This press conference was hastily arranged, but it was no less grand than a typical one.

Joel Quincy had invited all the titans of Zenthia’s physics community to Emberfall.

The moment they heard there was a new breakthrough in controlled nuclear fusion research, they had their assistants book flights immediately.

By three in the afternoon, nearly everyone had arrived at the venue.

Landon Sinclair had also been notified and headed to Emberfall right away.

A flicker of excitement showed on his face when he saw Chloe Sinclair, though it was subtle enough that no one else noticed.

"Landon."

Chloe spoke first, linking her arm through Landon’s as she led him toward the seats.

"Did you see Meridia’s press conference?"

Landon had already pieced a few things together when he received the notice.

Seeing that no one at the venue seemed worried, he grew even more certain of his suspicions.

They were both on the same page, so Chloe didn’t hide anything. "You’ll just have to wait and watch."

A bright, radiant smile played on the young woman’s lips.

Landon froze for a second, then burst out laughing. "Well then, I look forward to seeing what my little sis has in store."

Every time he saw his little sis, she always managed to surprise him in some way.

He was sure Chloe wouldn’t disappoint him this time, either.

After a few more words of small talk, Chloe was called over by Joel Quincy.

By now, the venue held over a hundred people. Roughly half were titans of the academic world, and the other half were students from Emberfall University and The Ivory League.

Chloe stood behind Joel Quincy, her eyes growing brighter as she watched one distinguished figure after another walk past.

"Mr. Quincy, this must be that prized student you were talking about, eh?"

Not many people were entering or leaving the venue at this point, but a group had just arrived at the entrance.

Leading them was an elderly man with a full head of white hair. The corners of his eyes were sharp, and his voice was resonant and hearty.

When Joel Quincy saw who had arrived, his expression immediately filled with respect.

"Mr. Shaw."

Joel Quincy turned his head to introduce him to Chloe. "This is Mr. Shaw, a leading figure in the field of quantum communication technology."

Upon hearing this, Chloe looked over.

But when she got a clear look at the man, her pupils constricted, her face a mask of pure astonishment.

The man before her was none other than Jasper Shaw’s grandfather, Kane Shaw.

Chloe’s heart seized, and her breathing grew uneven.

She bowed and stammered, "G-Grandpa... hello."

The moment the words were out, Chloe realized her slip of the tongue.

It was too late to take it back. Her face flushed crimson, and she quickly ducked her head, so embarrassed she felt like her toes could have carved a new subway line right then and there.

Joel Quincy was about to run damage control, but just as he started to speak, he saw the face of the perpetually stern old man crinkle up, his wrinkles piling together in a wide smile.

Joel Quincy was speechless.

Mr. Shaw was incredibly pleased by Chloe’s reaction.

’She might be a little young, but she’s a perfect match for my grandson!’

"’Grandpa’ is good! It’s friendly!"

"From now on, you can just call me Grandpa!"

Mr. Shaw’s smile was completely genuine, which only made those who knew his usual demeanor look as if they’d just seen a ghost.

This, in turn, only made Chloe even more mortified.

She sent a silent, desperate plea to Nathan Trenton, who was watching the show unfold from the stage. Their gazes met across the room, clashing as if they were negotiating a critical treaty.

Finally, Nathan Trenton gave a helpless smile and slowly walked over, giving Chloe an out.

"Chloe, the press conference is about to start. Have you memorized your script?"

Chloe frantically shook her head. "N-not yet. I’ll go get it and memorize it right now."

After saying her goodbyes to the group, she scurried backstage with quick, short steps.

Watching Chloe’s retreating figure, Joel Quincy couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation.

"Nathan, what was that all about with your junior?"