Chapter 442

On the evening of the celebration banquet, the majestic hall of the Luminara Group shimmered beneath radiant ornaments.

The mood was vibrant and welcoming as the upper management and core members of the project assembled.

Calvin, Michael, and their crew gathered by the main table, their expressions gleaming with triumph.

Michael leaned closer, whispering animatedly to Calvin and several core members beside him, "Folks,this feels like our private celebration banquet! Once this concludes, the rewards will be immense for us!"

Calvin, his features glowing, lifted his glass toward Michael. "Thank you, Mr. Clark, for your backing!Following your lead is the smartest decision!"

Hannah drifted toward them, glass in hand, and

participated in their toast.

At that instant, a senior executive approached with a glass raised, grinning broadly and patting Michael's shoulder. "Michael, your performance was outstanding this round! The essential equipment for the NeuroCore Initiative has been secured, and you're the pivotal force behind it!"

Michael instantly adopted a humble and reserved posture, answering with a courteous smile, "Oh, it's nothing remarkable! I'm just fulfilling my role!Everything is for the company's interests-purely my responsibility!"

His voice rang genuine, as though the greedy man earlier was someone entirely separate.

After trading pleasantries, Michael turned to Calvin."By the way, Calvin, didn't you prepare a video? The one recording our relentless devotion to the project?I think the moment is ideal; let's let everyone witness our dedication!"

Calvin caught on immediately, his face briqhtening

with delight. "Of course, Mr. Clark! I'll show it this instant!"

Calvin hurried toward the control station at the front of the banquet hall, drawing a USB stick from his pocket and slotting it into the playback machine.

The massive display screen illuminated, drawing all gazes toward it.

The presentation began rolling.

On screen, Michael sat upright, speaking fervently into the camera, brimming with duty and vision."Everyone, the NeuroCore Initiative is the foremost strategic undertaking of the Luminara Group for the coming decade; its value is enormous! During this phase, the project members have invested everything, working tirelessly, conquering obstacles,and ultimately acquiring the crucial equipment! They have established a firm base for the project's ongoing success. Gratitude to all for your devotion."

The visuals transitioned to shots of members laboring at night, debating in sessions, and even

dozing at their desks-"touching" moments.

The background score softened into sentiment.

Michael watched his own noble image on screen, a proud smirk tugging at his lips. He was awaiting the upcoming two-minute segment solely extolling him...

Without warning, the footage shifted to a conference room. The angle clearly suggested it was secretly captured material. Faces of inner circle figures such as Michael and Calvin appeared sharply in view.

Calvin's voice reverberated through the banquet hall."This secures us a 15% margin! That's $26 million!"

Immediately, Michael's voice followed. "This is massive! As long as we draft two agreements, we'll pull it off."

The hall descended into uneasy silence and then burst into uproar. Every gaze locked on Michael and Calvin.

"$26 million? Michael orchestrating hidden deals?"

"Dual contracts? That's financial fraud! You could face prison for that!"

The whispers surged like crashing waves!

Michael's proud grin froze instantly, his complexion drained ghostly white. He spun toward the control console. "What's happening? Calvin, quickly pull it out!"

Calvin stood paralyzed, scrambling to yank the USB stick. Yet, the footage pressed on. Sweat streaming,he frantically slammed every button.

"Useless!" Michael was utterly panicked. He threw aside composure, darting toward the projector, trying to disconnect it.

However, he discovered nothing; no cord was present. It was the latest wireless HD projection system.

Hannah remained still amid the crowd, her gaze icy as she observed. The real spectacle was just beginning!

Adrian rose from his chair, his face severe. "Do you have any explanàtion?"

Calvin rushed to argue, "Mr. Miller, this is a trap! The video is counterfeit, blatantly altered to incriminate us. We've served the company faithfully; you can't believe such slander!"

Michael, too, regained his steadiness, jabbing a finger toward the display. "Mr. Miller, this must be fabricated, a setup! I've always been honorable! You can examine my bank accounts-there isn't $26million!"

At that moment, Hannah said firmly, her words ringing clear through the banquet hall, "That's only because the funds haven't arrived yet."