The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Hank was feeling a bit rattled, but he quickly pulled himself together. After giving Joseph a polite nod, he turned to Dane and said, "Dr. Ray, you wanted to see me?"

Dane pointed to the couch, exuding authority without even trying. "Have a seat."

Hank muttered a quick acknowledgment and walked over to the couch. He sat down, clasping his hands on his knees, his back straight as an arrow.

"So what's the deal with your department and Prestige University? Why's there been a mix-up with Mr. Joseph?" Dane asked directly, his voice as calm and steady as ever.

Hank was in the dark about Joseph's current mood and what he might have told Dane. But one thing was clear: this was serious, and if he didn't explain properly, things could get messy.

After a moment's thought, Hank stood up again and lowered his head slightly. "I'm sorry, Dr. Ray. I didn't think this would make its way to you. I got so caught up in negotiating the deal that I overlooked keeping in touch with Prestige University, which led to this misunderstanding with Mr. Joseph."

Joseph, hearing Hank's vague attempt at an explanation, thought to himself that Hank was indeed clever, always knowing the right thing to say.

But if Hank thought he could just sweep this under the rug, Joseph wasn't about to let that happen easily.

Joseph intertwined his fingers and sighed, "Actually, I should take some of the blame here. When I first found out about the artificial life system being patented by Prestige University, I should've made sure you knew, Hank. That way, Prestige wouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that your Tech Center was trying to swipe their work. I'm really sorry for that."

After a pause, Joseph looked at

Hank and added, "I know Hank well enough to say, even if it was for performance metrics, he wouldn't stoop to taking credit for a bunch of students' work."

He finished with another soft sigh.

By now, Hank's face was a mix of red and pale, caught between embarrassment and frustration.

Joseph's words seemed to provide an explanation for Hank, but each piece of information was like a blow to him.

A patent issue, an implication of stealing research.

Dane had always been big on patents. Even though everything seemed good to go, Hank hadn't expected Prestige University to beat him to it and secure the patent first.

He thought he could handle it if he nailed down the contract with the DO Group, at least easing some of Dane's dissatisfaction when he reported back. But now... not only was the project not nailed down, but it also caught Dane's attention.

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Accusations of research theft were super serious. If that got out, not only would

their reputation take a hit, but all sorts of other problems could arise.

Joseph's words now implicated not just Hank, but the whole Tech Center.

The more Hank thought about it, the more alarmed he felt, his mind buzzing frantically, too scared to even glance at Dane's expression.