The description sounded familiar to one of Helvetic's senior researchers.
He searched the archives.
Found Walter's original sample records.
And began comparing them with the material described in the investor's proposal.
The investor was an entity connected to Harlon's business.
Dileia leaned forward.
“So he contacted you before I did?”
“Yes.”
“How much did he know?”
Dr. Meier considered the question.
“We don't know how he obtained all the technical information in his proposal.”
Dileia felt cold.
“What do you mean?”
The scientist opened a document.
Some sections were redacted because of confidentiality and the ongoing inquiry.
But the visible material described a root crop cultivated in southern Idaho.
It referenced water-retaining properties, distinctive sap behavior, and potential industrial applications.
Several measurements appeared suspiciously similar to figures in Walter's journal.
Dileia stared.
“Those are Dad's numbers.”
Dr. Meier looked up.
“Are you certain?”
She pointed toward one entry.
“He used that notation in his field records.”
The scientist studied it.
Dileia continued.
“And that drying-temperature observation came from an experiment he repeated for three winters.”
She looked toward the page.
“How did Harlon get it?”
Dr. Meier shook his head.
“We can't answer that yet.”
Then he explained the twelve-million-dollar figure.
It was an indicative valuation attached to a proposed long-term transaction involving exclusive rights, future supply, technical data, and commercialization opportunities.
It was not money that had changed hands.
It wasn't a guaranteed purchase price for Dileia's harvest.
And it was not proof that the roots could immediately be sold for millions.
But the proposal showed that Harlon's associates believed the crop could support a very valuable commercial arrangement.
That was why the scientist had challenged him.
He had been representing a business opportunity involving material he did not appear to own.
Dileia leaned back.
For several seconds, she stared at the ceiling.
Then asked the most painful question.
“Did you tell my father what you found?”
The scientist's expression softened.
“The earlier research team corresponded with him. I have copies of those letters.”
He opened a folder.
Inside were laboratory summaries dated years before Walter's death.
Dileia recognized her father's signature.
Her throat tightened.
Dr. Meier continued.
“The preliminary results identified a plant-derived polymer fraction with unusual hydration behavior under controlled conditions.”
She stared.
“Could it help crops survive drought?”
“Possibly, in certain formulations and environments. But we would need extensive testing to establish performance, safety, and practical cost.”
Dileia nodded.
He continued.
“The material may also have applications in specialized agricultural coatings and biodegradable water-management products. Those possibilities need independent verification.”
She looked toward the roots.