They both laughed.
Mina fired back immediately.
“Fiona Valentine, Grace’s company is none of your business.”
Fiona pretended to be concerned.
“I just can’t stand seeing someone so talented being suppressed.
If you’re afraid of losing him, treat him better.
The Valentine Group is different.
We offer a much larger stage for talent.”
Evelyn Ross cleared her throat lightly and nodded.
“Yes, the Valentine Group is certainly unique when it comes to poaching.”
“You—!”
Fiona pointed at her angrily.
“What do you mean ‘poaching’?
This is mutual interest!
Don’t make it sound so ugly.
Unless… you’re not going to let him go?”
Evelyn Ross raised an eyebrow.
Fiona immediately frowned.
“You’re really not going to release him?
He can file a labor dispute.
The Valentine Group will cover any penalty fees!
Grace, you’re outrageous.
Working him to the bone without giving him any recognition?
Your company is downright shameless!”
As they argued, Penelope Valentine approached with her entourage.
She overheard the last part and sighed.
“Ms. Nan, if what my sister says is true, I advise you to part on good terms.
A researcher like that has a bright future.
He shouldn’t be trapped in a small company.
Rather than a messy fallout later, it’s better to let him go now…”
Her followers, believing Evelyn was suppressing N, grew indignant.
“That’s right, Ms. Nan! You can’t treat a researcher this way!”
“N should be the star today, but no one even knows who he is!”
“Suppressing an employee like this is grounds for a lawsuit!”
Evelyn scanned the crowd and scoffed.
“Who said I’m suppressing any employee?”
Fiona feigned innocence.
“If you’re not suppressing him, why isn’t he credited on the project?
Only a code name!
It can’t be that he doesn’t want recognition, right?”
Most of the Valentine employees present were researchers.
Credit was extremely important to them.
They’d want the world to know if they worked on a major project.
Using a code name was unthinkable.
The crowd grew more outraged.
“Yes, you can’t suppress people! How could you treat a researcher like this?”
“If there’s no suppression, just have N come out and explain!”
“Is he here today? Did you even let him attend the banquet?”
“Oh my god, that’s too cruel!”
“I can’t stand this injustice! Ms. Nan, please let N join the banquet!”
Mina rolled her eyes.
“You’re all ranting without knowing the truth.
You’re ridiculous!”
The crowd fell silent.
Fiona frowned.
“How can you say that?
I’ll call N right now and have him come explain!”
She took out her phone and pretended to dial N’s number.
The moment the call connected, a phone rang—from Evelyn Ross’s pocket.