Sorry, You Can't Have Me Now

Chapter 9 From Admirer to Partner

Paul picked up the microphone and began his speech. "Thank you all for coming, my friends. I'd like to introduce our latest research breakthrough, after which we'll select a partner to develop it further together."

The new development was a groundbreaking drug designed to inhibit the spread of cancer cells, meaning that as long as cancer was detected early enough, there'd be significantly more time to find a complete cure.

This was an incredible leap for the medical field.

Any business with foresight could see the growth potential here, and attendees were already congratulating themselves for showing up tonight.

Even Joseph recognized the opportunity.

His family's business wasn't dominant in every sector, but acquiring Turner's institute could give their stock a solid boost.

He dialed his assistant and instructed them to have the investment team evaluate the risk and return.

He also told them to arrange for the company's representative to start discussions with the head of Turner's Institute.

Meanwhile, others were already gathering around Paul, hoping to leave an impression. Emily glanced over at Marcus, surprised to see he hadn't budged. "Aren't you going to talk to Paul? This project has a lot of potential."

Marcus nodded. "It does, but you know our focus is mainly on IT. We don't really fit with the medical field."

He then cast a glance in Joseph's direction and said, "Besides, your ex is here, and he's got the upper hand with their family background."

Though Marcus ranked only next to Joseph, the Robinson family's name was too famous for him to surpass.

Emily scoffed, "If you're interested, just go make your case. You might get lucky."

It was a single word from her that could sway things—she had that much confidence.

Besides, the last thing she wanted was her business tangled up with Joseph's. The thought alone made her sick enough!

Marcus, unsure where her confidence was coming from, shrugged but finally stood up, glass in hand, and made his way over to Paul.

"Mr. Turner, I've heard so much about you. I'm Marcus Davis. Hope we might have the chance to collaborate."

Paul gave a nod, though shortly after, others quickly swarmed in with similar pitches.

"You're done so soon? I thought you'd be there longer," Emily said, surprised when Marcus returned.

"They probably already know their options," Marcus replied, handing her a glass of red wine as he sat back down. "Now, it's just a matter of who stands out to Mr. Turner."

After the event, Emily led Marcus up to the top floor of the hotel, an area reserved only for select guests.

Marcus didn't ask why Emily brought him there but simply followed her quietly.

Inside the room, Paul was already waiting. Seeing the two of them arrive together, he looked a bit surprised.

"Emily, this is?" Paul remembered this young man from earlier—handsome, confident, and one of those who had shown interest in collaboration.

But Paul didn't expect this guy would come with Emily.

"This is Marcus Davis, founder of the biggest IT company around," Emily said, moving toward the window. "You can consider partnering with him on your new project."

From the window, the whole night view of Elderwood stretched out before them.

Paul didn't seem fazed and replied, "You're the majority shareholder here. You make the call."

Marcus's eyes widened in shock. "What? Emily's the majority shareholder of Turner's Institute?"

Paul chuckled at his reaction and didn't seem to be surprised; no one knew there was a major investor behind the institute.

Emily looked over her shoulder with an innocent expression. "Didn't I ever mention it?"

Marcus looked at her, realizing she had said it once... during a game of truth or dare. But who would've believed her then?

And back when the institute gained fame, she hadn't even been of age yet. Where would she have gotten the money?

Paul chimed in, "You know how it is with her family. If her father and stepmother found out about this, they'd pull every trick to get her to hand it over. So, she's kept her investment quiet."

He then turned to Emily and asked, "So, when do you plan on taking over? We've got plenty of projects that still need attention."

Emily sighed and covered her head. "Sorry, Mr. Turner, what was that? I suddenly have the worst headache."

Paul's mustache nearly bristled with irritation, but he still couldn't bring himself to be angry at her.

"You used to want nothing more than to be a full-time wife, and I didn't push you. But now that you're divorced, why don't you consider coming back to the lab? This might help fend off certain unwelcome visitors from your life."

Emily slipped her arm through Paul's and smiled, "Mr. Turner, I'm still having too much fun. You keep things running at the institute. I'll just wait for my share of the profits and a nice dinner!"

With all her businesses, if she took over one, the rest would expect her to take on even more. She'd be worked to death.

Marcus understood her reluctance and smoothly changed the subject.

"Mr. Turner, why don't we set up a time to discuss the collaboration details? I could sign as soon as tomorrow."

Paul handed Marcus a contract he'd prepared ahead of time. "Since Emily introduced us, I'll treat you like one of our own. Take a look—if there's anything you want to change, we can go over it."

Marcus gave it a quick read and saw no issues. He immediately signed and handed it back to Paul. "If Emily trusts you, so do I!"

With no one else in the room, Emily turned to Paul with a mischievous smile. "Mr. Turner, weren't you going to introduce me to some of the hot guys? Haven't seen anyone yet!"

Paul gave her a playful eye roll and said, "Aren't you satisfied with the tall and handsome guy right next to you?"

Emily pouted and replied, "That's different! The ones you pick out for me are special; I have to meet them myself!"

Watching their playful exchange, almost like a genuine grandparent and granddaughter, Marcus couldn't help but smile. He'd never seen this side of Emily before.

"If you'd come earlier, you might've caught them, but they're already back in the lab now," Paul explained.

Emily raised her eyebrows in mock suspicion. "Mr. Turner, that's not fair! I came straight here as soon as the event was over, and I didn't see anyone on the way. Were you just tricking me into coming?"

Marcus put on a hurt look and asked, "So I don't count? Or are you saying I'm too old and not handsome enough?"

Paul gave Emily an amused look, while she just rolled her eyes and replied, "Fine, you're handsome, the most handsome. Happy?"

After a bit more chat, Emily noticed Paul looking tired and decided it was time to say their goodbyes.

Marcus dropped Emily off at home. As she was getting out, he offered to help when it came time for the divorce signing. Emily politely declined his help.

After all, that day would come with a show of its own... Too bad there'd be no one to share it with.