The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 201

"There are multiple anomalies in the pre-clinical efficacy data for Renova Biosciences' core pipeline, TRK-210."

Lavinia opened the report and pointed to the comparison charts.

"These are the raw experimental logs I obtained from the CRO handling their testing. Compared to the data published in Quentin Miller's paper, the tumor suppression rate is inflated by thirty percent. Furthermore, the results of their repeated trials were highly inconsistent, yet the paper cherry-picked only the single best outcome."

The conference room fell silent. Mr. Coleman's gaze rested on Lavinia's face, as if weighing his options.

"Based on this analysis, my conclusion is that Renova Biosciences does not meet the criteria to enter Phase III clinical trials. I recommend we suspend the investment and re-audit the authenticity of their core pipeline data."

Sigrid spoke up, her tone breezy. "Lavinia, your investigation is certainly detailed. But in venture capital, we look at the balance of risk and reward, not peer-reviewed academic purity."

"If we can't even verify the authenticity of the data, the risk is completely uncontrollable," Lavinia countered without backing down.

Sigrid smiled, saying nothing more, and simply glanced toward Mr. Coleman.

The room remained dead silent for a long moment.

Mr. Coleman tapped his fingers against the table twice before speaking slowly. "Two reports. Two different conclusions. Both make valid points."

He pushed the files aside. "This was just an evaluation for our junior analysts, not an official investment committee meeting. Since both of you have proven yourselves to be exceptional, I'm offering you both permanent positions."

He stood up and buttoned his suit jacket.

"As for the Renova Biosciences project, let's shelve it for now. There's no rush."

The people in the room began to rise.

Chester walked over to Caden Coleman, shook his hand, and murmured a few words.

He didn't speak loudly, but it was just enough for the lingering attendees to hear: "My uncle is hosting a private dinner tonight. He'd be honored if you could join us, Mr. Coleman."

Jocelyn and Lavinia also stepped up to Mr. Coleman and offered their hands.

He shook Jocelyn's hand, then Lavinia's, his tone perfectly polite:

"Congratulations." He didn't offer a single extra syllable.

Out in the hallway, the crowd dispersed. Jocelyn walked ahead at an even pace.

Lavinia followed behind her. Neither spoke a word.

It wasn't until they entered the Director's office that Jocelyn stopped, tossed her copy of the report onto the desk, and turned around.

"On paper, you got the job," she said, staring directly at Lavinia with a flat tone. "But in reality, Mr. Coleman didn't support your conclusion."

Lavinia stood there, silent.

"Do you understand what that means?" Jocelyn asked.

"He doesn't believe me," Lavinia muttered.

"It's not that he doesn't believe you. It's that he doesn't want to."

It was the only genuine smile she'd worn all day.

***

After work, Lavinia packed up her things and walked out of the building.

The setting sun was blinding, and she squinted against the glare.

A black Bentley pulled up right in front of her.

The window rolled down to reveal Garnett sitting in the back seat. He was wearing a dark gray suit with a perfectly tied cravat, looking as though he'd just arrived from some formal event.

He didn't get out of the car. He just turned his head and looked at her.

"Get in."

Lavinia didn't move. "I have plans."

"With who?" Garnett shot her a look.

Lavinia ignored the question.

Garnett stepped out of the car and stood in front of her.

He was significantly taller than her, his shadow casting over her and blocking out half the sunlight.