Chapter 1173
Sadie observed his unshakeable composure, her estimation of the man rising with each passing second.
Maintaining such control in the presence of overwhelming wealth suggested two possibilities: either he had witnessed every temptation the world could offer, or his desires transcended mere financial gain.
She decided not to beat around the bush.
“I’ll speak directly. Dr. Lawson, regarding the technology you created—the brain chip implantation that can modify or completely wipe memories—what’s the success rate?”
Stuart’s eyes narrowed, disbelief flickering across his features like lightning in a storm.
Questions hammered through his mind relentlessly. How had she discovered such classified information? How did she understand even the technical foundation of his work? And what desperation drove her to mention it now?
The only explanation that made sense was Noah’s deteriorating condition—a decline so severe that she found herself grasping for solutions the world still condemned as dangerous and unethical.
His thoughts raced into overdrive, analyzing every possible angle and implication.
Following a brief silence, his gaze swept the room with deliberate precision, cataloging each person present and assessing their potential threat level.
Sadie caught the telltale pause, recognizing his sudden wariness.
“Everyone here has earned my complete trust. Dr. Lawson, you may speak without reservation.”
Her declaration triggered something cold within Stuart, and the corners of his mouth curved upward in a smile that held no warmth—only bitter amusement. The concept struck him as laughably naive. Trust—genuine, unwavering loyalty—did such a thing truly exist in this ruthless world?
A laugh escaped him, quiet and brittle as autumn leaves, carrying within it years of accumulated cynicism and barely restrained contempt.
Silence stretched between them before he moved with deliberate calm, reaching forward to snap shut both open suitcases with decisive clicks.
Every gesture flowed with unhurried precision, as if he were handling something distasteful. His rejection resonated through the room with unmistakable clarity.
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The action hit Sadie like a physical blow, freezing her in place.
He was refusing the money? Of all the scenarios she had prepared for, outright rejection of payment had never crossed her mind.
She had braced herself for astronomical figures—but complete dismissal of financial incentive? A question burned through her thoughts: what could possibly motivate a man who spurned such wealth?
Stuart’s attention returned to her, his eyes holding secrets she couldn’t yet decipher.
“Collaboration is possible.” His voice flowed like silk over steel. “However, this”—his knuckles rapped against one of the closed suitcases with hollow finality—”represents nothing I desire.”
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