Chapter 8
635words
I chose a workstation in the corner, observing discreetly. Department supervisor Malcolm Powers, a harsh middle-aged man, tossed me a thick stack of past project data. "Familiarize yourself with this within a week." This was his way of showing dominance.
I gladly accepted. By day, I was a diligent analyst; by night, I was Elara analyzing chess positions. The data revealed abnormally close connections between the subsidiary and Omega Genesis.
The opportunity came quickly. The team received an urgent assignment—to evaluate the technology of a startup called "Neural Web," which the group was considering acquiring. Powers was not hopeful: "Two days, just going through the motions."
But I saw a breakthrough. After working overnight, I completed a detailed report that not only identified a fatal technical flaw that would emerge three years later but also provided improvement solutions.
"You did this?" Powers looked at the report in disbelief. He arranged for me to present at the department meeting.
The moment I walked into the conference room, my heart nearly stopped. Sitting in the main seat was my father, Cassius Vance.
He had aged slightly, but his gaze remained sharp. Suppressing my shock, I began my presentation, my voice steady, my logic clear.
As I addressed key deficiencies, my father looked up and scrutinized me. "A solid analysis," he suddenly asked, "Miss White, where do you see the future of biotechnology investment?"
The room fell silent. I chose my words carefully, emphasizing technological ethics and long-term value. He nodded slightly, without comment. But I knew the bait had been noticed.
Soon after, the transfer order came: "Allison White" was exceptionally assigned to the Strategic Investment Department at corporate headquarters.
On another front, my "Dawn Project" was making steady progress under Arnold Lee's direction, screening several compounds that might be effective against "Heartblight."
Meanwhile, I anonymously "fed" information to the media, on one hand enhancing my father's image of "traditional family values," while on the other leaking vague information about Omega's involvement in controversial genetic research.
Public opinion began to ferment. My father emphasized "ethics first" in internal meetings, and the collaboration projects with Omega led by Leila noticeably slowed down.
Through the holographic projector I gave them, I maintained "contact" with Caleb and Isabella.
Once, Isabella innocently said: "Mom says we must be 'perfect' to be worthy of…" Her words were suddenly interrupted. Caleb jumped in: "Worthy of dad's expectations."
The word "perfect," in the context of genetic engineering, made me wary.
The important opportunity finally emerged. Our team was tasked with evaluating the investment prospects of Omega's new technology, allowing me access to their internal materials. In the strictly monitored reading room, I discovered that Omega's research was particularly focused on a certain neuroprotective mechanism, with subtle connections to Heartblight pathology. Some data was unnaturally perfect.
Meanwhile, father frequently visited the Silver Glow Medical Center, using "routine checkups" as an excuse, but internal information suggested the situation was more complex.
One day, I encountered Leila in the headquarters lobby. She looked pale and in a hurry. "Are you alright, Ms. Croft?" I asked.
She was startled, forcing a smile: "Miss White? Fine, just busy. The 'Dome Project' has reached a critical stage." She hurried away, having lost her usual composure.
I'm certain the storm is coming. Back at the office, I received an encrypted message from Arnold: "Discovered biological markers potentially linked to 'Heartblight'. Also, Omega has unusual personnel movements, several neuroscientists' whereabouts unknown."
I replied: "Continue tracking, focus on investigating connections to the 'Dome Project'."
Standing by the window, I gazed at the "Crystal Tower" at the top of headquarters.
Ten years of lying dormant was about to end, the chessboard was set, only awaiting the final act to begin.
