The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 435

He held his teacup, his voice calm and measured, sounding exactly like a professor grading a failing midterm paper.

"You need to think long-term. Vitas-1 targets the cells more precisely and has highly manageable toxicity. It is the objectively correct choice."

Grant's expression instantly shattered.

It wasn't anger. It was the cold, paralyzing disbelief of a man who had just been stabbed in the back by his most trusted ally and hadn't yet registered the pain.

His fingers curled into tight fists against his knees, his knuckles turning stark white.

"Professor, you used me. Are you just tossing me aside now?!"

His voice dropped dangerously low, every word grinding through clenched teeth. "Don't forget, you were the one who personally handed me the Vitas Strain remnant so I could develop Genesis-1. You know better than anyone how much DeepBlue pays you in dividends every year! We're already developing Genesis-2, and Knox Corp's tech team has—"

"Grant."

Lawrence cut him off.

He looked up. Behind the gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes were still gentle and kind, carrying the refined, scholarly air of an old intellectual.

But there was something immovable and stone-cold in his tone that made the rest of Grant's words die in his throat.

"The technology behind Genesis-1 was provided to you by Knox Corp. It has absolutely nothing to do with me. From the very beginning, the only project I have ever supported is Garrison's Vitas-1."

Grant slowly stood up.

He looked down at the two boxes of premium tea he had brought. The luxurious packaging felt violently out of place in this austere office. He grabbed his scarf, draped it over his arm, and turned toward the door. Just as his hand hit the knob, he stopped.

"Professor. What goes around, always comes around."

He pulled the door open and walked out without looking back. Vanessa was leaning against the window in the hallway, scrolling on her phone. She glanced up at him, but he ignored her completely, striding away.

Left alone in the office, Lawrence settled deeply into his chair. The afternoon sun cast striped shadows across his face through the blinds. He took off his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. There was no guilt in his expression, no hesitation. There was only the icy, absolute calm of a man who controlled the entire board.