Semua Bab Who's the Substitute Now?: Bab 201 - Bab 210

Natasha grinned, saying, "I won't. If you're skeptical, we can pinky swear."Ryan sensed Natasha's teasing tone and sheepishly scratched his head. "That's not necessary—I trust you, professor."Having said that, Ryan raised an eyebrow. His eyes were bright and clear as he gave her a gentle smile. "Alright, I'm off."He walked away, waving goodbye to Natasha. There was a youthful energy surrounding him.Natasha stood at the villa's entrance, letting out a soft sigh. She watched Ryan until he vanished into the distance.Seated in his car, Ryan didn't immediately start the engine. Instead, he sat quietly in the driver's seat.His gaze lingered on the distant villa, noting every light coming to life until the entire house glowed brightly.He had noticed this habit of Natasha's a long time ago.Even in the laboratory during daylight hours, she would keep all the lights on.Sometimes, absorbed in her experiments, she would unintentionally work into the night. If the surroundings dim

"It was during that banquet. I don't remember it very well. I saw you from afar. Back then, you were just a little kid," Audrey reminisced."A banquet?" Natasha thought hard, but she honestly couldn't recall anything about a banquet."And during that banquet, halfway through—poof! You disappeared, and your mom was running around searching for you!"Natasha was even more confused. Seriously, she had zero memory of that scene Audrey was talking about."You're divorced from that guy in the Grayson family now, right?" Audrey suddenly fixed her gaze on Natasha. As she spoke, the smile on her face faded quite a bit.Audrey's abrupt seriousness caught Natasha off guard. She instinctively straightened up and replied earnestly, "Yes."The fact that Audrey seemed privy to these details was unexpected for Natasha. It was giving her the impression that Audrey had an in-depth understanding of her life."It's good that you divorced him." Audrey sighed. "Do you realize how devastated your mom

Malcolm raised his glass. "Professor, I apologize and will take a drink to express my regret." With that, he lifted the wine glass and downed the drink in one gulp.Observing Malcolm's sincere and bold gesture, Natasha felt uneasy.The last time she had a few drinks at Regal Repast, it ended with Ryan escorting her home. This time, she drove here alone with no one to help her out. Besides, she wasn't accustomed to drinking.However, she couldn't be impolite in response to Malcolm's sincerity."I came here alone by car. It'll be inconvenient for me to drink. But I appreciate your gesture. I'll toast you with tea instead."Natasha took her cup of tea and drank it in one go.After giving Natasha a grateful look, Malcolm left through the door.Joshua, dressed in a sharp black suit, stood at the entrance with a bodyguard in black, holding an umbrella.A quick glance showed impatience in Joshua's eyes, and an intimidating air surrounded him.Malcolm, having hastily come downstairs

Malcolm had heard about Joshua's decisive nature and emphasis on efficiency. Today, witnessing Joshua's actions, Malcolm found those qualities to be indeed true.Malcolm had not only finalized a contract with Natasha for Tranquilix but also reached an agreement with the Graysons. He believed EngenCorp Group's future was promising.However, as Malcolm read the detailed plan, his joyful expression faded. Concerned, he closed the agreement.Joshua, noticing the change, asked, "Is there a problem?" Malcolm, with a serious tone, said, "The Grayson Corporation's plan is thorough, but…"Joshua calmly sipped his drink, prompting Malcolm to continue expressing his reservations.Joshua's proposed agreement outlined an ambitious project with a substantial investment estimate. Completing it could elevate EngenCorp Group.However, due to the project's size and the significant required investment, EngenCorp Group, having already committed to collaborating with Natasha, lacked the funds for t

Malcolm spoke up just then. "The Toussaint family has already signed an agreement with another company prior to this. EngenCorp Group really can't afford the large capital needed to work with Grayson Corp for this project now."That was all Malcolm could say. He silently prayed for Joshua to have mercy on the Toussaint family and EngenCorp Group by not pursuing the matter any longer."Who are you guys working with now?" Joshua asked.As far as Joshua recalled, EngenCorp Group wasn't the top pharmaceutical company in Oceanville. But even so, it wasn't so lacking as to not have the money needed to fund two projects.But Malcolm wouldn't be bold enough to lie given the current circumstances, which could only mean EngenCorp Group was working with a big company.This company might not even be based in Oceanville and might even be more powerful than Grayson Corp."I really can't reveal that information. You know we have to sign a non-disclosure agreement when it comes to these projects