Chapter 287
Chapter 287:
In the quiet of the restaurant’s private room, Gary settled into his seat, dressed in a sleek black suit, the gold rims of his glasses catching the light. He had that calm, sharp iciness of someone who spent most of his life buried in code and research.
“Ms. Sullivan, since Yousef dragged me here, I’m guessing this must be important,” he said the moment he sat down, not bothering with small talk.
“Gary… must you always be so blunt? You should be polite.” Yousef sighed, pressing his fingers to his forehead. “This is exactly why Mom never stops worrying about you p>
Gary barely acknowledged him before turning back to Gracie. “Ms. Sullivan, if not for the favor you once did for my family, I would have walked out the second I saw you p>
He paused briefly, then added, “Ellie Sullivan stormed into my office earlier today, insisting she invest in my project. If you’re here with the same intention, let’s end this now p>
“You’ve misunderstood.” Gracie’s lips curved into an easy smile. “I don’t know a thing about AI, and I’m not trying to get involved in it p>
Gary’s eyebrows drew together, clear confusion settling on his face.
Just hours ago, Ellie had burst into his office with an investment contract, acting like he had no choice but to accept her offer to fund his software development.
He had barely managed to send her off before Yousef called, demanding a meeting that same evening.
“Ms. Sullivan, please be direct. My schedule is tight. If this isn’t urgent, I’m heading back,” Gary said, his voice turning cold.
Yousef glanced at Gracie, silently urging her to speak.
After a calm breath, Gracie leaned forward. “Mr. Russell, believe me or don’t, but someone on your team is preparing to leak your software to a rival. When it happens, everything you’ve worked for will collapse p>
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Gary’s expression stiffened, disbelief flashing across his face before it hardened completely. “Are you joking? These people have been with me from the beginning. Betrayal isn’t even a possibility p>
“That’s up to you,” Gracie answered evenly. “But how about we make a wager? If I’m right, you let me invest. After all, business is business, and a win-win is always the smartest route p>
Gary’s eyes sharpened, his entire posture turning serious. If anyone else had said this, he would have left without another word.
But this was Gracie Sullivan, who had once stunned his whole family by accurately predicting the gender of his mother’s baby—a moment they still considered a miracle.
“Reckless claims can destroy relationships. I’ll accept this deal, but if you’re wrong, don’t expect me to stay friendly,” Gary said, warning her.
“Gary!” Yousef burst out. “Isn’t that too harsh? She’s only trying to help p>
“My team and I have been together since university. They’ve walked through fire with me. Being told to doubt them? Of course I’m furious.” Gary shoved his chair back and stood abruptly.
Gracie stayed completely calm.
At that moment, the door eased open, and Brayden stepped inside.
His eyes swept the room before he took the seat right beside Gracie without hesitation.
“Trying to threaten my wife isn’t a good look. If she turns out to be wrong, Stanley Group will manage the full promotion of your software at no cost. You risk nothing,” Brayden said.
Gary looked taken aback for a moment, but then he gave a small nod. “With your guarantee, I have no reason to hesitate. I’ll agree to the conditions p>
“Perfect,” Brayden said, turning to Gracie. “Go on. Tell him everything p>
Gracie slowly tore her eyes away from Brayden and faced forward again, her voice calm but firm. “Someone on your team is going to turn on you. In three days or less, they’ll steal your core data and ruin everything you’ve built. Instead of doubting me, you should strengthen your system and catch the person before it happens p>
Gary stared at her silently and intensely, then turned and walked out without saying anything.