Chapter 447

Vincent tapped the surface with subtle rhythm, his gaze unwavering. "Mr. Miller, every lasting alliance in commerce rests on strength and value. The Luminara Group's initiative unquestionably carries promise."

Pausing, he continued, "Yet, does your firm presently possess the monetary strength to shoulder the venture's ongoing studies and worldwide promotion on its own? Based on what l've seen, your recent quarterly filing reveals restricted liquidity and numerous postponed undertakings."

He reclined with composure, his tone layered with authority and certainty. "The Jones Group can deliver financing, international access, and premier technical backing that you urgently lack. Aren't such offerings.worth the price? You call it severe. But I consider it the most impartial judgment of both parties'positions and liabilities." Adrian's pulse quickened. Vincent's intelligence-gathering capabilities were disturbingly exact. He not only uncovered the Luminara Group's struggles but also pinpointed the most vulnerable spot.

Fighting to steady himself, Adrian's thoughts raced,searching for a counter. "Mr. Jones, your intelligence is accurate. But the Luminara Group's technological barriers and first-mover advantage are non-substitutable essential values! Disclosing our fundamental algorithms and system framework would equal handing over our crown jewels! That cannot happen."

He reasoned forcefully, aiming to win some room in the technical exchange issue.

However, Vincent seemed to have foreseen each ·counter in advance. He meticulously captured every flaw and hesitation in Adrian's words, rebutting each with sharper rationale and solid evidence. The rhythm of the bargaining was fully his.

Sweat gathered steadily across Adrian's brow. As the clock advanced, the negotiation froze in a deadlock.

At last, Vincent's patience thinned. Glancing at his wristwatch, he declared firmly, "Mr. Miller, my time is precious.The Jones Group's proposal is explicit. You have ten minutes to decide."

He rose deliberately, his motion exuding unwavering finality. "After ten minutes, if you refuse, the proposa is no longer on the table."

Adrian reacted instinctively, his tone urgent. "Mr.Jones, kindly wait for a bit. We require time to confer with the CEO."

Vincent halted, his face turning slightly, a cold grin curving his lips. "Confer? If you cannot call the shots,you should have brought one who can. Otherwise,you're simply wasting my time."

Meanwhile, absorbing every word through the line,Hannah concluded her call with Adrian. Vincent's negotiating manner was merciless, direct, and cutting straight to the essence. She and Adrian had earlier agreed that if he locked in the deal, she would not need to appear. Adrian had done his best. Now,her presence was required.

As Vincent moved toward leaving the room, with Adrian trailing to appeal, the door swung wide.Hannah entered with serenity.

Vincent's frigid, unyielding features froze the instant his sight caught her. Then, a genuine brightness filled his eyes. He blurted out, "Why are you here? To see me?"

Hannah shook her head, meeting his surprised gaze,and walked over to Adrian with a playful smile. "Mr.Jones, why the rush to leave? Not staying to chat a bit longer?"

Vincent stared, realization striking. She was with °Adrian. She was not here specifically to see him.

Hannah tilted her head slightly. "Didn't you say a-decision-maker should face you? I'm that person."She advanced calmly, radiating assured dominance."Let me reintroduce myself.I am Victoria Hale."

Vincent's pupils widened, his eyes fixed on Hannah's features. His lips curved with an uncontrollable smile as he sought confirmation. "You're Victoria?"

Meeting his intense gaze, Hannah stayed poised. She gave a slight nod. "Yes."

The light in Vincent's eyes intensified. He stepped closer, leaning in. "You've kept this well hidden."

Hannah stayed unshaken, her voice tinged with detachment. "You never asked."

Vincent's smile turned rueful. Truly, he hadn't asked.He never imagined they were one and the same. He had really thought she was a trivial staffer.However,her revelation that she was Victoria came as no surprise at all. With her innate pride and sharpness,she would never settle for being a merely trivial staffer. She was bound to shine from much higher.

He inhaled deeply, his look more profound. "Did you plan a year ago to acquire Luminara Group as Victoria?"Hannah acknowledged directly, "Yes. I went to great lengths to prevent you from locating me then."

"Forgive me!" Vincent burst out. He longed to say more, but those two weighty words were all that came.

Hannah's eyes flickered briefly, but her expression swiftly returned to crisp calm, pulling the dialogue firmly back. "Let's not dwell on that. Shall we continue the negotiation?"