Lorraine was recorded as having been unconscious during the purported signing period.
The document's source history was also disputed.
Victor read the summary once.
Then again.
For several seconds, the entire room remained silent.
Finally, he looked toward Elliot.
"What is this?"
Elliot swallowed.
"Victor, we should discuss this privately."
The billionaire's eyes narrowed.
"I asked what this is."
Margaret spoke.
"It's a formal notice concerning the disputed consent and the independent review."
Victor turned toward her.
"Did you know this was coming?"
"I knew a notification was being prepared. The appropriate recipients were being informed through counsel."
His face reddened.
"You allowed a waitress to bring it into my dinner?"
Nia remained still.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Wei answered.
"She isn't merely a waitress, Victor."
The billionaire turned sharply.
"Then what is she?"
Wei looked toward Nia.
"She's the confirmed successor representative of the founders' stewardship arrangement."
Victor stared.
Wei continued.
"Her mother helped build the technology your acquisition depends on."
For several seconds, Victor seemed unable to process the statement.
Then he looked at Nia again.
This time, he examined her differently.
Not her qipao.
Not her name badge.
Her face.
Her posture.
The way she remained composed while several of the wealthiest people in the room struggled to understand what had just happened.
His expression hardened.
"If you had this position, why didn't you introduce yourself?"
Nia met his eyes.
"You didn't ask."
Victor stared.
She continued calmly.
"I introduced myself when I came to the table. You decided what that meant."
The room became completely silent.
Victor looked toward Mei, who had appeared near the entrance after hearing raised voices.
"Who assigned her to my dinner?"
Mei stepped forward.
"I did."
He pointed toward Nia.
"Then you knew."
Mei remained composed.
"I knew she was a capable employee. I also knew there was an authorized document handoff scheduled."
Victor leaned back.
"This is outrageous."
Mei didn't raise her voice.
"Mr. Liang, the restaurant did not arrange your questions to her. She was carrying out her service duties when you initiated that conversation."
For a moment, the billionaire looked genuinely offended.
He was accustomed to restaurant managers apologizing when he expressed displeasure.
Mei offered no such apology.
She looked toward Nia.
"Would you like to step out of your service role now?"
Nia nodded.
"Yes, please."
Mei turned toward Sofia, who was waiting beside the sliding doors.
"Take over the table."
Sofia stepped forward immediately.
Nia removed her name badge and placed it discreetly beside the service station.
She remained in the red qipao.