Chapter 448

Vincent resumed his place at the head of the table,while Hannah quietly settled into the chair Adrian had vacated for her.

Dispensing with small talk, Hannah went straight for the jugular. "There is absolutely no way we can share our core technology. That is the lifeblood of the Luminara Group. Mr. Jones, this is where we draw the line."

Vincent held her gaze. Earlier, when facing Adrian, he had been all sharp and unyielding, not bulging an inch. Now, however, he showed not the slightest °resistance. With a faint nod, he simply replied,"Understood. We respect your safeguarding of core technology."

A flicker of surprise lit Hannah's eyes, though she quickly steadied herself. "On decision-making," she

continued, her tone firm, "it must remain under the direction of the Luminara Group. We hold the final word. Jones Group may adviseand oversee, but overstepping is out of the question."

Vincent studied her poised determination, the corner of his lips lifting in a small smile, equal parts admiration and indulgence. He nodded once more."Naturally. Your team will lead the project. Jones Group will stand in support."

Hannah's surprise deepened. Was this really the same Vincent who, moments ago, had been relentless in his demands? Pushing down her thoughts, she pressed on. "As for revenue sharing,Mr. Jones, your earlier proposal was plainly unjust.Luminara Group carries both the core technology and the greater risks, while Jones Group offers only 'channels and partial funding. Yet, you still asked for the lion's share? That's unreasonable."

Vincent leaned back slightly, resting against his chair,his gaze intently locked on her with a near-transparent concession. He drummed his fingerslightly on the table and then made his decision."Sixty percent to Luminara Group, forty to Jones Group. Does that suit you?"

The moment those words fell, silence engulfed the room.

Adrian's eyes widened. Only minutes earlier, Vincent had clung stubbornly to a seventy-thirty split-perhaps even more in his favor. And now? He was giving ground, offering a sixty-forty tilted toward Luminara Group?

Hannah, too, was momentarily stunned. Meeting Vincent's profound eyes, she felt a storm rise quietly within her chest. Yet, her face betrayed nothing.Coolly,she answered, "That would be perfect."

Vincent turned toward his secretary, his tone cold and businesslike. "Draft a new contract based on my discussion with Ms. Scott. The core terms are these:-no sharing of core technology, Luminara Group leads all decisions, and profits split sixty-forty in Luminara Group's favor. Immediately." "Yes, Mr. Jones. At once!" the secretary replied,gathering the documents before swiftly leaving the room.

Adrian stood frozen in disbelief, glancing from Vincent to Hannah. Had they just reached an agreement?

Just a while back, Adrian had labored tirelessly to budge Vincent's terms and failed each time. Yet,Hannah had spoken a handful of words, and Vincent not only yielded but offered concessions freely.Since when had Vincent been so easy to sway? Then what was the meaning of all his earlier stubbornness?

Adrian felt like the punchline of a cruel joke.

Thus, the negotiation-expected to be a battle of 'attrition-ended with astonishing ease.

Hannah rose, her gaze calm yet tinged with curiosity.-"Mr. Jones, your sudden agreeableness is out of character. I thought we'd be locked in the negotiation for another hour at least." Vincent also stood and checked his watch. "It's nearly lunchtime. Would you care to join me for a meal?"

Hannah shook her head gently, her voice polite but distant. "Lunch won't be necessary/. I already have another engagement."

She referred to Claude. The moment he learned she had resolved the company's embezzlement crisis, he had invited her out to celebrate.

Vincent's expression did not falter, though a faint shadow of disappointment crossed his eyes. He inclined his head. "Very well."

Hannah extended her hand. "In that case, Mr. Jones,here's to a fruitful collaboration."

Vincent clasped her hand lightly. "To a fruitful collaboration."

Withdrawing her hand, Hannah added, "And thank you for assigning the bodyguards. They proved both effective and disciplined."

But Vincent's thoughts were already elsewhere, His gaze remained intent on her, brushing aside her gratitude with a question of his own. "Who are you meeting with?"

Hannah's brows drew together, her tone chilled."Mr.Jones, that is a private matter."

Sensing the tension, Adrian quickly stepped in,forcing a smile. "Mr. Jones, Ms. Scott truly has a full schedule. How about I treat you to lunch instead? We can go over the finer details of the collaboration."

Vincent did not so much as glance his way. "Nah."

Adrian's smile froze, and he retreated in awkward silence.

After the negotiation, Vincent personally escorted Hannah downstairs. In the lobby, they found Claude waiting, a large bouquet of yellow roses in his hands.

The instant Claude spotted Hannah, he strode forward eagerly. "Anna, congratulations! A resounding success." He presented the bouquet with both hands.

Hannah accepted it graciously. "Thank you, Claude."

Vincent lingered a step behind Hannah, his presence radiating a quiet, icy pressure. "Mr. Hobbes," he remarked, his voice like a cold blade, "you seem remarkably well-informed."

Claude, having rushed over the moment he heard of her presence at the Jones Group, met Vincent's gaze with open hostility. "Not as well-informed as you, Mr.Jones."

If not for his recent workload, Claude would never have allowed Vincent the opportunity to draw closer to HHannah. Erica was simply incompetent, still failed to capture Vincent's heart despite wearing Hannah's face