Exchange ideas? Dario silently scoffed at the suggestion. There was absolutely no common ground where he and Niall could have a meaningful exchange.

With the crowd surrounding them, Dario knew better than to voice his true thoughts to Silas. They were merely professional acquaintances, after all.

Instead, he offered a polite, practiced smile. "You're absolutely right, Professor."

Silas Dennis had earned his reputation in the AI community through decades of significant contributions. His opinion carried substantial weight in academic circles nationwide.

The Crystal and Mack had been banking on Dario being impressed by Niall's academic pedigree—studying under the renowned Preston Campbell would surely elevate her status in his eyes.

Bonnie couldn't help but throw a self-satisfied glance at Veronica when she heard Silas's admiration for Niall. In her mind, the comparison was laughably uneven: Niall, the protégée of the illustrious Preston Campbell, versus Veronica... who was essentially a nobody.

Penny, Isaac, and the others shared this sentiment completely.

They had all been present when Cullen phoned Niall earlier. Upon learning about the group lunch, they decided they might as well dine at the same establishment—not to intrude, they would insist, but because they had coincidentally planned to eat there too.

Silas, upon discovering they were Niall's relatives, had graciously extended an invitation to join them.

Turning toward Dario, Silas began, "Mr. Reid, I wonder if—"

Dario glanced at Veronica, gauging her reaction. She appeared unbothered by the growing party.

Out of respect for Silas's seniority, Dario decided against creating an uncomfortable situation.

Though internally amused at the transparent maneuvering, he maintained his diplomatic facade. "Mr. Dennis is our host today. If he has no objections, neither do I."

The enlarged group proceeded to a spacious private dining room.

Veronica settled beside Dario, with Lester claiming the chair on her other side.

Niall positioned herself between Cullen and Silas.

After exchanging pleasantries and ordering, Silas and Niall delved into conversation about her advisor, Preston. They had barely scratched the surface when Niall's phone chimed with an incoming message.

She checked it quickly, her face brightening. "The latest issue of Altair has just been released," she announced to Silas with barely contained excitement.

This wasn't particularly surprising news—apart from the Crystal and Mack, nearly everyone at the table regularly followed updates from top-tier AI publications.

But Niall wasn't finished. "My advisor, Professor Campbell, served as a reviewer for this issue," she continued, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "He just messaged to inform me about an exceptional paper that he believes warrants everyone's attention—he specifically mentioned it's something we should all study and learn from."

Her statement immediately captured everyone's interest—including both Veronica and Dario.

Silas leaned forward, clearly intrigued.

For someone of Preston's caliber to single out a paper for such praise meant it was truly extraordinary.

"Which paper?" Silas inquired, curiosity evident in his tone.

Niall held up her phone, reading aloud the title of the paper Preston had recommended.

The table fell silent as everyone committed the title to memory.

Dario, however, raised a single eyebrow upon hearing it, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he turned toward Veronica.

She responded with nothing more than a serene smile and a deliberate sip of her tea.

The Altair journal had been simultaneously released worldwide in both print and digital formats.

For a paper to receive such enthusiastic endorsement from Preston Campbell himself? Silas was practically restraining himself from pulling out his phone to read it right there at the table.

Professional decorum prevailed, however, and he managed to control his eagerness.

Still, he couldn't resist commenting, "It sounds like the paper focuses on attention mechanisms."

Niall nodded in confirmation. "It absolutely does."