Tracy shook her head as she watched from the side. Their newly established laboratory didn't even have a janitor or a research talent.

She figured attracting someone of Emily's stature seemed utterly impossible. So, she poured two cups of water and sat down to watch the drama unfold. Matthew's grin widened as he heard Emily's response. "Do you need money?"

She smiled indifferently and shook her head. "I'm not short on cash. My family bought a house and has a few million saved up."

He shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I'm asking if you need money for your research."

Emily sized Matthew up and smiled. "Yes, I need money. A lot of it." She didn't add that even selling his company wouldn't cover her research costs. He nodded. "If you need money, how much are we talking about?"

She was caught off guard by his question about research funding. Laboratory funding required a lot of money, which wasn't something a few million could cover.

Emily had left her previous job because the funding was dictated by seniority and connections. Those with the right connections typically received more resources. She wasn't willing to play the political game or beg for funds, which were never enough for her research. So, she resigned.noveldrama

She quoted an exaggerated amount because she wanted to scare Matthew off. Though she needed ten million dollars for preliminary funding, she doubled it. She said, "20 million dollars."

He just smiled and replied, "Is 20 million dollars enough? I'll give you 100 million dollars to set up your laboratory."

What?

Emily's eyes widened in disbelief.

Although she had budgeted ten

million dollars for initial funding, her

project would need at least 50 million dollars to truly get off the ground. Yet, he was offering her 100

million dollars.

She was so shocked that her mouth felt like it could have held an egg. After a long pause, she asked, "Are you really offering 100 million dollars?" Matthew nodded. "Yes."

At that moment, Ronald walked toward him and said, "Mr. Grant, Mr. Wood-"

Before he could finish, Matthew cut him off sharply, "Shut up! Can't you see I'm in the middle of an important discussion with a scientist?"

He had heard of Emily during his school years and had seen her work featured in various medical journals. He held her in high regard and didn't hesitate to interrupt Ronald.

Ronald was stunned by the rebuke,

and his face flushed with anger.

"Matthew, this forum is organized by Mr. Wood. He demands you to apologize in his office immediately, or you'll be thrown out." Matthew seethed with anger. He stood up and glared at him. "I'll repeat it. I'm having an important discussion with a scientist, so shut up. If you can't do that, I'll help you."

Ronald gritted his teeth. He was furious and ready to lash out. But when he remembered Matthew's strength, he held back. "Well, then-"

Before he could finish, Matthew delivered a sharp slap. Ronald's world went black as he crumpled to the floor.

Matthew turned to Emily as if nothing had happened and said, "Let's continue our discussion. I can guarantee an upfront investment of 100 million dollars."

She was stunned and felt that he was crazy and downright violent. She had never seen someone knock out another person just for interrupting a conversation. After regaining her composure, she asked, "Is the 100 million dollars allocated for scientific research?"

Matthew pulled out his phone. "What's your account number? I'll transfer the funds right now."