The elevator doors slid open.

Evelyn Ross and her two companions stood nearby.

Marcus Valentine and Kevin Sherwood stepped out, their eyes immediately finding the group.

William Sherwood quickly masked his aggression with a strained smile. "Brother, Mr. Valentine, what a coincidence! Heading out?"

Kevin remained silent.

His sharp gaze swept over them, instantly noting William's lingering hostility and Mina's visible distress.

His brow furrowed. "What's going on here?"

William spoke first. "It's nothing serious. Mina was being irresponsible, favoring a friend with a project. The contract expired without delivery, so the company followed procedure and filed a lawsuit. Now she's causing a scene at the office, even trying to drag Director Flores into some scheme!"

Director Flores hurried to explain. "Chairman Sherwood, that's not—"

"Enough of your lies!" William cut him off sharply, turning to Kevin. "Brother, don't listen to him. They just claimed NanTech secured a project worth hundreds of millions. Isn't that absurd?"

Kevin frowned.

As chairman, he didn't handle technical details, but a project worth that much sounded excessive.

Marcus laughed outright. "R&D worth hundreds of millions? That level of project would be patent-worthy, award-winning. Few in new energy achieve that. NanTech, if you had that capability, you'd be soaring. Why worry over a few million in investment? Or a two million penalty?"

He shook his head dismissively. "Is this your plan? Invent a new project, claim it's worth a fortune... How desperate!"

William immediately agreed. "Exactly! What a ridiculous lie! Even more absurd, Director Flores supports them, insisting it's true... Brother, I failed to manage Mina properly, allowing this farce. But I've fired both Director Flores and Mina. NanTech must be held accountable. The lawsuit stands."

Kevin's frown deepened.

Marcus added, "That severe? No wonder these young women resorted to such a wild story."

He glanced at Kevin, tone mocking. "Mr. Sherwood, isn't your company too strict? Harsh on partners? A few days delay on a proposal, and I hear it ruins lives?"

Kevin's face darkened. "Ruined lives? How much was invested?"

Mina answered quickly. "$3.26 million! But the penalty is twenty million."

"That much?" Kevin looked at William. "That seems unusual. Explain."

William coughed. "Mina signed the contract. I'm just enforcing it."

Mina protested, "Uncle, the contract had an error. Penalties are usually double, rarely tenfold. Evelyn's husband divorced her over this. She can't pay even by selling her home... The project was only delayed five days..."

Evelyn spoke calmly. "The project is complete."

Kevin pressed, "Any impact on us?"

Mina shook her head. "None at all."

Kevin decided instantly. "Then drop it. Withdraw the lawsuit."

William tried to argue, but Kevin shot him a sharp look. "Business is business, but we're one of New York's Five Great Families. We should show magnanimity. A three million project ruining lives is excessive."

William fell silent, chastised.

Kevin turned to Mina. "You can return to work."

"Brother!" William objected. "NanTech is one thing, but Mina's behavior can't be tolerated! If everyone invests based on friendship, extends deadlines on connections, how do we manage the company?!"

Kevin's tone was firm. "Mina has the most drive among the younger generation. She's a Sherwood. She deserves some privilege here."

The matter was settled.

Mina felt a surge of relief.

Staying at Sherwood Group meant her parents would be proud. Though she'd offended her uncle, her job was secure.

Kevin looked at Director Flores. "Old Xiang, you—"

William interrupted again. "Brother, Mina is young and impulsive, but Old Xiang is worse! He didn't correct her, he helped them deceive. Talking about a project worth hundreds of millions... Who knows what NanTech offered him to spout such nonsense!"

Director Flores, confident with Evelyn's project, stood his ground. "Chairman Sherwood, I won't be returning. I've accepted a position with Ms. Nan. But Sherwood Group is my old employer. Let me offer advice: Are you certain you don't want to partner with NanTech on this new project?"

Kevin frowned. "This new project... is it truly that impressive?"

William scoffed. "Impossible! Brother, don't be fooled! See? His true colors show. Just fired, and he joins NanTech. What's your price, Old Xiang? Betraying the company like this?"

Director Flores's expression tightened.

William said sternly, "Old Xiang, this behavior is grounds for a lawsuit. We could sue for fraud!"

Director Flores felt frustrated.

Reasoning with these non-technical managers was impossible!

Just then, a sports car screeched to a halt outside the building.

A figure rushed in urgently. "Old Xiang! Old Xiang! Is it true? That project proposal—we want it at Valentine Group! Let me see it. I brought a contract!"