Chapter 288 PatentText © owned by .

As I entered the study, I saw Mr. Harmon Senior sitting in the chair. He looked exhausted. In the past, I had always thought he had an imposing presence. I was even a bit intimidated by him.

However, he looked like an ordinary older man now. He was frail, his eyes cloudy, and he lacked energy.

"Have a seat." He waved at me to sit down, sighing. "How confident are you in this project?"

"50%." I didn't exaggerate my abilities. Several big companies from different provinces were waiting to place a bid, and I wasn't some chosen one who had extraordinary abilities. Mr. Harmon Senior nodded, seemingly in agreement with what I said.

"Your design does have a 50% chance. If it wasn't your design, we wouldn't even have 50%. And now this thing came up. Don't you worry, though. I've already handled it."

I looked down, no longer staring at him. I knew he wouldn't tell me who made the report.

Allowing me to go to his study meant he had investigated this matter thoroughly, but he couldn't disclose anything other than that to an outsider.

"The design will belong to your studio, but the patent-"

Can only belong to my team," I interjected, not being polite this time.

I was using the Harmons' workspace. I could pay the rent, but I couldn't give the patent up. The project's authorship was equally important to my team members. Glenn and his friends might need to use this project for their thesis.

The others also needed to use this project to enhance their experience and resume, so I couldn't back down.

Mr. Harmon Senior frowned, but he didn't say anything. It was our design, after all. He had no right to demand the patent. Still, he made me concede 2% to him in the profit division.

The Harmons were known for their business skills. Leonard and Mr. Harmon Senior were both like that.

After we discussed the future collaborations, Mr. Harmon Senior allowed me to go.

Before I left, he added, "I won't let anyone disturb your project again. I'll have people keep an eye on it. Don't worry. I won't let anyone harm the company's interests, including the Harmons."

With a smile, I nodded. His words made me understand that it was indeed Luca's doing.

Perhaps Bob was involved as well.

Chappé: 288 Patent

However, this would be a controversy for the Harmons, so they naturally wouldn't want it made public. Bidding Mr. Harmon Senior goodbye, I left his study and found Ivy and Leah gathered around Amelia. All of them seemed friendly with each other. When they saw me, they stopped talking. I wasn't interested in their gossip, so I planned to leave. I just didn't expect Caleb to return at the same time. He sighed in relief upon seeing me.

"Eva, are you also here to discuss the project investigation?"

I nodded.

He looked in the direction of the study. "Is everything alright?"

"Mr. Harmon Senior said he'd handle it."

Caleb patted his chest when he heard the confidence in my tone. "You have no idea how scared I was, Eva. I thought something..."

Suddenly, two violent coughs sounded. Amelia stared at Caleb disapprovingly. "Cal, the way you call Eva is too... affectionate."

Caleb looked at her awkwardly before looking back at me.

"Call me Ms. Green. We'll be working together, anyway,

I didn't want to put Caleb in a tough spot. I could leave this family; he couldn't. If Amelia really did become his sister-in-law in the future, Caleb would need to rely on Leonard and the Harmons to survive. Caleb stared at me, troubled. "Ms. Green, I-I'm heading back as well. Let me drive you."

Glancing at the smug Amelia, I nodded. If I could help it, I really wouldn't want to come back