Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 345

Summit Hall buzzed with excitement as Camila Davis stepped off the stage, trophy in hand. The ceremony continued seamlessly, and soon enough, members of The Smith Group took turns ascending the stage to accept their awards and give their speeches.

Not even The Smith Group was spared from the spotlight.

When the host announced The Smith Group’s win for the fifth-generation RedTemp System, Camila pressed her lips together, her jaw tightening.

Walter Wilson let out a cold laugh. “The Smith Group’s got some nerve, haven’t they? Accepting an award for that?”

Jessica Harris, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. “I heard that system was actually developed when you were still with them, Camila. Is that true?”

Camila nodded, not bothering to deny it. “Yeah, it is.”

Jessica turned her gaze back toward the stage, momentarily lost for words.

Whatever people thought about The Smith Group’s audacity, it didn’t stop them from marching up to the stage and launching into a lengthy acceptance speech.

Jessica could only shake her head. “Wow, they’re even more shameless than I thought.”

Camila had brought the company so much profit, and yet, the moment they’d milked her for all she was worth, they tossed her aside. Now they had the gall to show up and take credit.

Time ticked by, and the ceremony finally approached its end.

Or so everyone thought.

Suddenly, the host announced one last award—a prestigious honor on par with Camila’s own.

“This award goes to NextGen Technologies! Please join us on stage!”

The room instantly lit up. The applause was thunderous; everyone wanted a glimpse of the legendary Mr. Williams.

But their hopes were dashed—Dennis Williams had slipped out long ago.

Instead, it was Mr. Thompson who appeared to accept the trophy on behalf of NextGen Technologies.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“Man, NextGen Technologies must be a big deal if someone like Mr. Thompson is just the stand-in…”

“I mean, can you blame them? NextGen isn’t some small fry like The Smith Group.”

“Exactly. Their products are on a whole different level.”

It was a subtle probe. If Dennis Williams recommended a company, everyone would take notice.

Dennis didn’t seem bothered by the question. He raised an eyebrow. “N.Z. Teck. I’ve seen their system—very impressive. The higher-ups are already considering integrating it into the Special Forces’ medical units. Their Ms. Davis is a rare talent, and a few of the more established firms are also solid, always pushing for innovation. But the rest… didn’t leave much of an impression.”

Mr. Thompson’s eyes lit up. He pressed on, “What about The Smith Group? Do you have any thoughts on them?”

Dennis’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “The Smith Group?”

Mr. Thompson nodded, trying to keep his composure. He was a Harrisburg native, and had crossed paths with The Smith Group plenty of times. They were eager to be included in the new assessment program—he’d promised to ask around for them.

But Dennis’s expression was unreadable, making Thompson a bit uneasy. He glanced at Aaron, Dennis’s assistant, for support.

Aaron understood immediately. His tone was cool as he replied, “Mr. Thompson, haven’t you heard? Every one of The Smith Group’s earlier systems was developed by Ms. Davis and her team, back when she was with them. Now that N.Z. Teck is the rising star, what edge does The Smith Group have left? Even that RedTemp System they won for today—they’re just riding Ms. Davis’s coattails.”

Thompson’s face froze at Aaron’s bluntness.

He quickly collected himself and nodded. “You’re absolutely right. That was careless of me.”

The rumors had been swirling for weeks—he’d just been foolish enough to forget them, and even more foolish to bring it up in front of the man himself.