Natasha gazed across the lab, finding Ryan standing obediently behind her with wide, unblinking eyes. His submissive demeanor created an ache in her heart.Their eyes met.Natasha hesitated, speaking into her phone, "Does it have to be tonight?"Seeing Ryan's adorable expression, she struggled to express that she had other plans. It would surely break his sweet little heart."Apologies, but there's a real urgency for EngenCorp Group to sign today. I'm genuinely sorry about that," Malcolm insisted urgently.Natasha found herself in a dilemma.Ryan noticed Natasha's expression and asked, "Professor, what's wrong? You seem a bit unhappy."She shook her head at Ryan, saying, "It's nothing."Then, she told Malcolm, "I'll take some time to think about it and text you later."Malcolm, having laid out his case, could only hope Natasha might consider it. "Alright, please take your time to think about it."Natasha ended the call."Professor, all done? Let's grab dinner. I've tidied ev
After Ryan pulled out a chair for Natasha, he took a seat beside her.The room carried a refined and gentle fragrance, wrapping the space in a pleasant mood.Once the two were comfortably seated, Malcolm finally raised his eyes to keenly assess Natasha.In the past, discussions about the collaboration on Tranquilix were always coordinated through the Toussaint family matriarch.Malcolm hadn't encountered this well-known pharmaceutical doctor before and had imagined her to be quite elderly.He had always assumed her to be at least over 50. But today, upon meeting her, he was taken aback by how young she turned out to be.And he had to admit she was beautiful. Though he preferred not to comment on people's looks, Natasha immediately caught his eye when he looked up.Her features were refined and clean, perhaps due to avoiding makeup for experiments before the meeting.Seated in the private room, her face, free from makeup, and poised elegance resembled a carefree daisy.A gust o
Malcolm nodded as he accepted the contract. "You can leave now."Despite Malcolm's directive, the man seemed uncertain and remained rooted in his spot.Malcolm raised an eyebrow, asking, "Why aren't you leaving? Do you have something to say?"Natasha heard the noise and looked up.The man at the door seemed a bit uneasy. On closer look, there was a hint of dilemma in his eyes.However, as the Toussaint family matter wasn't her concern, she lowered her head again.Malcolm, wearing an irritated expression, urged, "Speak up if you have something to say. Why linger at the door? Don't you see we've got an important guest here?""At the entrance… Mr. Grayson is here to see you," the man mentioned."Mr. Grayson?" Malcolm frowned. "Which Mr. Grayson?"Upon hearing the name, Natasha abruptly lifted her head, pondering if it could be Joshua."Grayson Corporation's president, Joshua Grayson," the man replied.Indeed, it was Joshua. But why was he seeking Malcolm? Natasha narrowed her e
Ryan kept his eyes on Natasha as she opened the door and left.As Natasha's slender figure slowly disappeared at the doorway, the warmth in Ryan's eyes faded, and he looked away.Malcolm raised an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at Ryan from across the room.He hoped to build a better rapport with Ryan, given his role as Professor Nancy's assistant. Strengthening ties with him would undoubtedly be advantageous for the Toussaint family.However, faced with Ryan's stoic and icy demeanor, Malcolm had to put aside the idea of starting a conversation.With Ryan being so distant and unapproachable, Malcolm found it hard to initiate any form of dialogue.Malcolm found himself perplexed by the stark contrast in Ryan's behavior. When dealing with Professor Nancy, he was all smiles and seemingly obedient.Yet, the instant she left, Ryan morphed into this distant and unwelcoming persona.Malcolm shook his head. He was unable to fathom the abrupt change.Ryan had no clue about the thou
"Just go ahead and hang up. Or, you know, tell Joshua straight up that Radiance Biomed won't grant authorization to the Graysons. Let him put that idea to rest," Natasha asserted firmly."Seriously? Are you sure about this?" Zack asked, a bit skeptical.He continued, "If we withhold authorization from the Graysons this time, you know things could go south—bankruptcy might even be on the table. Can you come to terms with that?""I have absolutely no ties with Joshua anymore. Since there's no connection between us, I won't be handing the Graysons any authorization," Natasha stated firmly, showing no signs of hesitation.Strangely, as Zack heard this, he felt a kind of contentment. It was like the satisfaction of seeing his own daughter finally stepping into adulthood."Okay, if you've made up your mind, I'll confidently shut down Joshua," Zack said before abruptly ending the call.It was as if he was afraid Natasha might have second thoughts.Natasha looked a bit dazed, staring at
Joshua stood there, looking a bit puzzled with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cellphone.Natasha frowned. It really was Joshua.As she realized he was standing right in front of her, Natasha instinctively stepped aside, putting some distance between them.Ryan noticed Natasha taking a few steps back, and his curiosity got the best of him. "Professor, what's going on?""We'll wait a bit before heading out," she replied without offering any explanation.Ryan was left puzzled. He followed Natasha's gaze and spotted a man in a dark suit.The man stood tall, hands in his pockets, with a sleek and sharp posture. Even from behind, his demeanor exuded a sense of cold sophistication.Ryan's brow furrowed.Judging by Natasha's expression, she was clearly intentionally avoiding the man in front of them. But why would she be avoiding him?Who was this man? Ryan had numerous questions in his head but found it hard to voice them.Natasha stood at a distance, which was close
He lifted his eyes and made eye contact with the man by the car.Ryan just casually checked him out. Their eyes met, and he finally got a good look at Joshua's face."Ryan?" Natasha's voice came from inside the car, breaking the moment.Ryan calmly withdrew his gaze."Aren't you coming?" From Natasha's view, all she could see was Ryan staring ahead. She was clueless about what had captured his attention."Let's move." Ryan settled into the car, asking, "Professor, where's your place?""Imperial Heights."With the engine roaring, the car swiftly passed Joshua, leaving only a quick glimpse in its wake.Joshua narrowed his eyes, watching the car drive away. He was still pondering the meaningful expression the guy had given him.But Joshua had never seen that guy before."What's your next move?" Matt's worried voice jolted Joshua from his thoughts.Joshua stayed silent. He turned his gaze back to Regal Repast.Not getting any reply from Joshua, Matt sighed. "Grayson Corporation
Natasha fell silent. She was thinking about where Ryan should stay for the rest of the night.Imperial Heights was constructed for the sake of tranquility. Thus, it was situated in a rather secluded location.Natasha didn't know where Ryan lived, but she felt any destination from Imperial Heights would be quite a journey.Looking back on the day's events, she realized that if she hadn't been drinking, she wouldn't have needed Ryan to drive her home.Now, with it getting so late, the idea of him heading back alone was making Natasha unsettled and concerned."How about staying over at my place tonight? It's pretty spacious with a bunch of empty rooms," Natasha suggested.The villa had a bunch of floors, and Natasha's room was on the second.After thinking it through, she figured it would be convenient for him to stay there, and Ryan could choose between the first or third floors. That way, it would work out smoothly for both of them.Feeling that this plan was the best under the