Chapter 661:
The research and development director leaned forward, irritation clear in his tone. “So it really is Miss Owen. Even so, this level of meeting hardly seems like a stage for you. The chip industry isn’t the same as your field.”
He, too, had heard the gossip about her reckless behavior at Sweetberry.
Felix’s expression darkened. “Cedric, watch your mouth when you speak to my sister.”
The director, Cedric Mendez, faltered, then gave a hasty apology. “Forgive me. I’ve been under pressure, and I let my temper slip. I didn’t mean to direct it at you, Miss Owen.”
Rylie swept her eyes over the screen. Some faces looked uneasy. Others wore scorn or thinly veiled annoyance. She spoke again, calm and precise.
“That’s fine, I don’t mind. I only stepped in to confirm something. The special mineral you’re discussing—is it the silicon-based material that’s highly toxic and laced with trace radioactive elements?”
The silence that followed was heavy.
Then a voice confirmed, “Yes. That’s exactly it. Mr. Owen risked his life to secure it.”
“But I couldn’t bring it back,” Felix admitted with a weary sigh.
Rylie blinked, realization flashing across her face. “Felix, wait a moment. I’ll fetch my backpack.”
She had been so focused on tending to Felix that she had forgotten to hand over what she carried from the mines.
Leaning on her crutch, she made her way to the room where her belongings were kept. She found the worn pack she had taken below ground and returned quickly to Felix’s side.
Meanwhile, frustration built among the people on the call. They shifted in their seats and began pressing Felix to wrap things up.
“My lab can’t sit idle. I don’t want my time wasted here.”
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“Mr. Owen, I have to keep an eye on the stock market. A crash is the last thing we can afford.”
“Exactly. With the civilian chip supply cut, I need to figure out how to smuggle and manage the soaring premiums.”
Felix’s reply was simple. “Wait for my sister. She’ll be back right away.”
Grumbles rose again. “This is just wasting everyone’s time.”
Felix shot back, “If you can’t show her respect, then you’re not showing it to me either.”
That warning was enough. Frustration lingered in the air, but no one dared to challenge him further.
Rylie walked back into Felix’s room, lifted a sealed bag, and held it up to the camera. “Is this what you’re looking for?”
The bag caught the light, revealing the rare metallic shimmer of a flawless crystal. For a heartbeat, the video call went dead quiet. Then voices burst all at once.
Faces that had leaned back now pressed close, as though they could reach through the screen to snatch the mineral.
“My God, that shine! That structure!”
“This is it!”
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