She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 241

Meredith stepped in again. “If that’s the case, we can’t just steal another company’s patented technology. Perhaps the best solution is to assign ownership of the upgraded device to Gavin Medical. That way, the military can continue to use it.”

“Are you suggesting we hand over the fruits of this young lady’s sleepless nights to Gavin, letting them reap all the benefits?” the Naval Commander said with a frown. “You’re so concerned with Gavin’s patent rights that you’re willing to sacrifice her work?”

Meredith countered, “Is there another solution that satisfies both parties?”

“How about Loyce comes to work for my company as a technician? That would solve the problem,” Gavin suggested shamelessly.

“Lucian, what are your thoughts?” Yale asked.

Lucian’s voice was measured but carried an undeniable authority. “Gavin Medical is not worthy of having my girl work for them.”

Yale considered this for a moment before speaking. “The initial issue was Lucian’s health. Since the machine is proven reliable and his health is certified by the military hospital, his command of the oil field sector remains his. As for the medical device…”

Yale turned to Loyce. “Young lady, if you were to develop a new medical device, what would your plan be for the annual upgrade fees?”

Loyce’s answer was simple. “They’d be free.”

“Free?” Yale echoed, surprised.

Loyce’s gaze swept over every officer in the room, her voice quiet but ringing with conviction. “We are all here to protect our country and its soldiers. How could I selfishly charge a fee for that? What I want is a future where no soldier’s treatment is delayed by a faulty diagnosis. What I want is to ensure that those who profit from a monopoly can no longer gamble with the lives of our soldiers.”

A profound silence fell over the medical bay, her words echoing in the still air. A flicker of emotion crossed the Naval Commander’s eyes, and several generals who had served on the front lines unconsciously straightened their backs.

“A one-time payment for the initial hardware would suffice,” Loyce added. “All subsequent maintenance, support, and upgrades will be provided free of charge. Lifetime service.”

She wasn’t after money. As she met the moved gazes of the soldiers and officers around her, she knew she had just secured a network of connections more valuable than any fortune.

A slight smile touched Yale’s lips. “Lifetime service. I like the sound of that.”

He turned to Gavin, his expression hardening. “Then, until the next generation of medical equipment is ready, we will continue to use the old version. Are there any objections?”

It was the most logical solution. Moreover, Loyce’s speech had deeply moved the soldiers present, and no one dared to argue.

Caden’s scheming had come to nothing. Meredith, by taking a clear side, had permanently soured his relationship with Lucian. Jasmine felt a rising panic, fearing the public humiliation that would come when the new device was rolled out and she was dismissed for dereliction of duty.

As for Gavin, he couldn't hide his fury. He thought Loyce had missed her calling as the leader of a pyramid scheme; she was a master at winning people over. In one fell swoop, she had painted him as a bloodsucking profiteer.

“I need to give him an opportunity to slip up,” Loyce said calmly. “That’s the only way I can kill him. Otherwise, if he just suddenly dies, the military will come sniffing around my door for the sake of their medical equipment, and that would be a hassle.”

Lucian’s eyebrow arched. He had long suspected she had a serious vendetta against Gavin, but he hadn’t expected her to state her intention to kill him so plainly.

This was a good sign, wasn’t it? The girl was no longer hiding everything from him. She was selectively telling him her plans. Didn’t that mean they were getting closer?

As this thought crossed his mind, the corners of Lucian's lips curved a little higher.

“What are you thinking about? Are we leaving?” Loyce waved a hand in front of his face.

Lucian snapped back to reality and started the car, his voice gentle. “Yes, we’re going. I’ll treat you to a nice meal. How does fondue sound?”

“Fine.”

Loyce gave a lazy yawn. Fueled by ‘Frost Peppermint’ and coffee, she had barely slept for days. As the car pulled smoothly onto the road, she finally succumbed to exhaustion, drifting into a deep sleep as the sun began to set.

Seeing her asleep, Lucian silenced his phone. When they reached the parking garage of the shopping center, he saw she was still out and didn’t wake her. He simply turned off the engine, leaned back in his seat, and rested quietly with her. It was as if they were sharing a bed, the small space filled with her scent, which he found strangely comforting and calming.