Chapter 12: The Unraveling

Starling was still pondering the reason for Wesley's abrupt exit when the live stream cut out abruptly. She glanced at Silas, seeing her own confusion mirrored in his eyes. Was the Silvermane Group's entry into a new field really this haphazard? It had to be the shortest press conference in history, ending in under half an hour. Just as she was about to lock her screen, the broadcast flickered back to life. This time, the camera was fixed squarely on the main stage, where Tanya Ashwood now stood alone. [Everyone,] Tanya's voice came through, slightly breathless. [Wesley… our Alpha had to attend to an urgent pack matter. I will now, as the Lead Project Head, take over the Q&A session. This will not affect the proceedings of today's launch.] On screen, Tanya's gaze kept darting nervously toward the podium in front of her. While the live stream angle didn't show what was on it, Starling knew with cold certainty—it was her research data.