Chapter 657

Hannah lowered her glass of wine with unhurried poise, the faint chime of crystal against the table announcing her decision to respond on her own terms. She first inclined her head toward Kane with measured courtesy before rising with a quiet elegance that drew the room's attention. When she finally spoke, her voice carried the composed strength of authority."I appreciate your kind invitation, Miss Oliver. The vision behind Light of the Future is certainly magnificent."

Her words floated with grace, yet she smoothly steered the conversation to firmer ground. "That said, when it comes to joint ventures, the Luminara Group adheres to its own rhythm and investment philosophy. We prefer initiatives that have completed their preliminary trials and demonstrate a clear potential for synergy with the Luminara Group's long-term strategy."

The phrasing was polished, but the undertone unmistakable-Vera's proposal, though dazzling in ambition, was premature and misaligned with Luminara Group's pace.

A flicker of strain crossed Vera's face despite her attempt to maintain a pleasant smile.

Then, Kane's deep, steady voice cut through the atmosphere,commanding the room's attention. "Ms. Scott raises an important point. Investment isn't about the magnitude of funds -it's about timing, precision, and understanding."

Though phrased diplomatically, his statement unmistakably sided with Hannah.

Kane's tone softened into that of an experienced mentor as his qaze settled on Vera. "Vera, your aspirations are admirable, and

gaze settled on Vera. "Vera, your aspirations are admirable, and your energy commendable. But in venture capital, having capital and ambition alone will never suffice. One needs profound industry insight, clear discernment, and a reliable team.These qualities are not acquired overnight. You're still young-there's no need to charge forward too soon."

His words landed like ice water over Vera's burning determination. The implication was unambiguous-he would not endorse her project, nor would he serve as her advisor.

Vera's lips stiffened into a brittle smile as her posture froze in place,humiliation creeping visibly across her features.

Kane, however, had already withdrawn his attention, turning toward Hannah with the ease of long-standing familiarity."Speaking of synergy," he continued smoothly, "the proposal you mentioned earlier about co-founding the Cornerstone Tech Innovation Fund struck me as particularly sound. We should move forward with it as soon as possible."

The subtle weight of his phrasing carried enormous meaning.

By saying co-founding, Kane positioned Hannah not as a subordinate partner but as an equal collaborator-something worlds apart fromn Vera's one-sided invitation.

The contrast couldn't have been sharper. Vera had expended all her effort seeking Kane's validation, only to face rejection.Meanwhile, Hannah stood beside Kane as a peer, co-architecting a new financial venture.

The distinction was plain to all-Hannah was the one deemed truly capable, the one recognized by the field's most authoritative figure.

Below the stage, the shift in mood rippled like a current. The spectators-seasoned investors and social elites alike-were quick to read the change in power. Their once-admiring looks toward Vera transformed into glances of pity, even quiet

toward Vera transformed into glances of pity, even quiet amusement. In a single exchange, Kane's words had reduced Vera's earlier triumph into a spectacle of irony.

Maintaining her composure, Hannah inclined her head toward Kane with quiet modesty. "Mr. Sampson, you're too generous with your praise. I'm merely following the wisdom you've shared with us. I'll finalize the proposal and deliver it to you shortly."

That courteous exchange, though brief, sent a wave of excitement through the hall.

Conversations erupted across the room like soft thunder.

Clusters of elegantly dressed women gathered in corners,whispering behind painted fans and glimmering wine glasses.

"Who would've thought? It's Ms. Scott from Luminara Group who ended up partnering with Mr. Sampson."

"Exactly. He didn't even bother sparing Miss Oliver any face.Everyone thought he'd be her supporter, but he's allied with someone else."

"All that fanfare, just to have the spotlight stolen in an instant -poor Vera, she rose high, only to fall harder."

The comments, murmured yet cutting, drifted toward Danica,who stood nearby. Her gaze followed the scene on stage-Vera's frozen smile and the visible strain beneath it.

The whispers of ridicule and sympathy around her fanned the embers of indignation until they flared. Her composure snapped.Turning sharply, she glared at the gossiping women, her voice slicing through the chatter. "You all think you know what happened, don't you? Mr. Sampson was charmed by Hannah's tactics! That woman's craftiness runs deep. There's nothing she won't do to get her way. If she can seduce someone of Mr.Sampson's stature, then tell me-what can't she do?"

The outburst hung in the air for a heartbeat before detonating into an uproar of murmurs and astonished whispers, feeding the room's already ravenous curiosity.