Chapter 9

Stealing confidential information was a cardinal sin in their industry.

If the accusation stuck, Stellar would face legal consequences, potentially even prison time. Brighton Group would also risk being implicated.

At the banquet that night, Shane hadn’t believed Percy’s claims. But now, with Percy barging into Brighton Group with apparent preparation, Shane couldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely.

Turning his attention to the proposal, Shane flipped through the pages. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes before he looked at Stellar.

“What does Miss Rivers want to do?”

Before Stellar could respond, Percy cut in, his voice laced with smugness and indifference, as though he was savoring the moment she would plead for forgiveness.

“Do you even have a choice? I’ve given you countless chances, but you insisted over and over that you weren’t representing Moore Enterprises. Stellar, without Moore Enterprises backing you, do you really think you’re qualified to negotiate with Brighton Group?”

The words caught in Stellar’s throat.

She had never intended to utterly humiliate Percy. Despite the pain he had caused her, she couldn’t forget the moment in her darkest hour, under a torrential downpour, when he reached out to help her.

But this man, arrogant, unrelenting, and entirely unreasonable, had pushed her past her limit.

“Fine, since you’re so determined to paint me as guilty, let’s make a wager. If my proposal has nothing to do with Moore Enterprises, and if Riverside Corporation’s collaboration with Brighton Group is entirely based on our own merits, I want you to publicly apologize and admit that you’re a blind, heartless jerk!”

Her final demand carried a surge of suppressed emotion that couldn’t be held back.

Percy laughed, his anger bubbling into derision.

He came here with his company’s team, not the police, as a final concession to save her dignity.

But she didn’t know how to take the olive branch.

“Go ahead, but don't come crying for my help when things fall apart.”

Shane glanced at Stellar, a subtle gleam flashing in his eyes.

He suddenly smiled faintly and said, “Oh, I’ve heard that there are some personal grievances between Miss Rivers and Mr. Moore. But since this concerns Brighton Group’s reputation, I hope Mr. Moore doesn’t mind if I step in as well?”

Percy was more than willing.

This was his chance to wipe away the humiliation of that night at the banquet and to show Stellar that without him, she would accomplish nothing.

Both sides brought in teams to thoroughly examine every detail of the proposals, including project materials, market strategies, and other specifics, comparing them for any overlaps. If a significant overlap was found, the accusation of plagiarism would be indisputable.

Percy sat arrogantly in his chair, his cold gaze sweeping over Stellar.

He expected to see panic or embarrassment on her face, but instead, her expression remained calm and poised. She even had the composure to quietly chat with Shane while sipping tea.

Did she think he was invisible?

He turned his head away in frustration, but his peripheral vision caught the glimpse of her slender legs under the hem of her skirt, wrapped in black stockings. The irritation that had been building in his chest since the previous night only grew more intense.

At that moment, his assistant leaned in and murmured, “Mr. Moore, the overlap rate isn’t enough.”

“What? That’s impossible!” Percy’s anger erupted, and he slammed his hand down on the table with a loud bang, sending the room’s atmosphere into a nosedive.

However, Shane remained unfazed and calmly said, “Mr. Moore, this is Brighton Group. I suggest you keep your composure.”

Percy’s face darkened further, his expression as cold as a stormy sky. He snatched the file from his assistant’s hand and flipped through it, his disbelief growing with every page.

The core concept of the project was clear. Even if Stellar had redesigned the proposal, it should have still overlapped with Moore Enterprises’ original work. Yet the data in front of him completely defied his expectations.

“This… you wrote this?” Percy asked, his voice filled with disbelief as he turned to Stellar.

Shane chuckled. “Mr. Moore, are you implying that Brighton Group provided it instead?”

The obvious answer hit Percy like a slap across the face.

Just as he struggled to regain composure, one of the compliance officers suddenly spoke up. “Mr. Moore, there’s an issue with this material.”

Percy immediately stepped forward, scrutinizing the documents.

After a moment, he slammed two sheets of paper onto Shane’s desk.

“Mr. Howe, with such a critical material selection error, do you still believe Stellar and Riverside Corporation can handle this project?”

Straightening up, Percy looked down at Stellar with a triumphant sneer.

“Yes, you studied aerospace, but you never even graduated. Even if you hired someone to draft a flawless proposal, it doesn’t change the fact that you have glaring gaps in your expertise. Once the project begins, any mistakes could cost Brighton Group dearly—losses Riverside Corporation couldn’t cover even if it folded entirely.”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Standing tall with inflated self-importance, Percy fixed his gaze on Stellar. He anticipated her scrambling for an explanation or, better yet, pleading for forgiveness.

In his mind, he was transported back to that stormy night when he’d found her—lost, broken, and vulnerable. He took her in, cared for her, and believed she owed him her life for it.

But instead of panic, a technical team member from Brighton Group hesitantly raised a hand, wearing an awkward yet polite smile.

“Mr. Moore, isn’t it possible that the material Miss Rivers provided is actually more advanced and precise?”

For a split second, Percy’s expression cracked.

It was as if the roles had reversed, and now he was the one left looking like a fool.

Moore Enterprises had their own experts on hand, and it didn’t take long for the results to come in.

“Mr. Moore, this is LN steel—the most advanced material on the market. It’s something we couldn’t possibly...”

The revelation hit like a thunderclap on a clear day.

Shane rose slowly from his seat, his smile faint but full of meaning.

“Mr. Moore, it seems you’ve lost the bet. Brighton Group’s public relations team is ready whenever you are to assist with your apology statement.”

Percy’s face turned an angry shade of crimson.

In the bustling main hall of Brighton Group, where many visitors were conducting business or seeking partnerships, the commotion in the meeting room quickly drew attention. The door, left ajar, invited a growing number of curious onlookers.

At first, the security team tried to keep the crowd at bay, but after a subtle signal from Shane, they stepped aside, allowing everyone to watch freely.

Among the crowd, a sharply dressed middle-aged man stepped forward, his expression laced with subtle amusement.

“Mr. Moore, a man’s word is his bond. You’ve made a promise. Don’t even think about going back on it now.”

Still seething, Percy clenched his jaw tightly. When he recognized the man, his expression stiffened further.

“Mr. Turner, I apologize for this embarrassing scene. The renewal contract has already been prepared. We’d be honored to have you visit Moore Enterprises to finalize it.”

Nicholas Turner was a heavyweight in the city’s business circles and one of Moore Enterprises’ most valued clients.

The current contract was set to expire this quarter, and just a few days ago, Nicholas sent a renewal request. Why was he suddenly appearing at Brighton Group now?

However, before anyone could speak, Nicholas smirked dismissively and said, “As for the renewal, I think we’ll need to revisit that.”

With that, he completely ignored Percy’s stunned expression, bypassed him, and instead walked directly toward Stellar with a cheerful smile.

Extending his hand, he said, “Miss Rivers, so you’ve switched companies? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? The last time I worked with Moore Enterprises, it was you who finalized the deal!”

“Mr. Turner.” Stellar was equally surprised but quickly understood that he must have overheard the advanced technical details mentioned in her proposal earlier.

After all, businesspeople were all seasoned players, each as sly as the next.

Even so, it was understandable. She responded with polite composure, her tone perfectly measured. “I’m sorry, but yes, I’ve already left Moore Enterprises. I no longer handle anything related to them. If you’re thinking about renewal…”

“No, no, no, Miss Rivers, you misunderstand!” Nicholas quickly waved his hand. “What I mean is, now that you’ve joined a new company and brought in new technology, you must include Turner Corporation in your plans!”