The next morning, the National Innovation Competition transformed the university into the busiest place in the entire city.Luxury vehicles stretched in a long line outside the Grand Auditorium. News vans occupied every available parking space. Camera crews hurried back and forth while reporters stood before their microphones, delivering live updates to television stations across the country.Inside the enormous auditorium, more than five thousand people filled the seats. Students from different universities sat together, whispering excitedly. Professors occupied the reserved front rows. Government officials, famous investors, technology executives, and research sponsors chatted while waiting for the ceremony to begin.High above the stage, several giant LED screens displayed the competition logo. Along the walls hung enormous blue banners.Peterson Global Group. National Innovation Competition — Proud Title Sponsor for Thirty Consecutive Years.Everyone knew the history. Peterson Glo

Less than an hour later, the executive boardroom on the top floor of Orion Headquarters was completely silent. More than twenty executives sat around the long conference table. Yesterday, many of them had watched Brandon Steve dragged out of the building. No one wanted to become the second person to suffer that fate. As Nicholas entered, everyone stood. "Good afternoon, Chairman." Nicholas acknowledged them with a nod before taking the seat at the head of the table. "You may sit." The executives slowly obeyed. Director Marsh smiled. "I'll begin by introducing everyone." One after another, department heads introduced themselves. "Research Director." "Operations Director." "Marketing Director." "Legal Affairs." "International Sales." Nicholas listened quietly, occasionally asking short questions that surprised several executives. Although he was young, his questions were direct and practical, showing he understood more than they expected. The atmosphere gradually became

Victor tapped the contract."Clause Twenty-One. Although the contracts have been fully honored, the balance wasn't settled immediately after yesterday's sponsorship transfer." He adjusted his glasses. "According to the agreement, an administrative adjustment fee still applies."Director Marsh quickly checked his copy. His expression changed."He's right.""How much?"Victor answered calmly."Three million dollars."Last Updated : 2026-08-05

The morning after Orion Technologies shocked the business world once again, Nicholas walked into the university as if nothing unusual had happened. He carried his backpack over one shoulder, his hands in his pockets. Students passed by him. Some greeted him. Some looked away. Others whispered the moment he walked past."That's him.""Julian Peterson's cousin.""The one who tried to fight the Peterson family.""I heard he suddenly became rich.""So what? Julian already exposed him."Last Updated : 2026-08-06

Ten minutes later, Nicholas and Vivian entered the university's disciplinary committee office. Several faculty members were already seated around a long table. The atmosphere felt unusually cold. University legal advisers stood near the windows.The disciplinary committee chairman adjusted his glasses."Mr. Nicholas Peterson," he said.Nicholas nodded. "I'm here."The chairman folded his hands. "This morning, the university received multiple anonymous complaints concerning your academic conduct."Vivian's eyebrows immediately knitted together. "What