Chapter 446

Hannah eased back into her chair, her sharp gaze sweeping over the remaining employees, who stil exchanged uneasy glances, visibly rattled.

She spoke deliberately, her voice steady. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for any distress caused.Rest assured, the acquisition of critical equipment for the NeuroCore Initiative and the project's timeline remain unaffected. The company will handle all follow-up matters to ensure seamless progress. Tonight's celebration is to honor the project's success, so please continue without letting this incident weigh on you."

v

Her words carried a calming authority, gradually easing the tension in the banquet hall.

Soft music resumed, and hushed conversations stirred among the guests. Adrian approached Hannah, his voice low with admiration. "Ms. Scott, you managed today's chaos with lightning precision-swift and resolute." He paused, a hint of confusion in his tone. "But why keep the media out? Wouldn't showcasing our crackdown on corruption have bolstered the company's image?"

Hannah shook her head, her eyes sharp with insight."There are benefits and drawbacks. Internal corruption is a stain we don't need broadcast.Protecting our core team's stability takes priority. Too much publicity could spark unwanted speculation and market volatility."

And above all, the impostor's identity remained a mystery. If the media caught wind of it, it could ignite unnecessary chaos, and she couldn't take that risk.

'Adrian nodded, absorbing her reasoning. "Ms. Scott,your foresight is impressive."

The head of the bodyguard squad,having completed the task, returned to the banquet hall to report to Hannah. Hannah gave a curt nod. "Thank you for your efforts." Taking à sip from her glass, she added,"For now, keep today's events from Vincent."

The head of the bodyguard squad hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "That might not be appropriate, considering we report to Mr. Jones."

Hannah's smile didn't waver, her tone firm. "Right now, you're under my command. As my team, you follow my orders. There's no need to inform him since my safety isn't at risk. I will inform him of today's events myself. Clear?"

Her piercing gaze made his heart race, sweat beading on his forehead. He inhaled deeply, stifling his unease."Understood!"

Hannah's expression softened slightly, and she "nodded. Turning to Adrian, she asked, "There's a meeting in two days about a collaboration with Vincent-deep integration on the core project,correct?"

Adrian nodded promptly, his demeanor serious. "Yes, Ms. Scott. This partnership is vital for our three-year strategic plan. Mr. Jones always sets tough terms,making negotiations a challenge."

Hannah swirled her drink thoughtfully, deciding swiftly. "I'll attend the meeting."

Adrian responded immediately. "Alright. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Two days later, the meeting convened as planned in the top-floor conference room of the Jones Group.

Hannah didn't enter immediately, opting to remain in the waiting room, discussing negotiation details with Adrian over the phone.

Inside the conference room, tension hung thick from the start.

"Vincent, seated at the head of the table, skipped formalities and cut to the chase. He slid a hefty cooperation proposal toward Adrian. "This is our final offer for the partnership. Key terms are highlighted."

Adrian took a steadying breath and flipped open the document. As his eyes scanned the bolded clauses,his brow creased sharply.

Vincent's terms were far harsher than expected. The Jones Group demanded not only core technology sharing but also significant control over decision-making, with profi distribution heavily tilted in their favor. This was a severe blow to Luminara Group's future revenue and autonomy.

Suppressing his shock, Adrian spoke evenly. "Mr.Jones, with all due respect, your proposal is excessively demanding. The clauses on core technology sharing and decision-making authority cross our absolute limits. They don't reflect mutual benefit or a win-win outcome."

"Mutual benefit? Win-win?" Vincent leaned forward,his tone sharp and unyielding. "What leverage does "Luminara Group have to demand that from the Jones Group?"