It was Felipa.
Fernando glanced at his phone and saw the signal had completely vanished—a realization struck him. He turned to the ever-calm Eddy and spoke slowly, "I'm in the middle of signing a contract with Mr. Simmons. We're almost finished. Did you need something?"
"Professor, Healy's birthday party is today and the whole class is going. Terrell got a special invitation! He asked me to check with you—can he go? He's really looking forward to it, and he's already picked out a present," Felipa blurted out in one breath.
"Alright."
Fernando hung up, and only then did a wave of dread wash over him.
He hadn't expected Eddy to be so shrewd—every move was calculated, every test seamlessly connected to the next. He'd almost fallen right into his trap.
But Felipa would never have been able to reach him on her own.
Laney must have helped.
The thought that Laney was still watching out for him filled Fernando's chest with a sudden, surging energy.
The contract was signed without a hitch. Eddy shook Fernando's hand firmly. "About Terrell being pushed into the pool by Healy, and the time my wife went missing—I lost my head and nearly smashed up the research facility. I apologize."
Fernando returned the handshake. "The AI-designed pharmaceuticals project offers almost no profit for The Simmons Group. Your dedication to scientific advancement, Mr. Simmons, is far more valuable than any apology. On behalf of the institute, thank you."
Eddy squeezed his hand tighter. "But let me be clear—if I ever find out Professor Reese has any improper intentions toward my wife, I can build this institute from the ground up, and I can tear it down with my own hands. I hope you know where the line is."
Fernando refused to back down. Remembering how devastated Blanche had looked the night before, he shot back, "If you truly loved her, how would I even get the chance? Maybe, Mr. Simmons, you're not treating Mrs. Simmons as well as you think you are."
Eddy's dark eyes narrowed. Was this man seriously provoking him?
If it weren't for the fact that his wife would be upset, he'd have thrown Fernando out of Novandria right then and there.
As if this guy deserved to hover around his wife.
He let go of Fernando's hand. "Don't worry—you'll never get the chance."
As Fernando walked away, the signal in The Simmons Group's building flickered back on. Eddy's phone rang immediately.
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