?Chapter 1173:


    Sadie observed his unshakeableposure, her estimation of the man rising with each passing second.


    Maintaining such control in the presence of overwhelming wealth suggested two possibilities: either he had witnessed every temptation the world could offer, or his desires transcended mere financial gain.


    She decided not to beat around the bush.


    “I’ll speak directly. Dr. Lawson, regarding the technology you created—the brain chip imntation that can modify orpletely wipe memories—what’s the sess rate?”


    Stuart’s eyes narrowed, disbelief flickering across his features like lightning in a storm.


    Questions hammered through his mind relentlessly. How had she discovered such ssified information? How did she understand even the technical foundation of his work? And what desperation drove her to mention it now?


    The only exnation that made sense was Noah’s deteriorating condition—a decline so severe that she found herself grasping for solutions the world still condemned as dangerous and hical.


    His thoughts raced into overdrive, analyzing every possible angle and implication.


    Following a brief silence, his gaze swept the room with deliberate precision, cataloging each person present and assessing their potential threat level.


    Sadie caught the telltale pause, recognizing his sudden wariness.


    “Everyone here has earned myplete trust. Dr. Lawson, you may speak without reservation.”


    Her deration triggered something cold within Stuart, and the corners of his mouth curved upward in a smile that held no warmth—only bitter amusement. The concept struck him asughably naive. Trust—genuine, unwavering loyalty—did such a thing truly exist in this ruthless world?


    Augh escaped him, quiet and brittle as autumn leaves, carrying within it years of umted cynicism and barely restrained contempt.


    Silence stretched between them before he moved with deliberate calm, reaching forward to snap shut both open suitcases with decisive clicks.


    Every gesture flowed with unhurried precision, as if he were handling something distasteful. His rejection resonated through the room with unmistakable rity.


    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln σ ν?? ??s., conn


    The action hit Sadie like a physical blow, freezing her in ce.


    He was refusing the money? Of all the scenarios she had prepared for, outright rejection of payment had never crossed her mind.


    She had braced herself for astronomical figures—butplete dismissal of financial incentive? A question burned through her thoughts: what could possibly motivate a man who spurned such wealth?


    Stuart’s attention returned to her, his eyes holding secrets she couldn’t yet decipher.


    “Coboration is possible.” His voice flowed like silk over steel. “However, this”—his knuckles rapped against one of the closed suitcases with hollow finality—”represents nothing I desire.”


    .


    .


    .