This remark Left Malvina infuriated.


    “Do you realize who supports me? How dare you address me in such a manner!”


    “Who exactly is behind you?” Maloney asked, his interest barely piqued.


    “Is it the Lyons family you boasted about earlier, or perhaps you’re iming to be the lost heir of the Compton family?”


    Malvina retorted with a huff, “Good, at least you’re aware.


    Don’t assume that the Pierce family’s international clout extends here! You’ve just made an enemy of the Compton family.


    I’ll make sure my father hears about this, and trust me, the Pierces will regret crossing us!”


    Her bravado was almostedic, and Maloney could barely contain hisughter.


    He now understood why Hannah didn’t lift a finger in exposing her.


    With something this amusing, there was no sense in spoiling the fun out of exposing her.


    Buoyed by Malvina’s deration, Tyshawn wore a self-satisfied smirk.


    “Oh, really?” Maloney questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    “Our family has long-standing ties with the Comptons.


    When exactly did they acquire a daughter Like you?”


    A flicker of doubt crossed Tyshawn’s face as he observed the exchange.


    Malvina’s confidence wavered momentarily, and there was a sh of uncertainty in her eyes.N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    However, she quickly masked her panic with bravado, convinced Maloney was merely bluffing.


    Sneering, she retorted, “I wasn’t aware my father had any connections with the Pierce family!”


    Her defiant statement momentarily quieted the room, even Tyshawn who was not the sharpest tool in the shed, sensed a discrepancy.


    Puzzled, he turned to her and countered, “Malvina, shouldn’t the five major ns be well-acquainted with each other?”


    Malvina’s confidence wavered visibly as she hastily improvised an exnation.


    “What I meant to say was that… I’ve only recently reconnected with the Compton family.


    I haven’t yet had the chance to meet anyone from the Pierce family.


    My father is closely allied with the Lyons family; they’ve taken me in as a goddaughter, which is how I came to know them.


    ”


    Her justification sounded stretched, but Tyshawn, ever gullible, epted her words without suspicion.


    Tyshawn faced Maloney and defended Malvina.


    “Mr.


    Pierce, it’s not her fault that you two haven’t met.


    That’s on you.


    ”


    Before Maloney could respond, Hannah subtly pressed his wrist under the table, signaling him to hold back.


    She quickly stated, “Let’s focus on the matter at hand-the potential coboration.


    We need not delve into the intricacies of her family connections.


    ”


    Frustrated by her statement, Tyshawn countered, “Mr.


    Pierce, this biopharmaceutical venture is a golden opportunity.


    Are you sure you want to dismiss it so Lightly?”


    The attending scientists eyed Maloney intently, awaiting his decision.


    In a deliberate move, Maloney stood up and dered, “I’ve got more than enough projects at the moment, and my fiancee’s reservations about this one are enough for me to step back.


    We’ll pass on this coboration.


    ”


    Hannah stood alongside him, and together, they prepared to Leave.


    “Mr.


    Pierce, mark my words: you’re going to regret this!” Tyshawn blurted out with bitterness evident in his tone.


    “This meeting was supposed to solidify our families’ coboration.


    It’s unfortunate it turned out this way! You’ll be footing the bill for today’s meeting!”


    Maloney and Hannah ignored his parting shot and descended from the lofty restaurant.