Natalie didn't approach, instead standing back and watching coldly from a distance.

Inside the room.

lan frowned at the man and woman who had entered. "Can I help you?"

Joanna was slightly surprised by the breathtakingly handsome young man. His beauty was almost androgynous; he was stunning.

She glanced at Horace, signaling for him to speak.

Horace addressed lan. "Mr. Moore, this is the eldest miss of the Sanders family. I've done some research and found that you are a top-tier computer hacker. Ms. Sanders admires your talent and would like to invite you to develop a security software system with us."

"This is the contract our company is offering. You can take a look. If you agree to join us, we will cover all of your grandmother's medical expenses."

He had investigated thoroughly. This boy was a prodigy in the hacking world, previously taking on freelance jobs online to make money.

But his grandmother's medical bills were enormous, and since he had only just come of age, the commissions he earned were modest.

If they could recruit him, he would become a dominant force in the online world within five years.

lan looked at the arrogant Joanna, feeling a wave of discomfort.

"I'm sorry, but no, thank you for your kind offer."

lan pushed the contract back without even glancing at it.

Joanna frowned at him, then smiled. "lan, that's your name, isn't it?"

lan gave a faint nod, not wanting to look at the condescending pity in her eyes. It made him uneasy. He felt an inexplicable aversion to this woman.

It was as if she were an enemy, stirring a deep-seated hatred within him.

"Ian, join my company, and I will treat you well. Your grandmother will receive better care. I'll find the best medical experts for her, to extend her life."

"The doctors at this hospital aren't that great. I can arrange for your grandmother to be treated abroad."

Joanna's words were coaxing. A young man like him should be easy to fool and control. By rescuing him from his predicament, he would be grateful and obedient.

She had a soft spot for young, fiery types like him.

Hearing her words, lan's expression gradually darkened.

He suddenly picked up the contract and opened it, seeing it was full of exploitative clauses.

Within five years, his software had to achieve certain milestones and

sales figures, with a seventy-thel.neo

profit split be, of course, getting the thirty percent content

He scoffed, closed the contract, and took the last bite of his chowder. He hadn't eaten anything so delicious in a long time and didn't want to waste a single drop.

After finishing, he carefully placed the lid back on the container.

Then he spoke coolly, "Send my grandmother abroad for treatment just to control me and make me develop software for you? It's a nice thought, but i'm not merested Thank you for the generous offer Please see yourselves out

Joanna's eyes glinted menacingly at his refusal. "lan, you should seriously consider my proposal. As for your grandmother, if you don't want her to go abroad, she can stay here...."

"No, thank you, Ms. Sanders. My grandmother is receiving excellent care right here," lan cut her off coldly.

Seeing his continued defiance, Joanna's expression turned vicious.

Ian caught the look and a murderous glint flashed in his own eyes.

This woman was trouble. There wasn't a trace of kindness in her eyes.

Joanna was furious at his repeated rejections, her face flushing with anger. But because she needed him, she kept her composure.

"lan, it's an honor that I came to see you myself. I can make you a star in the tech world."

"And then bleed my achievements dry for your own profit?" lan retorted, bluntly exposing her false sincerity.