CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: THE AUTHORITATIVE REPORTER

After the ostentatious and restless opening remarks, the entire press conference gradually reached a boiling point.

"Now, let’s welcome Mr. Desmond Fairchild, CEO of Cloudsea Group, to introduce our company’s new autumn products!"

It wasn’t until the host invited Desmond Fairchild on stage that the atmosphere began to reignite.

Not only the media reporters but even Seraphina Sinclair were curious about what Desmond Fairchild would say on stage today.

"Hello, friends from the media. I’m very pleased that we can gather here today. Next, I will present the new seasonal products from Cloudsea Group."

Meanwhile, Melanie Lloyd and Shirley Lynch were meeting at a coffee shop, watching the live broadcast as transmitted by the onsite media.

The moment Desmond Fairchild stepped onto the stage to introduce the products, these two women became exceedingly anticipatory, clearly waiting to see Desmond Fairchild make a fool of himself.

But when they saw the project proposal displayed on the big screen, they were both dumbfounded.

Because they hadn’t expected Desmond Fairchild to forge ahead despite resistance and actually launch a product very similar to The Lynches’.

As soon as he displayed the product proposal, it sparked heated discussion among the onsite media. Many reporters couldn’t wait for the Q&A session, as one stood up to ask immediately: "President Fairchild, have you seen The Lynches’ software released yesterday? It seems very similar to what you’re unveiling today."

"I ask all media friends to calm down. Although Cloudsea Group’s new software shares some functionalities with The Lynches’, I guarantee that the technology used by Cloudsea Group is patented and certified. As for the superficial product stolen by The Lynches, whether that software can operate properly, I won’t vouch for it. Regarding product differences, I believe time will reveal the truth."

The meaning behind Desmond Fairchild’s words was clear to the attending reporters. He was undoubtedly implying that the Lynches’ product has defects and might not function correctly.

"What’s going on?"

Shirley Lynch, hearing Desmond Fairchild’s words, couldn’t help but panic.

She had directly handed the software to the marketing department that day, without performing a second feasibility study. If what Desmond Fairchild said were true, it would be a significant loss for the Lynches.

Shirley Lynch hurriedly pulled out her phone to call the marketing department.

Meanwhile, Melanie Lloyd was a lot calmer in her attitude.

She was even quite glad she hadn’t deployed the software at Lloyd Group back then; otherwise, the consequences might have been too much for her to bear.

"What? The software has crashed? You need to fix it immediately!"

As soon as Shirley Lynch called the marketing department, she received the ominous news that the software had already crashed, and the store ratings were gradually declining.

Listening to the polite responses from the marketing department, Shirley Lynch grew increasingly irritated and abruptly hung up.

"Uh... Irene, I just remembered there’s something at the office. I won’t be staying with you."

Right after hanging up, Melanie Lloyd stated her intention to leave, having come along with Shirley Lynch.

"Wait!"

How could Shirley Lynch let Melanie Lloyd go at this moment? She grasped Melanie Lloyd’s hand tightly.

Melanie Lloyd saw this and immediately got angry, impatiently speaking: "Are you crazy? Let go of me!"

The grip Shirley Lynch had just applied was so strong that a bruise had already appeared on Melanie Lloyd’s wrist.

"Melanie Lloyd! You won’t be leaving here today unless you give me an explanation!"

Currently, Shirley Lynch couldn’t care less about corporate collaboration, her mind was consumed with the software launch failure.

She had actively handled these matters merely to lighten her father’s burden slightly. After all, the company’s ventures had originated because of her.

Thus, to surprise her father, she had launched the software without informing him.

She couldn’t even dare envision her father’s reaction upon learning the truth...

"Shirley Lynch, have you gone mad? Did I force you to do this? You willingly did it from start to finish; it has nothing to do with me! Stop bothering me!"

After Shirley Lynch turned hostile, Melanie Lloyd disregarded any past camaraderie.

After saying this, Melanie Lloyd continued to vent: "Besides, it was so rushed at the time, how would I know there would be issues? Ultimately, wasn’t it Desmond Fairchild who deliberately set a trap?"

Only now did Melanie Lloyd realize that the day the company computers went black screen, there was a reason—perhaps even Desmond Fairchild had hired a hacker.

"Miss Sinclair, it’s said your ex-husband is Ethan Lloyd, the CEO of Lloyd Group. Is this true? Did you really interfere in Ethan Lloyd and Melanie Lloyd’s loving marriage?"

Just when Shirley Lynch planned to argue with Melanie Lloyd, a voice suddenly erupted from the computer on the table.

At that moment, the two women could no longer focus on their argument. They exchanged glances, turning their attention to the computer.

The Cloudsea Group’s autumn press conference was still ongoing, with the focus of the Q&A suddenly shifting from products to personal matters.

"What does it matter whose ex-wife she is?"

Before Seraphina Sinclair could respond, Desmond Fairchild, seated next to her, expressed displeasure, coldly scrutinizing the group of reporters before him.

It was then he realized why Ace had such an apologetic expression that day.

It turned out, these reporters were exceptionally tough to deal with.

"Mr. Fairchild, you’re wrong about this. As Miss Sinclair is the chief executive for the Kevin Group, she will surely have a significant impact on Bayside’s economy in the future. Her matters making headlines is only natural."

Even after Desmond Fairchild said so, there was still someone oblivious enough to say such things, clearly challenging his authority.

Desmond Fairchild’s anger was completely ignited, as he clutched his fists tightly, glaring at the reporter who had just spoken.

"You’re with Financial Morning News?" Desmond Fairchild suddenly changed the topic with this question.

"Yes."

That man apparently hadn’t sensed Desmond Fairchild’s shift in mood and thought Fairchild was admiring Financial Morning News’ authority in Bayside, even feeling a strange sense of superiority.

Upon confirming the man’s identity, Desmond Fairchild grinned with a bloodthirsty smile, continuing to stare at him.

Soon, his cold voice echoed again: "I never realized Financial Morning News had started a gossip section. As of tomorrow, you don’t need to work anymore. Ace, get him out of here!"

After saying this, many eager reporters at the scene fell silent, their eyes fixed on the reporter who had spoken.

"No! You have no right! You can’t treat me this way! I’m an authoritative journalist, no one has the right to stop me from revealing the truth!"

Even at this moment, the reporter dared to challenge Desmond Fairchild, prompting Ace to silently pray for him.

Desmond Fairchild’s nature was inherently cold, his methods in handling issues ruthlessly decisive.

For those who provoked him, Desmond Fairchild was sure to be merciless.

"Authoritative journalist? You’re worthy?"

A person who works solely to dig into others’ private lives doesn’t deserve to be called a journalist, just a shameless, unethical paparazzi.

Soon, Ace dragged the person out, the media auditorium quickly reverting to its former silence.

Desmond Fairchild’s sharp gaze swept across the hall, finally fixating on the central equipment.