Before Annie could finish speaking, Addison interjected. "Don't worry. Now that I've signed the contract, I will fully commit to the development of the Acygine." She treated all her pharmaceutical projects with the same dedication. Once she made a commitment, she would see it through and ensure the drug's development was flawless, striving for the best possible outcome. Annie nodded in approval. "That's all I needed to hear. With your word, I'm reassured. "The Fullers are truly grateful for you." Addison waved her hand. "You don't need to thank me. It's just what I should do." ... Meanwhile, in the next room. Lance removed his coat, and the bodyguard took it and hung it on a nearby rack. After sitting down, Lance glanced at Michael, who stood across from him. "Mr. Johnston, I'm not sure what your preference is. Would you like tea or wine?" "Tea," Lance said, lifting his gaze slightly. Michael immediately signaled to the servant. "Bring the best tea for Mr. Johnston, right away." Once the order was given, Michael took his seat. "Since your visit was unexpected and we weren't sure of your preferences, we've prepared some lighter dishes. I hope you don't mind." Lance straightened slightly in his seat, his elbows resting on the armrests, his body leaning back just enough to give off an undeniable air of authority and intimidation. "No need to serve the food," Lance said calmly. Michael raised an eyebrow. "Have you had lunch? Now that you're here at the Fullers, we should still entertain you properly." Lance remained composed, repeating calmly, "No need." His words were soft, but the underlying finality and authority were unmistakable. Michael quickly caught on, nervously rubbing his hands. "In that case, we won't insist."Someone, bring some light snacks for Mr. Johnston." The tea was placed in front of Lance, and the snacks were soon arranged on the table. "May I ask what brings you here today, Mr. Johnston?" Michael inquired once everything was set. Lance wasn't one for beating around the bush. He answered directly, "I'm here to discuss a collaboration with the Fullers." Michael, upon hearing this, immediately relaxed. It seemed his guess had been correct. With so many companies in Halton, why would Lance suddenly want to collaborate with ApexMed? ApexMed and Johnston Enterprise had never crossed paths, and their industries were quite different. "May I ask why you've chosen to approach ApexMed for a partnership, Mr. Johnston? There are many outstanding companies in Halton, and among them, ApexMed doesn't seem like the best choice." Michael wasn't stupid. Lance's unexpected visit and the direct approach suggested that there was a sense of urgency behind this collaboration. Michael couldn't shake the feeling that there was something off about the proposed collaboration. Lance took a sip of his tea, his tone calm, his gaze distant as if unaffected by the conversation. "In my eyes, ApexMed is no worse than any other company. There's no need for you to underestimate yourselves. "The fact that I'm here today shows how seriously Johnston Enterprise takes this potential partnership. We genuinely want to collaborate with ApexMed." Michael listened to Lance's words but still remained skeptical. However, after giving it some thought, he realized that a partnership between ApexMed and Johnston Enterprise could only bring benefits—there was no downside. Johnston Enterprise wouldn't risk playing games with their own projects. "It's an honor that you're willing to collaborate with us and give ApexMed this opportunity. Could you share more details about the collaboration?" Lance gestured toward his bodyguard, who immediately stood and stepped forward to present a collaboration proposal. He took it, flicked open the document with his long fingers, and laid it flat on the table, pushing it toward Michael."Johnston Enterprise has already prepared the plan. All the initial preparations are complete. Take a look." Michael, observing Lance's decisive and efficient approach, couldn't help but think to himself that the rumors about his methodical style were true. Today, not only had they signed the Acygine contract with Dr. Nancy, but also reached an agreement with the Johnstons ... The future of ApexMed seemed set for success. Michael took the proposal, his face initially bright with excitement and anticipation. However, as he delved deeper into the details, the smile slowly faded from his face. This ... His expression darkened as he solemnly closed the agreement. Lance noticed the change in Michael's expression and raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?" Michael's expression grew serious. "The proposal is thorough, and Johnston Enterprise has clearly put a lot of effort into it ... But ... " "But what?" Lance asked, tilting his head slightly and sipping his drink with calm composure. The project planned in the agreement Lance provided was a very large-scale project. The overall background plan was very ambitious, and the estimated investment amount was astronomical. If this project were to succeed, it could be a huge opportunity for ApexMed to elevate itself to new heights. However, the problem lay in the project's large scale. The required investment was immense. With ApexMed already committed to funding the partnership with Dr. Nancy, there simply wasn't enough capital available to invest in Johnston Enterprise's project, no matter how promising it seemed. Michael struggled to find the right words, but after a moment of thought, he decided to be straightforward. "ApexMed is unable to sign this cooperation agreement." To his surprise, Lance didn't react with anger as Michael had expected. His expression remained unchanged. "Can you explain why?" Because of Addison, there was no possibility of cooperating with Raven anymore. Continuing to wait was pointless. Lance had no other options. Lance had no choice but to explore other options, and partnering with another company was now the best solution.After carefully considering all the pharmaceutical companies in Halton, ApexMed was the most suitable choice. Even though Michael hadn't welcomed him on the first day, Lance decided to make a persistent effort, choosing to visit Fuller Residence directly to meet with him. Time was running out. If they didn't secure a new project soon, the expiration of Johnston Enterprise's authorization would eventually come to light. It would lead to relentless pressure from rival companies, and Lance won't let that happen. "The reason ... is that the scale of this project is beyond ApexMed's current capabilities. We simply can't take on the risk at this time. I suggest you reconsider and look for other options," Michael said. Michael understood Nancy's rules well—signing the contract meant confidentiality, and disclosing any undisclosed drug development projects was strictly prohibited. He couldn't reveal that Nancy was the partner behind the deal. Lance frowned and asked, "Are you refusing me?" He was well aware of the massive investment in this project—it was Johnston Enterprise's last hope, with nearly half the company's shares on the line. No matter how high the price, ApexMed could certainly afford at least half of the funds—this was clearly an excuse. Michael quickly clarified, "Please don't misunderstand, Mr. Johnston. ApexMed isn't rejecting your offer; it's just that we really don't have the funds available right now." Lance frowned deeply. "ApexMed can't even come up with half the funds? I know the project requires a substantial investment, but from what I understand, ApexMed's stock price should be more than enough to cover it." He had decided to collaborate, so he must have already gathered all the information about ApexMed Group. "So, are you deliberately going against me?" His deep voice, paired with a darkened expression, was enough to send shivers down one's spine.