longer, and quickly fought to get her attention.
The whole time, Flossie didn’t respond. Instead, she looked at Halston, as if she were waiting for his answer.
Everyone soon understood the situation. Due to Flossie and Halston’s past relationship, KCL Group was likely going to continue working with H Group.
‘Looks like the Guajardo family’s position in this industry is irreplaceable after all!’
At that moment, Seraphina rushed angrily into the room, a few security guards right behind her.
“I’m sorry, Miss Murphy, you can’t go in there…”
“I can go anywhere I want! My family sponsored this event, so shut up!” The woman yelled at the guards behind her. “If you don’t keep quiet, I’ll make sure you never step foot in Beach City ever again!”
All the guards were quite conflicted, but didn’t dare to stop her this time.
Seraphina approached the conference table and pointed at Flossie angrily. “How dare you ridicule me like that, you witch?! I’m going to kill you!”
After that, she lunged at Flossie like a rabid beast.
“Aww, my little daughter is mad! Daddy was just joking, don’t be so petty!” Flossie giggled and dodged swiftly. This made Seraphina lose her balance, and she nearly tumbled onto the floor.
“Careful.” Halston instinctively caught Seraphina, preventing her fall.
“Halston! You have to stand up for me! You saw how this woman insulted me!” Seraphina took this chance to cling to the man, sobbing hysterically.
“I’ve been treated like a princess all my life, and I’ve never been so humiliated before! She made fun of me and my family, Halston! How can we ever face the public if we don’t do anything about this?!”
Halston frowned. “You were willing to call her Daddy, so how exactly did she ridicule you?”
“I… I was doing it for you…” Seraphina clenched her jaw. “I thought the new KCL chairman really wanted me to be their goddaughter! Wouldn’t that guarantee that KCL would work with H Group?”
Flossie stifled her laughter and put on a serious expression. “It’s not too late to call me Daddy, you know? As long as you’re willing, I promise KCL will sign a contract with H Group.”
“I’m going to kill you, Flossie Ellsworth!” Seraphina howled like a banshee, and lunged at Flossie again. “Who do you think you are?! I’m telling you, I have something that could ruin your reputation! It might even cost you your life, so don’t you dare provoke me, or else…”
“Enough!” Halston growled harshly, grabbing her and holding her firmly. His gaze was icy as he warned her, “You’ve been enough of an embarrassment today, so don’t make things worse. If you keep this up, not even your entire family’s wealth would be enough to pay for the consequences.”
After hearing this, Seraphina immediately fell silent.
Flossie quickly took the opportunity to provoke Seraphina into giving her more information. “Oh? Ruin my reputation, you say? Tell me your plan then, my good daughter, Daddy won’t get mad at you. Unless… you’re bluffing!”
Seraphina hid behind Halston, her mouth shut but her glare piercing. It was obvious that suppressing her rage was absolute torture for her.
“You should stop messing with her too. She just has a fiery temper, so I’ll apologize in her stead. Please stop trying to provoke her.” Halston bowed gently to the woman. His politeness made it seem like there was a great wall between them, despite their previous intimate relationship.
At that moment, Flossie felt defeated, and her heart twisted painfully. Facing his courtesy was far worse than fighting with him.