Below them, the antique pavilion sat quietly under the night sky, the gentle breeze diffusing the day’s tensions.


    Choosing not to venture further, Hannah settled by the pavilion, resting her head in her hands while she admired the moonlight dancing on the river’s surface.


    “This is all your fault, Hannah.


    Not only have I lost a project, but I also have to foot the entire bill,” Maloney jested.


    “Are you going to pay half of that bill?” he added.


    Absorbed in the tranquil scene, Hannah didn’t bother to look his way as she retorted, “Tens of thousands for the bill versus the potential hundreds of millions for the project-consider which loss is greater.


    Missing out on this deal might actually be a blessing in disguise.


    Who knows, it might have led to entanglement in a legal mess someday.


    ”


    Maloney’s expression mirrored his surprise as he eximed, “Seriously? It’s that bad?”


    Hannah replied with a hint of frustration, “I kept quiet earlier, but honestly, Tyshawn’s naivety in believing such deceit doesn’t affect me.


    ”


    She leaned in slightly and continued, “The patent and research they showcased aren’t entirely bogus, but the product is far fromplete.


    And besides… I believe it’s stolen from ab I’m familiar with.


    ”


    Maloney was taken aback by the severity of Hannah’s im.


    “Stolen?” he repeated in a voice tinged with disbelief.


    “They’re presenting an iplete, possibly illicit product so brazenly?”


    “That’s right.


    ”


    Hannah kept a steady gaze at Maloney as she exined, “It’s designed to trap those whock expertise in the field-people like you.


    These unfinished and potentially fraudulent products aren’t something non-specialists can easily spot.


    Neither the Pierce nor the Mitchell families


    specialize in biopharmaceuticals, so it’s simple to dupe you with a well-presented but unqualified researcher.


    ”


    Reflecting on the earlier encounter, she added scornfully, “Did you notice how the researchers woreb coats to the meeting? It’s theatrical, designed to lend credibility where there is none.


    ”


    Maloney absorbed her words in silence, then admitted, “There are indeed countless deceptions in the local market.


    ”


    Hannah corrected him gently yet firmly, “It’s a misconception to think it’s just locally.


    In the biopharmaceutical field,cking firsthand experience can leave even a powerful family like yours vulnerable to scams, no matter the setting.


    ”


    Maloney shrugged.


    “My bad for making youe all this way for nothing.


    But since you said this tech was stolen from someone you know, aren’t you gonna do anything?”


    “Obviously, I n to do something about it,” Hannah replied.


    “Anyway, it’s still a while away before that business meeting, I have time.


    ”N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    Maloney nodded.


    “Cool, I get that you’re busy back in Cadilind.


    I’ll reach out to you only if I really need to.


    ”


    Hearing this, Hannah snorted.


    “You’d better not if it’s for this kinda stuff again.


    I won’t be responding.


    ”


    Maloney helplessly replied, “Okay, okay, it won’t happen again.


    ”


    As they were about to leave, they heard footsteps upstairs.


    Tyshawn and his group came down the stairs.


    Tyshawn, looking a bit tipsy, was being held up by an assistant as he stumbled down.


    Seeing the two still lingered here, Tyshawn sneered, “Toote for regrets! I ain’t working with you no more!”


    Did he really think he was that big of a deal like everyone would be dying to work with him?