Chapter 722
Five minutes later, an elderly man with silver hair swept into the reception hall, cane tapping briskly against the floor. His sharp suit and hurried steps made him look less like a researcher and more like a shrewd businessman chasing his next deal.
Honestly, that tracked. In Solenia, these so-called research institutes all ran for profit. Very few people here were chasing breakthroughs for the sake of science.
Orval had been watching Charlotte on the monitors from the moment she walked into the lab. He never expected anyone besides Asclepius to finish the separation experiment so quickly, especially not someone so young. What really caught him off guard was how she destroyed her results right after succeeding. That could only mean she had something to ask for.
Orval settled on the sofa, fixing his gaze on Charlotte across from him. His tone was steady but heavy. “Tell me what you want.”
“I want access to every file and record from the institute from twenty years ago.”
If her mother’s research team developed a new drug back then, there had to be files stored somewhere.
Twenty years ago. The words hit Orval hard, and his eyes went cold. He immediately understood why she was here.
“Who are you? What files from twenty years ago do you want to see?”
The only archives sealed from that time were related to the A1 Research Institute. Charlotte pressed her lips together, her face hidden behind her mask.
“It doesn’t matter who I am. What matters is that you have something I want, and I have something you want. If you give me what I’m after, you’ll get what you want in return.”
The A1 Laboratory files had been locked away by the previous director. Orval hesitated. Sensing his reluctance, Charlotte stood up, smoothed out her clothes, and her voice grew even colder.
“Looks like you’re not interested in making this deal. No point wasting time here.” “Stop them!”
Orval barked the order and the guards immediately moved to block their way. Jackson and Adonis tensed, weapons drawn, ready to defend Charlotte at a moment’s notice.
“I don’t know
vwho
you think
you are, but you’re not leaving this building without my say so” Orval said, his face tight you want to walk out of here alive, you’ll run the separation experiment for me one more time. Once I have the results, I’ll
Before he could finish, a shadow darted toward him. Charlotte was suddenly at his side, fast as a flash, and a cold blade pressed against his neck. Blood drained from Orval’s face.
“What are you doing?” he managed, voice shaking.
“I’m doing exactly what you’re
doing,” Charlotte replied, her voice soft but dangerous. “If I’m not walking out of here, then youre i not either. So if you know what’s good for you, don’t push me.”
She pressed the knife a little harder. Orval felt a sharp sting and realized she was serious.
“The profits from a successful separation are worth way more than whatever secrets you’re hiding.”
Any smart businessman would know when to back down. Orval weighed his options, then finally spoke.
“Fine. I’ll give you what you want.”
“See? Wasn’t that easy?” Charlotte
stepped back, eyeing the thin line of
blood on his neck. A cold smilethe
curled on her lips. By the way, that knife is poisoned. Once we’re out safely, I’ll leave the antidote for you.”