I was taken aback and glanced at my phone. It showed an unfamiliar number. I answered, asking, "Who is this?"

"Looks like you’re really busy, Mrs. Chloe. This is Lance," came the warm and gentle voice from the other end.

I focused immediately. "Mr. Lance, do you... have something to say?"

"Forgive the intrusion, Mrs. Chloe." The voice sounded pleasantly amused. "Could we meet? I'd like to discuss a collaboration with you."

"What kind of collaboration are you talking about?" I asked calmly.

After recent events, my impression of the Sunny family had hit rock bottom.

His approach immediately reminded me of his brother.

"The project in Solaris," Lance stated bluntly, sounding confident and assured.

"The project in Solaris?" I repeated with skepticism as my heart tightened suddenly.

"I believe you might not be able to proceed with the Solaris project, given your current situation. I wonder if you have any other ideas," Lance added, perhaps sensing my hesitation over the phone. "The