The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Soon enough, Dane stepped into the reception room.

Joseph stood up, giving Dane a polite nod. "Dane."

Dane waved, motioning for Joseph to take a seat. He skipped the small talk and jumped right in. "What brings you here?"

Joseph settled into his chair, pulled out a pre-prepared contract from his

briefcase, and handed it over to Dane. As Dane flipped through it, Joseph began to explain the situation in a calm, measured tone.

"...We didn't anticipate the mix-up on our end, and we're genuinely sorry about it. We felt it was important to clear things up with you."

As Joseph spoke, Dane's brow furrowed deeply. He set the document aside, admitting, "Honestly, I'm not entirely familiar with this issue."noveldrama

Joseph gave a small smile. "Dane, with everything you've got on your plate, it's understandable if you don't have every detail at your fingertips."

Dane thought for a moment and then suggested, "How about I get someone from the tech department to join us?"

"Of course, it's best to get everyone on the same page face-to-face." Joseph agreed, actually hoping Hank would be there too.

Dane nodded, pulled out his phone, and called his secretary. After the call, he turned back to Joseph. "So you mentioned the project was already signed with a student team from Princeton University, right? But, as far as I know, the artificial life system's data was part of a subsidiary project from our institute. Our team even filed for a patent. Princeton shouldn't have the rights to use it commercially."

Joseph responded, "I'm not familiar with the subsidiary project, but regarding the patent, I think you might be mistaken, Dane."

"What do you mean?" Dane asked, puzzled.

Joseph explained, "Princeton University filed the patent for the system. It was quite a coincidence, which is why we reached out to them initially."

Joseph wasn't twisting facts out of any grudge against Hank. Their company had been working on fourth-generation robots, and when they heard about the artificial life system from the patent office, they took a keen interest.

Joseph had emailed Princeton University and shortly after, Hank had approached him, leading to the current situation.

Looking back, Joseph realized he'd been Despite the patent being

Weton, he'd trusted Hank's

that he could handle it.

Now it was obvious that Hank wasn't resolving anything; he was about to make a mess of everything.

Joseph felt a chill of fear, grateful that his boss had given him another shot.

Dane listened to Joseph, his brow furrowing once more.

This didn't match up with what he knew.

A few days ago, when he'd brought up the patent with Hank, Hank had assured him it would be sorted

But looking at Joseph, Dane

knew he wouldn't lie outright.

There was definitely something fishy going on.

Being in his position as Dr. Ray, Dane was adept at getting to the bottom of such issues.

Just then, a knock on the door snapped Dane out of his thoughts.

"Come in," he said.

Hank soon walked in, not surprised but a bit puzzled to see Joseph sitting on the sofa.

He'd already been informed by the secretary about Joseph's visit.

What Hank couldn't wrap his head around was why Joseph, who'd

been dodging his calls, sud

showed up at the institute and wanted to see Dr. Ray.