Chapter 91

Vanessa shot up from her seat, pacing like a caged animal, her anger barely contained.

Sophia ignored her, stretching lazily before turning toward the lab with deliberate slowness, as if every step was a chore.

Vanessa finally steadied herself, her gaze sharpening as she faced Sophia again. "Fine. What do you want? Name your price, and I’ll make it happen."

At this critical moment, Vanessa refused to beg Evelyn. Negotiating with Sophia directly at least kept the situation within her grasp.

Sophia tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, how generous, Ms. Blake. Any conditions? That’s quite the offer. But tell me—are there any limits?"

Vanessa suppressed a scoff. Affection and loyalty couldn’t be bought, yet here Sophia was, acting as if this were just another transaction. Clearly, she had something big in mind.

Vanessa exhaled sharply, choosing her words carefully. "Power and position in DR Holdings aren’t negotiable. But given our history—and my relationship with Dominic—I can put in a good word for you. Wouldn’t you prefer a guaranteed favor over blind trust?"

Sophia tapped her chin, feigning deep thought before nodding. "Reasonable. But you said any conditions. Does that still stand?"

Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, hope flickering beneath her irritation. She forced a smile. "Of course. What do you want? A promotion? A raise?"

Sophia sighed dramatically, clutching her chest. "Both, actually. Am I being greedy? Oh, I must be!"

Vanessa’s smile tightened. "Greed is human. Now, about the formula—"

Sophia waved a hand, cutting her off. "Ah-ah! We’re not done negotiating."

Vanessa gritted her teeth. "Fine. Double your salary, and I’ll promote you to deputy manager of R&D. Happy?"

The offer was absurd—Sophia was nowhere near qualified—but Vanessa could always demote her later.

Sophia merely shrugged. "I never asked for that."

Vanessa’s patience snapped. "Then what do you want?"

Sophia stopped, clasped her hands, and turned fully toward Vanessa. Her smirk widened. "A raise, yes—but not double. I want ten times my current salary." She held up ten fingers, grinning.