Chapter 9 A One-Month Agreement

Valerie extended the document toward Jonathan.

Jonathan didn't reach for it. Instead, his sharp eyes skimmed over the contents on the cover, and a sudden shift darkened his expression. His voice, cold and cutting, broke the silence. "How did you get access to the core code of the Deep Sea Project?"

The sudden flicker of emotion on his otherwise stoic face didn't escape Valerie. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.

Calmly, she unlocked her phone and tilted it toward him, revealing a sleek data interface.

"The Holt Group's project might be at the forefront of technological innovation, but let's not pretend it's invincible."

Her words hung in the air like a challenge. With deliberate precision, she raised an eyebrow and tapped a button. The data displayed on the screen began to erase itself, line by line.

"The technical problem your IT department spent weeks struggling with? I can resolve it in ten minutes." Valerie's voice was calm, assured. She chuckled lightly, radiating confidence. "Mr. Holt, this arrangement is all gain for you-no loss."

Jonathan's gaze fixed on her, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to pierce through her veneer of ease.

The calm, smiling woman before him didn't match the sterile reports about the Brown family's daughter that he read about. Those hadn't mentioned her possessing such formidable skills.

"What do you want in return?"

His tone was flat, indifferent, but the flicker of danger in his eyes betrayed the sharper edge beneath his words.

"One month with the Holt family." Valerie's smile faded, her demeanor turning serious. "All I ask is to remain Mrs. Holt for one month. After that, I'll leave you and your life completely untouched."

One month was enough time to handle Craig and uncover the truth about her mother.

Jonathan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His expression shifted, curiosity creeping in alongside his skepticism.

She could wield this power to bring empires to their knees, yet all she asked for was a mere title?

Jonathan's lips curved into a faint, calculating smile. "Your terms are intriguing. But if your goal is to dismantle the Brown Group, simply being Mrs. Holt won't be enough."

Valerie met his gaze and understood immediately-if she wanted his help, this game would require far more than clever negotiation.

Jonathan had the power to obliterate the Brown Group with a single directive, dismantling Craig's empire piece by piece.

Whatever his reasons, Valerie was certain Jonathan had his own designs, likely to consume the Brown Group into the ever-expanding Holt empire.

Yet she held back-her calculated mind knew that a premature strike could tip off her target.

Valerie had no intention of letting anyone else dictate her moves. She flashed a confident smile. "No need to concern yourself with the details, Mr. Holt. I can handle this. However, before we move forward, I'll need an advance payment."

Jonathan's brow arched slightly, his lips twisting into a smirk that was equal parts amused and cold. "Money?" His tone carried a hint of mockery. "So, that's what you're after. Fine. How much do you need?"

Valerie caught the flicker of disdain in his expression, but she didn't flinch.

She wasn't here to stroke his ego or explain herself.

The lab she poured her life into was bleeding her dry, and without immediate funding, everything she'd worked for would collapse.

Her voice was steady and unyielding as she said, "Twenty million."

Jonathan didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. "I'll give you twenty million. But only on one condition."

Valerie waited, her expression unreadable.

"You'll sign a contract," he continued, his voice edged with steel. "In it, you'll agree to keep your distance, to avoid interfering in my life. And if you so much as entertain any inappropriate ideas-don't think for a second I won't respond harshly."

This wouldn't be the first time he had dealt with someone like her.

"Of course, no problem, Mr. Holt," Valerie said, her voice smooth, her polite smile practiced to perfection. But as she turned away, her expression hardened.

If not for Craig's manipulations and the delicate thread of her mother's safety, she wouldn't tolerate being in Jonathan's orbit, let alone negotiating with him.

Once the money was in hand, Valerie didn't linger.

She exited the room with brisk determination, her mind already spinning a web of strategies. Discretion was key. She moved swiftly, assembling a trusted team to investigate the Brown family's hidden skeletons and uncover her mother's whereabouts.

The Brown family's days of unchecked power were numbered; when the timing was right, she'd ensure their downfall.

It was a long, busy day. By the time evening rolled around, exhaustion weighed heavily on Valerie. Hours of meticulous planning had left her drained.

After a quick shower, she sank into bed, letting the day's tension melt away. Sleep claimed her quickly, deep and unbroken.

Hours later, the room was abruptly bathed in light. Valerie stirred, her grogginess pulling her back from the depths of sleep. As her vision adjusted, she froze at the sight before her-Jonathan stood by the bed, shrugging off his jacket.