Web Novel
No Wife, No Life Chapter 162
Harper indeed knew about Brock, the illegitimate son of the Elikin family, born from Marvin's affair with another woman.
Even though he was older than Caden, his status meant he never got a shot at the family business. Now, with Caden's future up in the air, this was Brock's best chance to grab some power.
So, Harper made sure to remind him of his place.
Sure enough, Brock slammed the table in anger. "Harper, who do you think you are, sticking your nose in Elikin family business?"
He glared at her, stepping closer in a threatening way.
Peyton stepped in front of Harper, his eyes sharp and unyielding, making it clear Brock shouldn't come any closer.
"Mr. Brock Elikin, are you oblivious to my presence?"
He indicated that one more step and Peyton would handle him.
Brock looked at Peyton and laughed mockingly. "Look at this! How could Harper and Peyton be innocent? Harper, you're such a flirt. Caden's barely out of the picture, and you're already cozying up to Peyton. You really waste no time."
Compared to Caden's wild ways, Brock was downright vulgar and lacked any decorum.
He started shouting and even pulled out his phone to start a live stream, pointing the camera at Harper and Peyton.
"Everyone, look! This is Harper's new lover. She cheated on Alex while married, and now she's ditched Caden to hook up with Peyton Thompson. Harper's just playing with men."
"The man he recently enticed was Peyton Thompson, the Vice President of HoloSphere Technologies, a Fortune 500 company. Let me enlighten you, Peyton embodies formidable capital."
But to Brock's surprise, the live stream comments didn't attack Harper.
"Mr. Brock Elikin, do you even know what's going on? Just because they're together doesn't mean they're lovers. Can't they be business partners?"
"Yeah, Ms. Orsini is so capable. It's normal for her to have dealings with HoloSphere Technologies."
"Isn't the Elikin family always a mess? You're the one with the questionable background."
Seeing these comments, Brock was furious. He didn't want to look at them anymore and abruptly ended the live stream.
At that moment, Peyton spoke calmly, "Did Mr. Brock Elikin get our permission to live stream? It seems Mr. Brock Elikin wants to deal with our legal department. I assure you, our legal team consists of the best legal experts both domestically and internationally."
It was both a threat and a warning.
HoloSphere Technologies' legal team was indeed top-notch. As a multinational company, their legal department was well-versed in international law, and dealing with Brock would be no problem.
Sure enough, Brock's menacing expression froze upon hearing this.
Peyton's words immediately silenced the room.
"Peyton, don't bother with them." Harper looked up. She had already taken a seat at the edge of the long table, tapping her fingers lightly on the surface, looking relaxed.
"I won't waste everyone's time. Let's get to the point. Peyton and I are here at FusionX Company for a contract."
"I've worked with HoloSphere Technologies on AI tech before, and this partnership is between me and FusionX Company, not the Elikin family. Furthermore, the private laboratory established by FusionX Company has long since been staffed with researchers from HoloSphere Technologies.""
Her tone was calm and measured.
"So, whether I remain as Vice President of FusionX or someone else from the Elikin family assumes the role, the decision rests with you."
She scanned the room, her gaze sharp.
"Of course, I'm not forcing anyone. But you all know how crucial AI research is. I can bring you the latest cutting-edge technology. What can others offer? Short-term gains or long-term benefits? Think carefully."
Harper's words hit home.
She understood human nature and knew what these people wanted most.
People were often greedy.
Just like now, Harper didn't know what the Elikin family could offer these people, but she knew her benefits far exceeded theirs.
Moreover, Harper brought the latest AI technology and HoloSphere Technologies' capital. Technology plus capital was a winning combination.
In the face of absolute benefits, how could people not be tempted?
With Caden's situation, the Elikin Group's stock hadn't plummeted mainly because people knew FusionX Company still had Harper.
With Harper at the helm, even without Caden, FusionX Company would remain strong.
Unless FusionX Company was foolish enough to drive Harper away.
These people were sensible enough to know that the one who could make them money was the real leader.
The board members exchanged glances, none daring to speak up.
"So, may I ask, what is the purpose of this board meeting?" Harper smiled, her tone almost mocking. "Are you here to replace me or drive me away?"
The board members remained silent.
Marvin said nothing, but Brock couldn't hold back.
"Harper, stop scaremongering. Do you think you're the only one who can research AI? There are plenty of AI experts and scientists in the world. The Elikin Group can afford them." He shouted, like a clown.
Even if he didn't know Harper's capabilities, the board members did.
They believed that Harper, right in front of them, was the foremost expert in AI research in the world. They had all seen that video, and no other specialist had reached such a level of expertise.
They boldly assumed that even Alvina would have to bow down.
Harper smiled, looking at Brock with disdain.
"Mr. Marvin Elikin, perhaps you should have Mr. Brock Elikin take up some hobbies, like calligraphy or painting. It might help him calm down."
Her words were directed at Marvin.
The board members didn't speak, but their expressions showed disdain and contempt.
Marvin felt embarrassed and sternly told Brock to stop talking.
Brock glared at Harper but eventually fell silent.
Finally, Harper smiled and looked around the room again. "Does anyone have any questions?"
The room was silent.
Harper then added, "Then, I look forward to our future cooperation."
The board members, except for Marvin and Brock, smiled and applauded.
After the meeting, they approached Peyton with smiles, discussing future plans and assuring him not to take today's incident to heart.
Peyton responded politely but distantly.
Once everyone left, Marvin and Brock still remained.