Alex was flabbergasted, his expression a mixture of disbelief and confusion.
Though they desperately needed the funds to stay afloat, and he had hoped Max might invest, he never imagined Max would propose a core research partnership; let alone buy them out.
In a brief moment, Alex processed the offer. A surge of joy bubbled in his chest.
His previously flustered expression softened as the realization dawned, this could be their lifeline, the turning point they had been praying for.
As for selling Cell Labs to Max, he couldn't let that concern him now. They had built this place as their last resort, a final stand after being discarded by others.
If Max could give them stability and purpose, then perhaps this was not a loss, but a rebirth.
The team wouldn't resist, as long as their achievements and credits weren't stolen and Max had already assured them of that.
This time, they would hire better lawyers to handle the contracts. There would be no repeat of the past.
The best part was that they could offload the "hot potato" their team had been struggling to juggle, turning it into valuable funding while also gaining a chance to carry on with new research under better conditions.
Whether the venture succeeded or not, they would at least secure funds for their personal projects.
Unlike their current predicament, they wouldn't be forced to waste time and brainpower chasing investors from every corner.
Alex slowly subdued his excitement, doing his best to maintain a straight face, a feat he failed at spectacularly.
Max found it amusing; Alex's attempt at stoicism only highlighted how poorly he masked his emotions.
"Ahem," Alex cleared his throat and asked, "If you don't mind, what's this project—"
Before he could finish, Max interrupted him bluntly. "You know I can't disclose anything unless you and everyone else sign a contract."
"Ye-yes... sorry, I got a bit excited…" Alex stammered. "Not the core details, of course, but at least give me the broad scope. It'll help me figure out how to structure the research."
Max recognized the indirect request but nodded. Trust and direction were essential if he expected them to commit fully.
"It's related to medicine," Max replied casually. "There's a new virus strain I discovered after graduation, and I've decided to explore its potential for curing diseases. Maybe even creating beauty products, depending on how the research develops."
He deliberately stayed vague, giving Alex just enough to understand the general direction without revealing any real substance.
Despite the lack of detail, Alex's demeanor shifted entirely as Max began explaining some of the scientific theories behind the project.
Alex typically introverted and prone to hesitation transformed before Max's eyes. His gaze sharpened, eyebrows tightening in focused attention.
His eyes absorbed every word, dissecting each principle with laser precision. It was hard to believe this was the same man who, moments ago, had been nearly trembling at the negotiation table.
Max shook his head with a small smile. He had encountered people like Alex before, those who faltered under pressure but lived for their craft.
Scientists who stumbled through life's complications but soared inside a lab.
Thankfully, Max wouldn't need Alex for anything outside of research. For everything else: legal, administrative, and corporate, he would hire professionals.
The Cell Labs team was to focus on what they did best: research.
After taking in Max's words, Alex leaned back in his chair and sighed, his expression unreadable as thoughts tumbled around his mind. Both men sat in a momentary silence that hung heavy in the air.
"You won't tell me more about this new strain you claim to have discovered," Alex finally said, his skepticism clear.
Max nodded silently. He understood. Anyone would doubt such a claim without evidence. But he had no intention of revealing more until the ink on the deal was dry.
Alex stared into Max's unwavering gaze, then looked down. Beneath the table, his hands curled into fists before slowly relaxing again.
The burden of the decision weighed on him. This wasn't just about selling a lab; it was about handing over trust, pride, and years of labor to someone who walked in with power and promises.
He had to decide: believe in Max and hand over everything through this deal, refocusing on what he did best or delay and hope for a miracle that, deep down, he no longer believed would come.
They were outcasts now. Their former employers had likely blacklisted them, especially after they threatened legal action over their previous contracts.
But after consulting lawyers, it became clear that victory would be expensive, slow, and uncertain, something they could ill afford in their current state.
After a long breath, Alex's arms relaxed. He stretched a hand toward Max, silently signaling his confirmation of the deal.
Max exhaled the breath he'd been holding. Outwardly calm, he stood up with a composed smile, gripping Alex's hand in a firm handshake and patting it with his other.
"Don't worry, Alex. We'll show everyone a true comeback."
Those words struck something deep within Alex. His shoulders slumped, not in defeat, but in relief. The weight he'd been carrying: doubt, responsibility, fear—eased slightly in that moment.
Max straightened and fixed his gaze on Alex. "I'll send in my team to finalize the contract. Discuss any conditions with your lawyer. Don't delay, I'd like to move forward as soon as possible."
Alex nodded. "Yes, Mr. Knight. We'll also wrap up our current projects quickly."
"You can call me Max now," he replied with a small grin. Then, as if recalling something important, he added, "Oh—and pack your things. We'll be moving to Sky Tower soon. This place is no longer suitable for what we're about to do. Sky Tower will have all the space we need for our research."
Alex nodded again, this time with more composure, and Max turned to leave the lab.
He stepped outside, pausing to glance at the fading sign on the entrance—Cell Labs. He stared at it for a long moment.
Max didn't want to be tied to Harlem any longer. Not when he had a growing sense that this place would one day become a battlefield, a violent collision between two monsters.
And when that happened, Harlem would be reduced to wreckage and smoke, despair in every alley.
He shook his head, casting one final look at the building he would soon own. With a flicker of pride and the satisfaction of securing a talented team, Max walked toward his car, already planning the next move in his carefully crafted game.
….
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