Just then, a man in a tailored suit walked into the center of the venue and made a bold announcement:
“Professor Steele’s project—The Slater Family is investing 500 million.”
The entire venue erupted.
Excited, the host shouted into the microphone, “Looks like Professor Steele’s project has truly captured the spotlight! Not only is the audience in full agreement, but even the Slater Family has stepped in!”
The man in the suit adjusted his glasses and raised a hand to calm the crowd. “Apologies, there’s been a misunderstanding.”
He scanned the room before clarifying, “It’s not Professor Lora’s project. The Slater Family is backing Ms. Loren’s team.”
A hushed silence fell before he dropped the real bombshell.
“Mr. Slater has instructed that as long as it’s Ms. Loren’s research, the Slater Family will fund it—no matter the cost. There is no budget limit.”
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Industry experts, people who had built their careers on rigorous research and data, looked around in confusion. Everyone could sense something wasn’t right—but when capital speaks, who questions science?
The room buzzed again, but this time, all the flattery, all the attention, swirled around Loren.