Chapter 91 The Hot Project
The news of Louis returning to the states with his project spread like wildfire, as many had their eyes set on the prize. In an era driven by data and devices, everyone’s betting that artificial intelligence and AI technology will carve out their own slice of the future. But to play ball in this league, you’ve gotta have killer tech skills and deep pockets.
Thing is, the stretch from research to ringing up sales is just too dang long for most. Business folks wanna see their cash stack up fast. Diving into development means pouring in serious coin without any promise of payback. And in the face of such high stakes, lots of them are more likely to place their bets elsewhere.
Or they might wait for reliable AI to hit the market before pouring dough into investments and partnerships–that’s like earning money while snoozing.
So when Louis brought his hot–shot project home, everybody wanted a piece of the action. A whole bunch of businesses tried to buddy up to Louis in secret, but the guy wasn’t spilling any beans. With more and more reaching out and none getting a clear signal, they started scratching their heads, wondering what Louis was really after.
“Everyone’s scrambling to connect with Louis, and you seem way too chill. Didn’t Bruce spill the beans to you?” Everyone’s craving a slice of this lucrative pie. They’re all hustling to get a word with Louis, but so far, Sylvia hasn’t made a move. Juliet was puzzled by her friend’s calm and a tad worried about it.
Sylvia, buried in her work, just chuckled at Juliet’s concern.
“No need to rush. Look, everyone’s buzzing around Louis, but the guy hasn’t budged. That means they’re not who he wants to jam with. Instead of getting worked up over Louis, let’s tidy up this mess with Ingrid first. Ingrid’s been feeling bold, keeping big stuff under wraps
from me.
Sylvia knew dealing with Ingrid should come first, aware that an unresolved situation internally could trip them up big time, even if a brighter partnership beckoned.
“You’re making sense. I’ve been keeping tabs on Ingrid. Lately, he’s been cozying up to some partners under the radar, hinting at going solo. But honestly, the guy hasn’t got what it takes to strike out on his own. More like he’s brewing some bad mojo.”
Juliet could barely mask her disdain for Ingrid’s sneaky ways. Slyly making the rounds with Sylvia’s contacts, it was clear as day what he was planning.
“What’s the word on the street at the company?” Sylvia wanted the scoop. Sitting at the top, she didn’t always catch the chatter down the ranks.
“How else would they think? Some reckon you’re not right for the throne. But hey, your recent wins have made a lot of folks happy, and they figure ingrid’s just biting off more than he can chew. But it all comes down to what you wanna do about Ingrid.”
Juliet felt it was simple–if they decided to take on Ingrid, they’d dig up more than enough to deal with him, no sweat.
If someone’s determined to find fault with you, then everything you do can be twisted into a mistake. Sylvia knew this all too well.
“Tonight, I’m discussing a partnership, and I’ve heard that this partner is pretty chummy with Ingrid’s crew. Let’s invite him to join us,” Sylvia mused, addressing Juliet.
Juliet was taken aback, wondering if it really was a good idea to bring Ingrid so openly, especially alongside someone who was close to him.
“Along with talking business with Ingrid tonight, Louis will be there as well. Consider it a pre–meeting of sorts,” Sylvia added with a smile, making sure Juliet understood the full picture.
Juliet burst into laughter, grasping the hidden meaning in Sylvia’s words. “You’re pretty sly, you know? How do you manage to think ahead so well? Don’t worry, I’ll handle this tonight. Ingrid won’t even know what’s coming.”
Sylvia grinned, acknowledging the situation. Ingrid’s antics were indeed irksome, yet he hadn’t crossed any serious lines. Ultimately, he seemed to be looking out for the company, which was something the higher–ups would take into account. If she decided to make a move against Ingrid, it couldn’t be for past trivialities. The ironclad stuff had to be current
and critical.
Like now, with the buzz around this hot project. If Ingrid slipped up here, it might give Sylvia the calm needed to deal with him, no hassle involved.
Juliet approached Ingrid’s office, finding him on his phone, venting and rolling his eyes. about everything Sylvia was up to, almost literally.
“Who are we whispering secrets about?” Juliet’s voice made Ingrid jump, and his phone clattered to the floor. The chat history was laid bare for Juliet’s eyes.
With a slight squint and a smirk, Juliet scanned Ingrid’s conversation. Caught red–handed, Ingrid’s face couldn’t hide his unease as he snatched up his phone.
“What are you, nuts? Why’d you come over and scare me like that?” he snapped.
“Oh, I didn’t know I’d catch you smack–talking. You’ve got quite a bit to explain now. Tonight, we’re meeting with Louis, and you’re tagging along,” Juliet said, her voice
“How else would they think? Some reckon you’re not right for the throne. But hey, your recent wins have made a lot of folks happy, and they figure Ingrid’s just biting off more than he can chew. But it all comes down to what you wanna do about Ingrid.”
Juliet felt it was simple–if they decided to take on Ingrid, they’d dig up more than enough to deal with him, no sweat.
If someone’s determined to find fault with you, then everything you do can be twisted into a mistake. Sylvia knew this all too well.
“Tonight, I’m discussing a partnership, and I’ve heard that this partner is pretty chummy with Ingrid’s crew. Let’s invite him to join us,” Sylvia mused, addressing Juliet.
Juliet was taken aback, wondering if it really was a good idea to bring Ingrid so openly, especially alongside someone who was close to him.
“Along with talking business with Ingrid tonight, Louis will be there as well. Consider it a pre–meeting of sorts,” Sylvia added with a smile, making sure Juliet understood the full picture.
Juliet burst into laughter, grasping the hidden meaning in Sylvia’s words. “You’re pretty sly, you know? How do you manage to think ahead so well? Don’t worry, I’ll handle this tonight. Ingrid won’t even know what’s coming.”
Sylvia grinned, acknowledging the situation. Ingrid’s antics were indeed irksome, yet he hadn’t crossed any serious lines. Ultimately, he seemed to be looking out for the company, which was something the higher–ups would take into account. If she decided to make a move against Ingrid, it couldn’t be for past trivialities. The ironclad stuff had to be current and critical.
Like now, with the buzz around this hot project. If Ingrid slipped up here, it might give Sylvia the calm needed to deal with him, no hassle involved.
Juliet approached Ingrid’s office, finding him on his phone, venting and rolling his eyes about everything Sylvia was up to, almost literally.
“Who are we whispering secrets about?” Juliet’s voice made Ingrid jump, and his phone clattered to the floor. The chat history was laid bare for Juliet’s eyes.
With a slight squint and a smirk, Juliet scanned Ingrid’s conversation. Caught red–handed, Ingrid’s face couldn’t hide his unease as he snatched up his phone.
“What are you, nuts? Why’d you come over and scare me like that?” he snapped.
“Oh, I didn’t know I’d catch you smack–talking. You’ve got quite a bit to explain now. Tonight, we’re meeting with Louis, and you’re tagging along,” Juliet said, her voice
dripping with 1
Sarcasm.
Ingrid felt awkward, but the thought of meeting Louis excited him. However, he content help but wonder why Sylvia was inviting him. Could there be a cath?