Melissa watched the instantaneous shift in Grace’s demeanor, a hint of relief in her eyes.
This child was much stronger than Lauren Hawke.
“The condition is simple.”
Melissa’s expression turned serious. “Grace, since you’ve inherited the key, you have a natural affinity for the family’s core technology.”
“I need you to help me repair several critical vulnerabilities in the family’s existing tech.”
“If these vulnerabilities aren’t fixed, the consequences will be unimaginable if Nemesis Group Inc. exploits them.”
“In exchange, I will use all my authority within the family to suppress The Shepherd’s actions. Furthermore, I will give you the other portion of your grandmother's research data—the part that details how to safely extract the ‘key’.”
“Extract?”
Grace’s eyes lit up. “You mean, I can get this damn thing out of my body?”
“Theoretically, yes.”
Melissa nodded. “Once the key is extracted, you’ll just be an ordinary person. Nemesis Group Inc. and The Shepherd will have no reason to target you anymore.”
It was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
Grace looked at Damien.
Damien gave a slight nod, showing his support.
“Fine, I agree.”
Grace turned back, looking directly at Melissa on the screen.
“But I have one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I am not your subordinate, nor am I a victim in need of protection.” Grace’s voice was finally firm. “I am your partner.”
“Graceline Technologies will establish a joint laboratory with the moderate faction of the Helix Line. I will have shared rights to all research findings.”
“Moreover, Damien will be the exclusive investor for this project.”
Damien raised an eyebrow.
His woman had finally learned how to throw her weight around.
And she was using his weight to do it.

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