Cross Roads

Chapter 274 "Our spokesperson search has exploded online, with over a hundred thousand applicants in just three days!" Hayley said. "Henry and the HR team started in-person interviews two days ago across eighteen locations, but there are too many participants. We're going to do an initial screening of one thousand candidates based on their online profiles" At the morning meeting, Hayley and the core project management team took the launch of this new product very seriously. Quality control and the selection of spokespersons were top priorities.

The Innovate Group was known for its swift and efficient work style The Innovate Group wrapped up the meeting quickly, with each department immediately assigned the latest tasks, Hayley packed up her laptop. clicked her high heels, and exited the conference room, huming towards the VIP elevator.

Behind her, Henry, an HR manager clutching a stack of papers, rushed to catch up. “Ms. Isaac, please hold on a sec" Everyone at the company had been swamped lately, especially the folks on this project, who were working overtuntil midnight almost every day. They had no choice. They needed to be ready for the Nivalis Al Exhibition by Christmas, and twas very tight.

Seeing the elevator open, Hayley, who also had an urgent matter, quickly turned her head and said, "Henry, you can hash out the initial candidate list with Mr. Hayes and his team. No need to ask me. I trust your judgment." "It is indeed about the preliminary selection, but please take a look at this list first." Henry anxiously said. Hayley had promoted Henry to fill her old role when she becproduct director of the Al department. Henry was extremely loyal to her.

She stopped the elevator, giving him a moment to hand over the open casting call list. Hayley quickly scanned it, lecturing her subordinate as she did.

I know sof the big shots from Vincent's team can be a pain, but these open calls are mostly for show. We'll just pick one of them who's easy to work with in the end...

Hayley's voice trailed off as her face hardened. She furrowed her brow, eyes locked on a non the list. "Stephanie is in the list? Henry's expression was also complicated as he replied, "I've double-checked it. It's definitely her." At first, he thought it was just a coincidence, but curiosity got the better of him. He looked it up, and what he found made his jaw drop.

"What should we do, Ms. Isaac? Henry felt uneasy. He had heard that Stephanie had a falling out with their president and was preparing for a divorce, though it wasn't finalized yet. This meant that Stephanie was still technically the wife of the Innovate Group's president, and that made things quite tricky.

Hayley stared at the familiar non the list, feeling a mix of emotions and seemingly unsure of what to decide.

"Should we report to Mr. Wellington ton first?" Henry asked cautiously The truth was, this audition was secondary. The key was who Dominick wanted to select. If they cut his favorite, they would be in trouble.

Panick set in as Henry quickly added, "But I heard that Mr. Wellington never liked her being in the spotlight Should they let Stephanie through or cut her loose? Just focus on your work. I'll ask him myself, Hayley said coldly, pressing the button for the 68th floor. The elevator ascended.

"Stephanie actually entered the audition. Hayley's expression was grim as she clutched the list tightly. After the chief secretary's notification, she entered the president's office. Dominick was in a hurry to catch a flight to Puente in an hour, so he was busy finalizing the last document needing approval.

"I have an electronic contract here that needs your review first, Hayley said. She opened her laptop and turned the screen towards him, and she started discussing business first. Dominick remained silent as usual, not even looking up. His eyes were focused intently as he quickly scanned the document.

Soon, Dominick stood up from his chair, pushed the laptop back to her, and formally instructed, "For the rest of the contracts on this project, you can go directly to Anthony." Hayley's eyes flickered with something, and she casually asked, "Dominick, are you no longer handling this project!" 12:23 PM D Chapter 274 The truth was that the Innovate Group had been quietly developing Al products for years, reaching the level of quantum supercomputing in their research. But they hadn't planned to go public with it until now. This project was a spur-of-the-moment decision by Dominick, and the employees. were scrambling to meet deadlines, grumbling all the way.

Still, everyone agreed their president was a genius, and his sudden move must have a deeper meaning.

"Is there anything else?" Dominick, however, didn't seem to take this project seriously.

Hayley held a list in her right hand and hesitated for a second as she looked at his usual cold and sharp face. She then handed the list over and casually mentioned it with a faint smile. “Stephanie is also participating in this audition." Dominick listened to her words calmly, not even bothering to glance at the list. His voice was low and devoid of much emotion. "So? You can't handle this yourselves?" Hayley felt very nervous inside but remained quiet, watching him, waiting for his response.

Just then, his chief secretary's reminder chimed through his communicator. It was tto head to the airport. Dominick lost his patience. He slammed the list down on the table.

What the hell are we paying those HR people for if they can't even do this right?" he snapped coldly before striding out of the room.

Hayley was momentarily stunned, but as he exited the office, a sly grin spread across her face.

It meant just doing things as usual.

Without Dominick to back her, there was no way Stephanie would ever make it into their circle. This selection process wasn't just about talent. In this world, connections were way more important than talent.

"Stephanie, I didn't see your nin the Innovate Group's announcement online... Molly frowned, concerned.

The selection event had been going on for a week now. Everyone knew a that getting into the Innovate Group was a golden ticket to a bright future. Regular folks and celebrities alike were eager to get in, making the competition fierce. The first round of selections had already been announced, a thousand names in all Molly and Stephanie were having lunch at a fine-dining restaurant. While they waited for their food, Molly scrolled through her phone, scowling at the profiles of the selected candidates.

"I swear, the people at the Innovate Group must be blind" Molly rolled her eyes. "Seriously, look at these candidates. How did they even make the

She turned her head, worriedly glancing at the woman next to her, and tried to comfort hen "Stephahle, these open selections are just for e show. They already have their picks lined up. Don't be too upset. You're just as good as any of them." Stephanie glanced at her. "I'm not upset." She seemed uninterested in the announced results.

Molly was surprised at first and relieved. "Oh, good! You finally get it. I always figured you got cut in the early rounds because Hayley and her gang were pulling strings. This whole thing is ridiculous anyway...

"I can get selected," Stephanie interrupted her softly, her eyes burning with intensity she looked towards the restaurant entrance where someone was rushing in. I have the connections." She spoke with remarkably calm Molly was taken aback. She had always considered this woman to be above such things, but now she wasn't so sure.