Chapter 465

Assistant James swallowed hard again. "Well, Director, here's the thing. Deputy Director Black just called again. He... he mentioned that it's been a whole month, and our Academy of Sciences hasn't published the paper or provided any feedback. Deputy Director Black... he's planning to take the paper back and submit it elsewhere for publication." "Are you kidding me?!" Before Silas could respond, Professor Mclaney had already jumped to his feet, his face flushed with agitation. "Absolutely not! That paper must be published by our Academy, and the author—we must recruit them to join us at all costs!" Silas frowned, about to speak, when the phone rang again. Assistant James glanced at Forrest and cleared his throat. "It... it might be Deputy Director Black. He said he'd call back to request the paper again." Silas reached for the receiver. Professor Mclaney hovered nervously beside him, his voice tense. "Forrest, I'm warning you—if you let that paper or its author slip through our fingers