The old man chuckled, tapping the desk with his thin fingers. "Good. Very good. But there is one thing you must understand." His eyes narrowed with gravity. "This project isn't only about defending a building. Inside these walls, I store technology and prototypes worth billions. Designs the world isn't ready for. If my grandson gains control, he won't just take my company. He will sell what I built to people who will turn it into weapons. That cannot happen."
Bella's chest tightened, her nerves sparking with both fear and exhilaration. She nodded firmly. "Then I'll make sure it doesn't. I'll design the shield so that even if the system is stolen, no one can use it without your master key. Not your grandson. Not his contractor. Not anyone."
William looked at her for a long moment, then smiled slowly. "I believe you. You remind me of myself when I was young. Hungry. Brilliant. Stubborn."
Bella blinked, caught off guard by the compliment, and then chuckled softly.
Knock, knock.
