Chapter 582 The Genius Revealed

Sheldon finally spoke. “Mr. Jenson, I’ve confirmed it. The person who helped the Endralsia police break into the Hotel Morloss network that night, the one who saved us all—it was Tilda.”

Russell let out a quiet breath. “So that’s what this is about…”

“From your expression, it seems you’re not surprised. You already knew, didn’t you?”

“To be honest, yes. I thought at first maybe Tilda had upset you somehow. But no–my eldest son, Dominic, told me what happened. She saved my wife and son. For that, I’m deeply grateful.”

Sheldon chuckled. “Mr. Jenson, you worry too much. How could Tilda ever offend me? I’ve never even met her. Now, she’s the one who saved me–and the Oliveson Group. That night was huge. The whole world heard about it. If anyone had been hurt, I could never have borne the responsibility.”

Even recalling that night sent a chill down his spine.

Everyone at that Morloss banquet had been high–ranking, wealthy, important Cetherlanders. By comparison, Dominic and Blair weren’t even considered top tier. Even if this wasn’t what Sheldon wanted, it was still his hotel where it all happened. And that banquet–the Cetherlander Group’s gathering–had been hosted by him. Whatever the fallout, Sheldon would have to face it.

“If it weren’t for Tilda, there’s no way it would have ended with zero casualties and the terrorists wiped out. I didn’t just come back for this reception. I came to thank her face–to–face. She did me a huge favor–one I’ll probably never be able to repay.”

“That’s good to know. But, Mr. Oliveson, I’m sure you found out about our situation with Tilda. To be honest, we wronged her. If you want to meet her, it’s best not to involve us. Otherwise, she’ll only get angry.”

His expression turned heavy, and he sighed.

“Family matters are messy,” Sheldon said gently. “It’s not my place to interfere. But seeing you like this, I can tell you regret what happened. If you keep trying, I believe one day Tilda will see it. In the end, she’s still your daughter.”

It was the kind of comfort that carried little weight, but it was all he could offer.

Russell gave a bitter smile. “I hope so… though I don’t dare expect much anymore.”

Looking back on everything, all he dared hope was that Tilda’s hatred for the Jenson family wouldn’t deepen further. Anything beyond that felt out of reach.

Just then, cheers erupted from the hall.

“Looks like the team has arrived. Come on, let’s go see.”

“Alright.”

Russell and Sheldon stepped back into the hotel.

The Lucien–style castle hall stretched vast enough to hold 5000. Brilliant chandeliers blazed overhead, while rows of fine wine and lavish desserts glimmered under the light. Down by the circular fountain stage, plainclothes SWAT officers were already on patrol. Manfred himself was leading the operation.

The lights dimmed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to tonight’s banquet. I am…”

The opening dragged on, stuffed with clichés and bits of foreign phrases.

When it finally ended, the host, aware the crowd was full of powerful figures, didn’t dare waste more time. “Now, let us welcome the members of Cetherland’s lithography machine research team!”

Applause rippled through the hall. Faces lit with anticipation. Several members from the Hetsa base filed onto the stage. The host introduced each of them, listing their credentials and accomplishments.

Finally-

“Please welcome the head of the lithography machine project–Professor Kerrigan!” When Dane stepped onto the platform, the entire hall froze.

What-?

Were their eyes playing tricks? The leader of the 4nm chip lithography machine project was this young, striking man?

They had all expected some elderly Nobel Prize–winning professor. Everyone whispered about the name Dane Kerrigan.

What kind of prodigy could carry such responsibility at his age? What kind of genius could achieve what the world thought impossible?

In the corner, Jude stood alone, wine swirling in his glass. His aura was so dark and oppressive that no one dared breathe too loudly near him. A few people thought of greeting him, but the moment they caught his look, their courage evaporated. They backed away quickly, like children who hadn’t gotten the prize they wanted.

Maurice strolled over with a glass of wine in hand. His cream–colored suit set off his sharp, wickedly handsome features. He clinked his glass against Jude’s and grinned. “Jude, what’s with that look? Like the world owes you a few billion. Lighten up, man.”