“But the grant agreement has a clause,” Arthur said, looking at me with his pale blue eyes. “Any research developed using the equipment in that new wing is subject to an exclusive licensing agreement.”

My breath caught in my throat.

“An agreement with Hayes Industries,” I said.

“It is standard business practice,” Arthur said. “We have the resources to manufacture your synthesis. A small startup would have ruined you.”

“You set this up before I even completed my methodology,” I said.

“I secured your future,” Arthur said. “And the future of our family company.”

“You lied to me,” I said, stepping down from the stage. “You let me believe I was doing this independently.”

“You did the work, Evelyn,” he said, his face hardening slightly. “But the world does not run on academic pride. It runs on capital.”

He checked his gold watch, the metal catching the fluorescent light.

“Besides, Hunter has been terminated from his position at Hayes Industries,” Arthur added. “His security badges were deactivated ten minutes ago.”

I stared at him, the weight of his words settling over me.