Marcus Valentine stared at the doorway, frozen.

Director Zhang hurried inside.

He was the head of the new energy development department at the Valentine Group.

Director Zhang's eyes lit up when he saw Marcus. "Young Master Valentine, are you here for the project too?"

Marcus frowned.

Director Flores sneered. "Young Master Valentine thinks we're lying."

Director Zhang grew anxious. "Lao Xiang, is the R&D breakthrough you mentioned on the phone real?"

Director Flores straightened his posture. "Of course it's real!"

Director Zhang took the project proposal and skimmed it rapidly.

He looked up abruptly. "Young Master Valentine, sign the contract! Now!"

Marcus was stunned.

Kevin Sherwood's expression darkened.

Director Flores looked at Kevin. "Chairman Sherwood, President Sherwood said we are no longer cooperating with NanTech. This project must go to the Valentines."

He felt immensely satisfied.

After being suppressed by nepotism hires in this big company for so many years, he finally had his moment of triumph.

Kevin's brow furrowed tightly.

Marcus pressed further. "Is this project truly that significant?"

Director Zhang lowered his voice. "Young Master Valentine, in the new energy sector, technology is everything. NanTech's technology is currently top-tier domestically. No one else can achieve this except for Dr. Nan's company."

He leaned closer to Marcus. "Young Master Valentine, why not just acquire NanTech outright? A few hundred million is worth it!"

Marcus coughed lightly.

He exchanged a look with Kevin.

The next second—

Marcus and Kevin spoke simultaneously:

"Three hundred million to acquire your company!"

"Two hundred million to acquire your company!"

Kevin immediately corrected himself. "Three hundred million works too!"

Industry rules forbade malicious bidding.

With the same price, it came down to sincerity.

Director Flores smiled and looked at Evelyn. "President Nan, who will you choose?"

Kevin smiled. "Nan, you're Mina's friend. The earlier misunderstanding… we've already dropped the lawsuit. Let's work together?"

He was hinting that he had let her off.

Marcus grew anxious. "Uncle Sherwood, without me, would you even know about this project? Give it to me!"

Kevin maintained his smile. "My dear nephew, Nan was originally going to cooperate with us, right?"

Evelyn looked at William Sherwood. "A pity President Sherwood refused. He said never to cooperate."

Kevin shot William a glare. "His word doesn't count. Mine does. It was all a misunderstanding."

He looked back at Director Flores. "Lao Xiang, the company has treated you well for twenty years. An acquisition by us would make cooperation more convenient."

Director Flores smiled. "Chairman Sherwood, this is President Nan's decision. Director Zhang and I are also familiar…"

Director Zhang nodded repeatedly, poking Marcus.

He didn't dare compete with Kevin.

Marcus's mouth twitched.

He came today to watch a farce, but now he had to beg NanTech for cooperation.

Their positions had reversed instantly.

He coughed. "Nan, you have ties with my third uncle. Let's work together. The price is negotiable."

Kevin immediately interjected. "My price is negotiable too!"

Three hundred million wasn't enough? He could add more.

Marcus tried to speak again.

Kevin looked at Mina. "Mina, President Nan is your best friend. Persuade her."

Mina was bewildered.

Just moments ago, she was worried about debt and William's pressure. Now her uncle was being pleasant to her.

She felt flattered. "Uncle, this…"

Evelyn spoke slowly. "If Mina is in charge of the project, we can consider it."

Kevin immediately agreed. "Of course Mina will be in charge! You're good friends. Communication will be smooth."

His address for her changed from 'Mina' to the more affectionate 'Mina'.

Evelyn looked at Director Flores. "Director Flores has resigned. Project liaison requires at least a director-level position."

Kevin laughed heartily. "Mina, Director Flores has resigned. You are promoted to Director!"

William's face turned ashen.

With Mina as Director, he could no longer suppress the second branch.

Evelyn said with satisfaction, "Chairman Sherwood, we have a deal…"

Director Zhang grew frantic, jabbing Marcus hard.

Marcus shouted. "No!"

Everyone looked at him.

Kevin smiled. "My dear nephew, why not? We have a foundation with NanTech. Mina and Nan are best friends, very close!"

Marcus argued urgently. "Nan, my third uncle and you are also close friends…"

Kevin said smugly, "How can close friends compare to best friends? Right, my dear niece Nan?"

Evelyn remained silent.

She exchanged a look with Mina, seeing the joy in Mina's eyes.

Marcus grew desperate and shouted. "Nan has an even closer relationship with our family! She is my cousin!"