The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 66

For years, his company had funded hundreds of research teams in an attempt to weaponize its phagocytic properties, aiming to develop a groundbreaking new cancer drug that could render traditional chemotherapy obsolete.

He never expected Garrison's team to beat them to the punch, securing the core technology first!

He knew all too well that if the United States' expedition team successfully harvested a massive sample of the White Microbe, Garrison's brilliant and ambitious team would likely crack its cultivation code in record time. They would produce highly effective, affordable drugs that would absolutely decimate the current pharmaceutical market.

If that happened... Knox's monopoly would crumble. Their stock prices, market share, and decades of meticulous corporate maneuvering—it would all turn to dust!

A vicious glint flashed in David's eyes. He would never let that happen.

Picking up the encrypted internal line, David uttered only two words, his voice eerily calm and laced with unquestionable authority:

"Execute it."

*

The corridor outside the banquet hall at The Orchid Room.

Sloane emerged from the women's restroom. She had carefully dabbed the wine stains from her hem with water, leaving only faint, damp spots. Looking up, she saw Josh leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the hallway.

Having discarded his ruined jacket, he was down to a crisp white button-down shirt and dress pants. The top button was unfastened, and the warm lights cast soft shadows over his chiseled jawline.

In that instant, it truly hit Sloane just how much the shy boy from her memories had grown into a formidable man.

"Josh," Sloane said as she walked over. "Were you waiting for me?"

Josh didn't move. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, and murmured softly:

Sloane patted his shoulder with a gentle smile. But just as they turned to walk back...

A faint, acrid smell of burning suddenly wafted through the air, quickly intensifying into something suffocating.

"What's that smell? It's like smoke... Where is it coming from?"

Sloane coughed, covering her nose and mouth as her brows knitted together.

Almost simultaneously, a series of sharp screams erupted from the banquet hall. Then came the chaotic thunder of footsteps and panicked shouts:

"Fire!"

"Hurry! Get everyone out! Evacuate now!"