The clash with Noel caused little stir. In fact, very few people even knew it had happened, let alone understood the inside story. Even the Arbitration Bureau, which had been involved throughout, knew only the broad outlines. Naturally, an incident this secretive generated no news in District 25.
The matter passed without much fuss. The explanation the Alt Conglomerate gave the public was the same one Jonas had given Noel. After waking up, she did not immediately leave the hospital owned by the Alt Conglomerate, because she knew very well that Jonas would not let her go so easily.
For his part, Jonas was quite satisfied with Noel's attitude.
Sometimes, an unspoken understanding between smart people saved both time and trouble. Even without an explicit warning from Jonas, Noel knew perfectly well what she should and should not do.
Did this count as a form of house arrest?
After all, the Alt Conglomerate had not openly moved against the Misen Family. Once Noel returned and regained access to the Misen Conglomerate's resources, there was still a considerable chance of further complications.
Without anyone deliberately interfering, the "Chamber of Commerce" proceedings Noel had originally planned to sabotage concluded perfectly.
Through the Virtual Reality project, the Alt Conglomerate formed a powerful alliance with the other conglomerates in District 25. Jonas had achieved his goal, while Miss Noel had gone in circles only to end up back where she started... one could even say she was worse off than before.
After all, she could do nothing now. Even though Jonas had not physically restrained her, she still felt like a bird kept in a cage.
Another matter worth mentioning was, without a doubt, the Arbitration Bureau's attitude.
Although Carol had repeatedly stressed her neutrality, she still gave Jonas a veiled warning after the