Sign the Papers Mr. Langford novel Chapter 454

"Thirty percent."

Several people in the office looked over.

A thirty percent funding freeze was no small matter for Stellaris right now.

Clara's tone didn't shift. "I suggest you accept it proactively and demand that the Xanders explicitly state the conditions for the freeze and the criteria for reinstatement. Don't beg privately, and don't play the victim. The project's credibility is vastly more important than short-term cash flow."

Phoebe ground her teeth.

"Easy for you to say."

Clara looked at her. "I only say what's useful."

The tension in the room was palpable.

But Wren nodded.

"I'll speak with Harrison Xander."

Clara handed the file back to her.

"Talk rules."

"Yes. I'll talk rules."

After Clara left, Phoebe slumped in her chair and let out a long breath.

"Sometimes I really want to hate her."

Wren looked over the compliance recommendations.

"Sometimes hating her doesn't change the fact that she's right."

Maya walked past and grabbed a cup of soup.

"Then let's use her correctness for now."

At three o'clock, Harrison called.

He was entirely direct. "The Xander Foundation is suspending thirty percent of our disbursements, pending the compliance review and the approval of the data protection overhaul."

Wren replied, "I accept. I need an official letter from the Foundation detailing the reasons for the freeze, the conditions for reinstatement, and the timeline for the review."

Harrison paused for a second on the other end.

"You're not going to explain?"

"The explanations are in the compliance materials," Wren said. "The funds will follow the rules."

Harrison chuckled, the sound faint.

"Clara Thorne came to see you, didn't she?"

"Yes."

"Well, she definitely saved me a lot of breath."

Wren didn't engage with the joke.

Harrison's laughter faded as well.

"Wren, freezing the funds doesn't mean I don't trust you."