She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 154

Melanie's mind went blank.

She quickly pulled out her phone and sent a text to Elias.

[Melanie: The fake investor you hired is from Stellaris PharmaTech?]

[Elias: What are you talking about?]

Their company, the Carter Group, was a direct competitor of Stellaris PharmaTech.

[Elias: Boss, don't tell me the medicine you promised me has been snatched up by Stellaris PharmaTech?]

[Elias: I swear I'm going to drop dead right here!]

Elias then sent a barrage of cartoon emojis, all depicting various ways of dying.

Melanie was in no mood to look at them.

So, Stellaris PharmaTech was genuinely planning to invest in Adrian Mercer's workshop?

Melanie couldn't help but press a hand to her forehead.

She never would have imagined that the reception she had Adrian Mercer arrange to lure Dominic would end up hooking an investor on the level of Stellaris PharmaTech.

Although she felt a little bad for Gabriel, Adrian Mercer's workshop—

—could only be funded by Dominic.

Melanie immediately gave Adrian Mercer a signal, indicating that he should find an excuse to refuse.

They had considered the possibility that a real investor might show up and had prepared a strategy in advance.

"On behalf of my workshop, I'd like to thank Mr. Whitmore for his generous offer."

Adrian Mercer began humbly.

"Stellaris PharmaTech's strength is undeniable, and we would be thrilled to have them as a partner."

Upon hearing this, the tension and desperation on Dominic's face stretched like a string about to snap.

"However… our team went independent precisely so we could focus more on cutting-edge exploration and maintain our flexibility and autonomy. Stellaris PharmaTech is a massive organization, and we're concerned that… once the project begins, we might lose some of the drive and efficiency that comes with independent development…"

"Please allow my team and me some time to discuss this further before making a decision, Mr. Whitmore."

Adrian Mercer's words were humble yet confident, and his reasoning was sound.

This was what Melanie had taught him: a refusal that left the door open.

Gregory gestured for Dominic to hold back.

But Dominic couldn't wait.

After Gabriel was the first to express interest in investing, more and more company executives began approaching Adrian Mercer to talk, clearly eyeing the same prize.

If he delayed any longer, someone else might beat him to the punch.

Dominic's heart raced with anxiety as he kept glancing toward Melanie.

She was the first one who, based on inside information, had proposed investing in Adrian Mercer's workshop.

He never should have rejected it, never should have hesitated.

If he had just listened to Melanie earlier and approved her project proposal, could he have secured Adrian Mercer before this reception ever happened?

Dominic was filled with regret.

As he was sighing in frustration, he failed to notice Evelyn approaching him.

"Dominic, what are you sighing about?"

Following Dominic's gaze, Evelyn saw he was looking at Adrian Mercer, who was surrounded by a crowd.