Chapter 380

Exchange thoughts? That was laughable. Nathaniel Graves and Victoria Kensington had absolutely nothing meaningful to discuss.

With so many people around, he certainly wouldn't voice that opinion to Walter. Their acquaintance was merely superficial at best.

Nathaniel offered a polite smile. "You're absolutely right, Professor."

Walter Pembroke held considerable prestige in Salzburg's AI research circles.

Both the Kensington and Sinclair families assumed Nathaniel would show more interest in Victoria since she studied under Frederick Langley, a luminary in the field.

Hearing Walter's admiration for Victoria, Genevieve shot Isabella Sinclair a smug look.

Victoria trained under someone as distinguished as Frederick Langley. But Isabella? Who was she? Compared to Victoria, Isabella was insignificant.

Eleanor Kensington, Reginald Kensington, and their companions shared the same opinion.

When Alexander Whitmore had called Victoria earlier, Eleanor and the others had been present.

Upon hearing about the group lunch, they'd decided to join. Not that they intended to freeload - they simply happened to be dining at the same venue.

Discovering they were Victoria's family, Walter extended the invitation.

Turning to Nathaniel, he inquired, "Mr. Graves, I was wondering if—"

Nathaniel's gaze shifted to Isabella.

She showed no objection.

Respecting Walter's seniority, Nathaniel chose not to embarrass him.

Amused internally, he maintained a courteous expression. "Mr. Whitmore is hosting today. If he has no objections, neither do I."

The party moved into a private dining room.

Isabella seated herself beside Nathaniel while Kieran Blackwood took the chair on her other side.

Victoria positioned herself between Alexander and Walter.

After preliminary small talk, Walter and Victoria began discussing Frederick. Their conversation had barely started when Victoria's phone pinged with a notification.

Reading the message, she smiled at Walter. "The latest issue of NMI just published."

Indeed, the newest NMI edition had released today.

This wasn't exactly breaking news—aside from the Kensingtons and Sinclairs, nearly everyone at the table followed top-tier AI journal updates closely.

Most attendees were already aware without Victoria's announcement.

But Victoria had more to share.

She added, "My advisor, Professor Langley, served as reviewer for this issue. He just messaged saying one particular paper stood out remarkably—he believes it's essential reading for all of us."

Her words instantly captured everyone's attention—including Isabella and Nathaniel.

Walter appeared particularly intrigued.

Given Frederick's stature in AI, such high praise indicated something extraordinary.

Walter asked, "Which paper?"

Victoria held up her phone and read the title Frederick had sent her.

The group silently committed it to memory.

Upon hearing the title, Nathaniel arched an eyebrow with an amused smile, turning to Isabella.

She simply sipped her tea with a knowing smile.

The NMI journal—both print and digital versions—had released globally simultaneously.

For a paper to earn Frederick's effusive praise? Walter practically vibrated with the urge to access it immediately.

Yet social decorum demanded restraint.

Still, he couldn't help remarking, "Sounds like it must focus on attention mechanisms."

Victoria nodded. "Precisely."