Chapter 32

Chapter 32:

Immersed in her experiments, Gracie barely spared the vibrating phone a glance before ignoring it.

The constant buzzing of her phone had been almost rhythmic, each new call a sign of the caller’s mounting agitation. Still, she didn’t flinch. She let the last one die on its own before the line finally went silent.

Moments later, a sudden commotion broke out beyond the lab walls.

“Get out! Everyone out! The company’s shutting down for the day p>

A moment later, the lab door slammed open, breaking the silence.

Phoebe stumbled in, breathless and pale. “We’ve got a problem. Your father’s stirring up chaos and just dragged Mr. Lawson’s assistant out p>

Gracie’s brow tightened. “Where’s the assistant now p>

“In the lounge, but your father’s not stopping.” Phoebe’s voice quivered. “We can’t let him run wild like this p>

Rubbing her temples, Gracie exhaled slowly, the beginning of a strategy already forming in her mind.

After sending Phoebe away, she reached for her phone and dialed Theo’s number.

The call connected after a beat. “What is it?” His voice came cool and clipped, still edged with the irritation from their last conversation.

Gracie lowered hers deliberately, the softness calculated. “Could you drop by the office? I’ve hit a snag with the experiment and could use your insight p>

“I’m close. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He didn’t argue, just ended the call.

Exclusive chapters at gⱯlnσν𝑒ls․com

Gracie leaned back in her chair, her gaze glimmering with measured cunning.

The muffled commotion outside grew steadily louder, but she stayed still, lids lowered as if resting.

The moment Theo’s startled voice cut through the noise, her lashes lifted. “Alan, what are you doing here p>

Gracie rose smoothly, adjusting her coat before stepping out of the lab.

Alan stood in the middle of the chaos, his cheeks blotched red, his words thick with anger and drink. “I’m the one running this place! Where else would I be?” He squinted at Theo and waved a hand. “What about you, huh? You here to see me p>

Theo’s expression softened the instant he spotted Gracie. He let out a low chuckle and said, “No. I’m here for Gracie p>

By then, Gracie had stepped closer, her reddened eyes shimmering with restrained tears. “Dad… I really can’t reallocate the research funds anymore. The project’s at a critical point—if the chain of funding breaks now, everything we’ve built will collapse p>

Alan’s demeanor shifted, guilt flickering in his eyes before he turned toward Theo. “What bullshit are you spouting? I’m just handling some publicity ahead of time. Business relationships cost money—you wouldn’t understand. You’ve been locked in that lab too long p>

Gracie’s voice stayed calm, though a tremor ran beneath it. “But we’re already collaborating with Theo’s lab. Any major financial decisions need his approval now p>

Her gaze met Theo’s as she went on. “Why don’t we let him decide? I’m better suited for experiments than management p>

“You’re being far too humble, Gracie.” Maintaining that faint, unshaken grin, Theo shifted his gaze toward Alan. “Alan, regardless of the excuse, diverting company funds crosses the line. Since I’m officially partnered with Radiant Technologies, I can’t turn a blind eye. Honestly, it’d be best if you stopped meddling in the company altogether p>

Panic crept into Alan’s voice. “Theo, you can’t treat me like this p>

“I’m not interested in excuses,” Theo replied indifferently. “I only care about results—and the only person I trust to deliver them is Gracie. Otherwise, I’ll pull my investment and back her new company instead, one that has nothing to do with you p>

Though his tone remained pleasant, something in Theo’s eyes made Alan’s stomach twist.

After several tense seconds, Alan forced out a strained chuckle. “We’re family. No need to make things unpleasant. I’ll leave you both to it—I’ve got matters elsewhere that can’t wait p>

He shot Gracie a withering look before turning on his heel.

Once the door closed, Theo angled his head toward her, a teasing glint replacing the earlier steel. “So, Gracie… you really did plan to use me as your weapon, didn’t you p>