Chapter 138 Steven Stone


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    Nadine stood there for a long time. But in the end, all she came up with was a pointless suggestion.


    The conference room went quiet.


    A bunch of confused and curious staresnded right on her.


    Why was thepany’s topwyer so out of ideas?


    Most of the people in the room had been around for years. They couldn’t helpparing her to Tess–the former legal powerhouse who’d already been dismissed.


    To be honest, Tess had been on another level.


    She didn’t just know thew inside out–her mind was razor–sharp, too. Every time a problem arose, she handled it herself and solved it.


    Stuff that overwhelmed everyone else? Tess made it look easy. But Nadine? Even though her reputation had grown bigger than Tess‘, she wasn’t living up to the hype today.


    A few people nced around at each other, clearly thinking the same thing.


    Finn’s eyes were locked on Nadine’s troubled expression, his face slowly darkening.


    He’d always supported her, always seen her as a real talent.


    When Tess was in prison, Nadine had be his go–to.


    But now, he found himself questioning if she was even trying. Maybe she hadn’t moved past the previous grievance.


    Right then, Zane suddenly jumped up, waving his phone with excitement. “Mr. Lock! I got through!”


    That got nearly everyone on their feet. Their eyes lit up as they focused on Zane’s phone.


    “Mr. Lock?”


    The moment that familiar voice came through, people started exchanging hopeful nces.


    It was the original tech staff behind their patent–the one who’d drafted the whole thing from scratch. He was insanely talented and had probably kept extra copies.


    <b>15:58 </b>Tue, <b>Sep 30 </b>


    Chapter 138 Steven Stone


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    If they could get him on board, it might be their one shot to shut down the inte drama using them of copying.


    Finn took the phone. “Steven, I need your help.”


    There was a short pause, followed by a calm, distantugh. “You’ve got to be kidding, Mr. Lock.


    I haven’t worked there in years. Why would I help now?”


    Skipping all pleasantries, Finn exined the situation straight up.


    Steven Stone sounded surprised, but he still said no.


    “I already quit,” he said, voice polite but firm.


    The room fell into silence again.


    If Steven wasn’t willing to hand over the early drafts, there was almost no way out of this mess.


    Finn squinted coldly. “We treated you well when you were with us. We even helped you relocate overseas. We’re not asking much–just show up with a copy and clear our name.”


    But Steven wasn’t backing down. “I earned everything I got. I gave a lot to thepany. So why the pressure now?”


    His voice stayed friendly, but every word carried a sharp edge, like he was smiling while throwing knives.


    Zane snuck a peek at Finn and wasn’t surprised to see his boss looking furious.


    “Mr. Lock, maybe you should ask someone else. If that’s all, I’m hanging up.”


    “Tess is out of prison.”


    Finn suddenly blurted it out, clearly frustrated.


    And right then, Steven, who’d been shutting them down, suddenly stopped talking.


    Everyone looked confused–why bring up Tess all of a sudden?


    Only Zane seemed to get it.


    He’d always been close to Finn and Tess, so he knew the old stories that most others didn’t.


    Back in the day, the top staff from each department were like a tight crew. Tess and Steven hit it off fast and became close friends right away.


    15:58 Tue, <b>Sep </b><b>30 </b>


    Chapter 138 Steven Stone <fnc9ba> Original content can be found at Find1Novel</fnc9ba>


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    After Tess married Finn, word spread among the higher–ups that she got the cold shoulder.


    When she was taken to prison, Steven resigned and left Crorus that day.


    Everything seemed to revolve around Tess.


    Finn pursed his lips, looking struggled and troubled.


    He hadn’t wanted to mention old stuff, but he didn’t have much of a choice.


    He let out a sigh. “She’s out now. She has a kid. She’s doing okay.”


    The other end stayed quiet. The joking tone was gone, reced by something cold. “Mr. Lock, did you ever think it’d end up like this?


    “I’ll be back soon. If you want those drafts, tell Tess toe see me herself.”


    Then, he ended the call without missing a beat.


    Still, his words gave the team a tiny glimmer of hope.


    Finn lowered the phone slowly. They finally had a possible way out, but it didn’t make his headache any lighter.


    Old memories came rushing in.


    They had met once before Steven submitted his resignation.