"This project is a collaboration between DM Biotech and the Hensons. Have you no shame? You said you wanted nothing from the Henson family, and yet here you are, shamelessly stealing Nora's slot just to pad your medical credentials."
"One phone call. That's all it takes for me to have you thrown out."
My assistant rushed over, face tight with apology. "I'm so sorry," she said to me. "I had no idea this would happen."
Carter assumed the apology was meant for him.
He cut her off, bristling with fury. "Perfect timing. Get your director—Anna—in front of me within ten minutes. Otherwise, the Gilberts pull every cent of funding from this project."
Leila swept me with a venomous glare and snapped, "And if you don't remove Amanda Henson from the premises, the Hensons will withdraw our investment too!"
Nora watched me, a smug little smile curling her lips. Triumphant. Taunting.
As if she'd already won everything.
I couldn't fathom what she thought she was celebrating. The new drug development didn't need the Hensons' or the Gilberts' money. It was the other way around—they needed the social influence that a successful drug launch would bring.