Chapter 516

Halley had even recommended a chess-playing Al, telling him to practice against it to experience its power. Curious, Henry had asked why he had suddenly taken an interest in Al.

His caregiver had answered for him. "Because it was recommended by his favorite student."

Halley had snorted. "Favorite student? I haven't even accepted her into my graduate program yet."

The caregiver had just laughed, calling him stubborn. The truth was, Halley was deeply invested, constantly reading news about Noreen and her company, and secretly calling old business contacts to ask them to look out for her.

On the phone, Halley said he was almost there, so Henry continued to wait.

Noreen and Carman emerged from Hall B to greet a guest: Jed Hollis, Carman's former mentor and the current vice president of the Artificial Intelligence Association. Jed had brought his entire team, not just to show support, but to learn. InnoCore's IPO was a landmark event for the entire domestic Al industry.

Carman respectfully updated Jed on their progress, while Noreen hung back to give the mentor and his student some space.

Henry was standing in a prominent spot just outside the hall, impossible to miss. Noreen saw him but paid him no mind, choosing to ignore him completely.

Henry let out a soft, derisive chuckle. "Taking the road someone else paved for you is certainly the fastest way to succeed."

He hadn't said her name, but since he didn't know anyone else there, Noreen knew the comment was for her. She was aware of his prejudice against her and usually couldn't be bothered to engage, but that didn't mean she would tolerate his insults indefinitely.

She stopped and met his gaze, her eyes cold.

Henry's smirk was barely perceptible. "Aren't you afraid that if you take too many shortcuts, you'll eventually find yourself at a dead end?"

"Mr. Brooke," Noreen retorted, her usual composure laced with ice, "if you love lecturing so much, perhaps you should have become a professor. Or are you just so bored with nothing to do that you have meddle in other people's lives?"

Henry's face fell. He had yet to close a single major deal since returning to the country, a fact that grated on him the company's shareholders were already whispering, and Noreen's words had struck a nerve.

Seeing his pained expression, Noreen turned and walked away without another

word. She was far too busy to waste her time on him.

Henry's dark mood lingered until he saw Halley arrive. "Professor," he said, stepping forward to greet him. "Let's go inside."

"Lead the way," Halley nodded.

The two of them walked into Hall A. Bianca, who was speaking with several of PerseTech's early investors, saw Halley and her eyes lit up. After a hasty farewell to the investors, she hurried over.

"Academician Joyner, I'm so glad you could make it," she said, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. Those who had been at the dinner with them before were once Fagam impressed by Bianca a connections. Not only could she get Academician Joyner to a private dinner, but she could also get him to attend her roadshow. This project

must be incredibly promising.

Halley's cool expression was a stark contrast to Bianca's enthusiasm. He frowned

slightly. "This is Hall A, correct?"