"Miranda..." Matthew's gaze fell upon Miranda's projection. His brows furrowed slightly.
'How could she have joined the Umbrella Corporation?' In the original story, Miranda was Spencer's mentor, but their philosophies ultimately clashed.
The reason for this disagreement was simple. The Umbrella Corporation wanted to change the world. Miranda, a powerful noblewoman, only wanted to protect her small corner, resurrect her daughter, and live a happy, harmonious family life.
'Hmm, it seems Miranda was quite the "family hero" in that regard.' However, her joining Umbrella meant her ideology had shifted. He could no longer view her through the same lens.
Miranda, sitting in her room, seemed to sense Matthew's gaze. She turned her head slightly to look at him.
To avoid being caught peeking, Matthew immediately shifted his eyes. He turned to observe the other shareholders.
Including Matthew, there were five shareholders present. Besides Spencer and Miranda, Matthew could only guess the affiliations of the others based on their attire.
'Middle-aged, wearing a US military uniform... the background looks like a military camp... Could it be that the US Military is backing the Umbrella Corporation now?'
'Another one... hmm?' Matthew seemed to notice something suddenly. He did not recognize the other shareholder, but he recognized the emblem hanging behind them.
It was a golden pattern composed of ten interlocking circular designs. Inside the circles were some characters Matthew could not understand.
'Is this... the Ten Rings?' Matthew's eyebrow twitched. One was possibly military, the other the Ten Rings.
The current structure of the Umbrella Corporation was truly more complex than in the original story.
After everyone had arrived, Spencer, in his wheelchair, slowly began, "Since everyone is here, this meeting will officially commence."
"The purpose of holding this meeting is actually very simple."
"Company member William Birkin has refused to hand over his research results on the G-Virus. The company has now decided to apprehend him and retrieve the research project in his possession."
"And this task will be assigned to your department, Matthew Lawrence."
"Of course, the most important part of this operation is to recover the G-Virus. As for William Birkin... he is very talented, it would be better if we can continue to utilize him."
"If not..." Spencer did not finish his sentence, but everyone present clearly understood his meaning. If he could be used, he would be imprisoned and exploited. If not, he would be killed.
Such a person, if not under their control, would only become a hidden danger to the company.
"Matthew Lawrence, your father and I were old acquaintances, and I am very pleased that you have inherited his mantle."
"Precisely for this reason, this task is especially important in your hands. Do not disappoint me."
To Spencer's earnest words, Matthew merely gave an indifferent "Mm."
'Old geezer, still trying to play the sentiment card with me? I have no feelings for that cheap old man, so how could a few words from you stir any emotions in me?'
"Of course, there's no problem with this mission, but... Mr. Spencer, may I ask how much funding is allocated for this operation?" Matthew suddenly spoke.
"...Two million." Spencer frowned. It was his first time seeing someone at a meeting who did not discuss the mission but instead talked about money.
Matthew, who had been observing Spencer, naturally noticed the displeasure etched between Spencer's brows. But he paid it no mind, continuing, "Mr. Spencer, when I took office, I specifically looked into our department's finances and funding."
"Compared to the research department, it's far too little, barely enough to maintain basic operations."
"Therefore, I'd like the company to increase our department's budget."
"And while we're at it, please reimburse the operational expenses from the last mission."
Spencer: "..."
Spencer stared at Matthew's smiling face. His aged hand on the wheelchair unconsciously clenched.
'Sure enough, this kid is as annoying as his old man.' Although Spencer was reluctant to Matthew's direct request for a budget increase, he nodded and agreed to his demands. This was to win over the newly appointed Security Department Head.
"Alright, I'll have the finance department increase your department's funding."
"Besides that, do you have anything else?"
"No."
The rest of the meeting was not as important to Matthew. Most of it concerned adjusting the company's future research direction, how to increase stock prices, and how to mitigate negative public opinion.
Only one thing was worth noting. This was brought up by the middle-aged man, presumably from the US Military, during the meeting.
"I've noticed that due to successive virus leak incidents at the Arklay Laboratory, Training Facility, Raccoon City Underground Disposal Facility, and other locations, hordes of bio-organic zombies have appeared in the surrounding areas."
"Although these zombies have been secretly cleared, the sudden increase in corpse numbers has overwhelmed the local disposal sites, rendering them unable to function normally."
"This has indirectly led to a large number of bio-monsters appearing around Raccoon City recently."
"To alleviate external pressure on the company's public image and ensure the smooth progress of future research, I suggest deploying an army to isolate and blockade the mountainous region."
"If the situation becomes uncontrollable, we can use the excuse of military exercises to bombard the Arklay Mountains, completely destroying any evidence that could be detrimental to us."
Facing the proposal from the man codenamed 'General,' Spencer pondered for two seconds before quickly agreeing. With military intervention, he presumed that whatever was happening in the Arklay Mountains would be easily suppressed.
Soon, the meeting concluded. The various projections were shut down one by one.
Matthew stood up and poured himself a glass of whiskey with ice. The first taste was distinctly caramel and smoky, the alcohol flavor somewhat subdued by the ice.
"Seize the G-Virus, huh..." Turning to look at the flat map of the mission location and William Birkin's personal file on the screen, Matthew stood there for a long time.
He then slowly set down his glass.
"William Birkin is a talent... it would be a shame to just kill him."
"If he could be used by me..." Matthew murmured in a deep voice, his gaze profound. He then turned and left the conference room.
Without any hesitation, the moment Matthew left the conference room, he immediately summoned his USS (Umbrella Security Service) unit.
Since Hunk had been sent to the hospital and was unable to perform the mission, Matthew decided to lead the team himself. Of course, he had his own small agenda for this.
Firstly, if he personally took action, everything would become much more convenient. After all, the G-Virus and William Birkin were both targets of his operation.
The G-Virus, needless to say, was originally designed for 'godhood.' The 'G' itself was taken from GOD, which showed William Birkin's high expectations for the G-Virus.
Although the current G-Virus had obvious flaws, in Matthew's eyes, these flaws were negligible. With the [System] in hand, all shortcomings could be easily resolved.
As for William Birkin... as Spencer had said, he was a talent, and it would be a great pity for him to die just like that. Perhaps bringing him under his command would be a good option.