The director listened intently, his smile widening. His eyes narrowed into small slits, and the lines on his face seemed to vanish. "Good," he said. "Now I can rest easy." Yarrow Hospital held immense influence in Halton, and Lance knew he wouldn't risk angering the hospital by falsifying the authorization letter. Johnston Enterprise had a well-established reputation for honesty in the medical world. The director didn't bother to open the letter. He simply set it aside, folding his arms across his chest. Despite his years, his eyes remained sharp and focused. "I trust you. Now, let's discuss the price." Lance met his gaze, offering only a quiet "Of course." The director took a sip of his tea, pondering. "So, what price do you have in mind?" "Surprise me," Lance said, tapping his finger against his chin, his eyes unwavering as he looked at the director. The director didn't reply immediately. He absently traced the rim of his teacup, lost in thought. His face gave nothing away, offering no clues to his intentions. Silence settled in the room. The air between them was thick with unspoken calculations, a quiet contest of wills playing out. Neither man could read the other completely. They tested each other, probing, trying to gauge the other's next move. Each was sizing up the situation, waiting for an opportunity to strike. This was the art of business, the dance of negotiation. Only those who could think several steps ahead, who planned their moves with care, could emerge victorious without confrontation. It was something Lance was born to do, an ability he wielded effortlessly. His gaze remained steady, unblinking, as he studied the director. The director's expression shifted. "As for our side ... "He paused, the words hanging in the air. He didn't finish the sentence. Instead, he sat quietly, his fingers brushing over the authorization letter on the desk. Lance could see the director's thoughts as clearly as his own. "We're not after a high price," Lance said, his voice flat. "We just want Yarrow as a partner." He didn't push any further. Instead, he leaned back, showing his skill in giving ground when necessary, always keeping the upper hand. He knew the director would understand exactly what he meant. The director froze, his fingers brushing the authorization letter. The intense look on his face softened, replaced by a grin. "Well, well," he said. "I expected nothing less from you," he continued. "I admire your determination, lad." "The young ones—truly something to watch," he added, his tone thoughtful. Lance remained calm, his expression unchanged. A small, polite smile tugged at his lips. "You're too kind, sir." The director, now in a much lighter mood, took another sip of his tea. He enjoyed speaking with someone like Lance, someone who had a sharp mind for business. "Let's confirm the letter's authenticity. After that, we can sign the contract." Lance nodded. He was always meticulous, preferring to ensure that everything was in order. He wasn't one to let details slip by. "That sounds fine with me." The director casually picked up the letter, flipping it open with ease. He didn't seem concerned—after all, Lance had already shown his hand. He didn't expect any surprises. He glanced over the document, satisfied with what he saw. He set it down on the table. "Everything checks out." "Here's to a smooth partnership," the director said, rising from his chair and offering his hand, the wrinkles on his skin deepening as he smiled. Lance stood as well, offering a slight bow to match the director's height. He extended his hand, his voice warm but measured."To a successful partnership." Their hands were nearly touching. But then, just as their fingers were about to meet— ... The director pulled his hand back abruptly, leaving Lance with nothing but air. Lance raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of mild confusion. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice even. The director ignored the question. His brow furrowed as he picked up the authorization letter once more. He studied it carefully, his eyes scanning the words again, as if looking for something he had missed. Then, without warning, he slammed the letter onto the table. The sound of the paper hitting the wood was loud, sending a shock through the room. The director's temper flared, his voice suddenly sharp with anger. "So, you aren't being honest, huh?" Lance's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What?" "Are you mocking me? I might no longer be young, but I'm not some fool you can play with!" Lance's confusion deepened. "You can take your worthless paper and leave," the director snapped. "This hospital doesn't want anything to do with you." Before Lance could respond, the door flew open, and several bodyguards stepped in, their eyes cold and unwavering. Lance felt a sinking sensation in his chest. A worthless piece of paper? "You mean the authorization is fake?" The director tossed the letter in front of Lance with a scornful sneer. "Stop playing dumb." "I used to think highly of Johnston Enterprise," the director continued, his tone full of disdain. "Integrity. That's what your family stood for. I didn't expect this from you, Lance."Lance's face showed disbelief. This couldn't be happening. The authorization had come from Virginia, whose family was well-respected in the medical world. It couldn't be fake. "How could it possibly be fake?" Lance asked, his voice betraying his shock. "It came from the lab. I compared it with the one Dr. Nancy gave me, and they're identical," the director said, his voice cutting through the air. "It's the same." Lance was stunned but managed to keep his composure. "I don't know what you're seeing, but to me, the authorization looks completely real." Virginia wouldn't deceive him. He'd checked it thoroughly—there was no mistake. But the director's strong reaction made Lance question everything. The director sneered, his eyes narrowing. "I may be getting older, but I can still see just fine." "You say it's identical?" "That letter doesn't follow Dr. Nancy's format at all!" "Do you think you can fool us this easily? What kind of game do you think you're playing?" His voice grew louder with each word, his anger rising. The director's voice was sharp, his anger growing with each word. "This isn't even close to Dr. Nancy's authorization format!" "You think you can pull a fast one on us? What do you think we are?!" His frustration was unmistakable. With a tense breath, he signaled to a bodyguard. "Get Alex. Bring me a copy of Dr. Nancy's authorization contract." The bodyguard quickly left the room. Lance stood silently, his expression stoic, his features sharp and unyielding. It didn't take long for Alex to return, holding the contract copy. The director snatched it from Alex and threw it down on the table, his gaze cold. "Take a look.""The proof's right here. Now, what do you have to say, Lance?" Lance hesitated, picking up the contract and scanning it carefully. The more he read, the deeper his confusion grew. But this can't be! This contract was identical to the one he had torn up earlier. Could Addison's authorization really have been the legitimate one? How can that be? The director's eyes never left him, his tone unfeeling. "Alex, show him out." "Please follow me," Alex said flatly, their tone void of emotion. Lance stood frozen. His thoughts were a mess. Virginia's authorization was fake, but Addison's was real? Could Addison have ... ? "Mr. Johnston, the director has given his orders. If you don't leave now, I may be forced to use harder measures," Alex's voice was cold as ice. The bodyguards around them gave Lance a matching, unwavering stare. Lance finally snapped back to reality, his body stiff with discomfort. He felt the sting of embarrassment. Softly, he muttered, "Okay." This was a turn of events he never expected.