Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 76: InnovateChapter Might Really Be Finished (Bonus Chapter)
Five o’clock in the evening.
The rain outside had stopped at some point, leaving only a wet ground reflecting the gradually brightening neon lights.
The law firm was excessively quiet. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
Finn Lockwood and the receptionist had already left for the day. The open office area was empty, leaving only a solitary light glowing in Stella Sterling’s office.
She absentmindedly sorted the files on her desk, the rustling of pages especially clear in the silent room.
Yet her gaze couldn’t help but dart towards the silent phone screen.
Five o’ five.
Shane Donovan wasn’t here.
Not even a phone call or a text to explain.
This wasn’t like him.
That man always kept his word; if he said he’d be here at five, he wouldn’t be late.
Even if something had changed, with his controlling nature, he would have informed her in advance.
An indescribable anxiety, like tiny vines, silently coiled around Stella’s heart.
She told herself, isn’t this just fine?
If he didn’t come, she would enjoy the peace and quiet.
Was she really supposed to go have dinner with him and discuss those ridiculous engagement details?
What nonsense!
She abruptly closed the files, grabbed her bag and coat, deciding not to wait anymore.
Let him come if he wants!
She grabbed her bag and, somewhat sulkily, quickly headed to the elevator.
Her fingers pressed the down button forcefully, and the elevator doors slowly opened, revealing no one inside.
The mirrored cabin reflected her slightly furrowed brows and tight lips.
Just as the doors were about to close, a hurried sound of high heels approached outside, and two women in business suits rushed in, seemingly employees from a company upstairs.
"...Oh my God, is it true? The CEO of Innovatech Bio has been taken away?"
"Absolutely! My friend works in the office building opposite Innovatech Tower and saw it with her own eyes! Several cars were involved; it was quite a scene!"
"The Drug Administration people? Is it because of that new drug?"
"I’ve heard the issue is serious; the clinical trial data was falsified! This is a massive scandal! Innovatech might be finished this time..."
"Tsk tsk, who would have thought..."
’Buzz—’
Stella felt her mind go blank, a sharp buzzing sound instantly robbed her of her hearing.
The women’s discussion sounded muffled as if separated by a thick water membrane.
Shane Donovan... taken away?
Drug Administration... falsified data...
She suddenly raised her head, looking at her bloodless face in the mirror.
The elevator numbers kept changing, descending.
"Ding—"
The first floor arrived.
The elevator doors opened, and the two women continued their amazed chatter, walking out side by side.
Stella stood as if pinned to the spot, her hands and feet ice-cold.
Only when the elevator doors were about to close again did she suddenly come to her senses, stumbling out.
Outside the law firm, with the city lights just beginning to twinkle, the traffic was busy.
She stood by the street, watching the constant flow of cars, feeling helpless for the first time.
How could this be...
Falsified data?
How was that possible?
Given Shane Donovan’s level of attention to Innovatech Bio, his almost obsessive control and perfectionist tendencies, how could he possibly allow this to happen?
If this charge is proven, not only would Shane Donovan face criminal liability, but Innovatech Bio’s reputation would be ruined, the Pre-IPO would be completely ruined, and the Donovan Family would be severely impacted.
She remembered the day he seriously analyzed a crisis of image to her, talking about the potential loss of hundreds of billions in market value...
At the time, she thought it was absurd.
Yet now...
Compared to the suspected criminal activity of "data falsification", the stock price fluctuations caused by that so-called "love scandal" are utterly insignificant!
Stella clutched her fingers tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms.
Reason told her that it would be best to do nothing now.
Such a massive scandal would have ripple effects; for an outsider like her to intervene recklessly could backfire and draw fire.
Yet...
Shane Donovan’s face uncontrollably appeared in her mind.
Stern, smiling, teasing, and even when he kissed her, that deep, focused gaze.
He had helped her many times.
During her most helpless times, he extended a hand.
Even if his methods were strong, his intentions unpredictable, even "blackmailing" her into engagement...
But at this moment, all those mixed emotions were overshadowed by an overwhelming concern.
She couldn’t just stand by watching.
At least, she couldn’t do nothing.
That’s right, Old Mr. Donovan!
Only at such times, only Old Mr. Donovan could stabilize the situation, maybe offer a glimmer of hope!
Stella almost immediately took out her phone, her fingers trembling as she booked the next flight to Crestfall.
Then, she hailed a cab, heading straight to the airport.
...
Over two hours later.
The plane landed at Crestfall International Airport.
Stella hadn’t even had time to go home, taking a taxi directly to the Donovan Family’s old residence.
In the night, the Donovan Family’s old residence had its massive iron gates closed, the porch lights coldly illuminated the guards’ cautious and stern faces.
Reporting in, waiting.
Every minute and second felt incredibly long.
Stella stood in the early winter night breeze, feeling the chill seep up from her feet to engulf her entire body.
After what felt like ages, the old butler Alfie came out in a hurry, bowing slightly, "Miss Sterling, the Elder Donovan has invited you in."
Inside the study.
Old Mr. Donovan sat behind the wide rosewood desk, his expression seemed calm but carried an undeniable weariness between his brows, as though he had aged overnight.
He gestured to the chair opposite, "Have a seat."
"Grandpa Donovan," Stella couldn’t bother with pleasantries, speaking urgently, "Shane Donovan, he..."
"The situation isn’t good," Old Mr. Donovan interrupted her, his tone slow, "The Drug Administration received very detailed real-name report materials, strong evidence. Now, he’s still cooperating with the investigation, unable to return temporarily."
He paused, looking at Stella, his gaze sharp, "The core of Innovatech is this new drug, ’Healorin’. If data falsification is confirmed, not only will it be impossible to launch, but the enormous funds already invested in research and development will be wasted, facing sky-high investor claims and severe penalties from regulators. Innovatech... might very well be finished."
Every word felt like an ice pick smashing into Stella’s heart.
She opened her mouth, her throat dry, "What can I do?"
Old Mr. Donovan shook his head, "The best action now is no action. There are countless eyes on the Donovan Family and Innovatech from the outside."
His voice paused slightly, "Stella, do you trust Shane?"
Stella didn’t hesitate.
"I trust him."
She couldn’t believe Shane Donovan would engage in data falsification.
That man, perhaps his methods were harsh, his mind deep, but in business, he had his pride and bottom line.
Old Mr. Donovan’s face finally revealed a faint, nearly comforting smile.
"That’s good."
He slowly leaned back in his chair, gaze directed into the deep night outside, voice low, "Trust him, just wait patiently."
"But..." Stella wanted to ask further.
Old Mr. Donovan withdrew his gaze, looking back at her, speaking softly, "This is also Shane’s wish."
Stella suddenly froze.
