Chapter 9: The Grand Arena
The Grand Exhibition Hall at the city convention center was packed to capacity. Venture capitalists, international fashion journalists, university faculty, and industry leaders crowded around the presentation runway.
Julian’s booth was an extravagant spectacle of neon lighting and glossy marketing banners, drawing a large crowd of tech influencers. Clara and Leo’s booth was situated at the far end of the hall—understated, clean, and framed by raw timber displays holding a single pair of charcoal-grey, impeccably crafted sneakers.
Richard Hayes arrived with an entourage of private security, scanning the room with predatory satisfaction. He walked straight toward Julian’s station.
"The press is primed," Richard whispered in his son's ear, his grip on Julian’s shoulder firm and demanding. "The Vance brand representatives are sitting in the front row. You deliver the pitch, announce our joint venture, and close this deal."
Julian felt a bead of cold sweat slide down his spine. "Dad... the battery housing on the left unit is running warm during pre-checks. We should lower the motor output during the live trial."
"You touch nothing," Richard hissed under his breath, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "A show is about spectacle, not caution. Don't embarrass me."
May you like
Across the aisle, Leo stood beside Clara, his plain grey shirt neatly tucked, his posture steady despite having slept only two hours in the past three days. He caught Julian’s eye across the crowded aisle and nodded slightly—not with mockery, but with quiet, professional respect.
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