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“So we’re letting her steal technology that doesn’t work, and we’re selling her technology that’s defective,” Levi said. “That’s all great, but how is this ruining her again? Because I’d like to get that part.”
“Since it’s clear that she won’t be extradited any time soon and we don’t want to send Betts personnel to physically harm her, we’ve decided to ruin her professional life, which is all she appears to care about.”
Lauren motioned to Hannah, who took the floor.
“Li Na’s been very vocal about what she and her company can do for Shenzhen. She will brag about these technologies, making sure every person in biotech knows that she’s bringing two new amazing cancer products to market. Trust me, this is what she’s been waiting for, and she will make a colossal deal about this.”
Hannah tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and continued. “Which is where I come in—I’ve been in touch with my contacts, feeding them tidbits about a huge biotech story that I know is coming down the pipeline. I’m generating excitement and curiosity. Once Li Na moves forward, her own publicity team will move into high gear. There’s going to be a lot of buzz.
“I’ll tip my contacts that the Jiàn Innovations story is the Next Big Thing—and that I have special industry-insider information. I’ll work them up into a frenzy. The whole world will be watching her. And when the launches backfire, she’ll fail catastrophically, and even better, she’ll fail in public. Li Na’s reputation will be in shambles, and Jiàn Innovations will be a cautionary tale taught in B-school. Done and done!”
Levi grinned. “I like it.”
“I like it, too.” But Hannah didn’t smile back. “I’ll like it better when it works.”
After the meeting wrapped up, Fiona, Hannah, and Lauren began to talk. I took the opportunity to approach Ellis. “How’s it going?”
“Good.” His eyes kept roaming to Fiona and sweeping the rest of the room, on high alert.
“I think we’re safe in here.”
His blue eyes snapped back to me. “We’re safe until we aren’t.”
“I heard Fiona’s moving forward with this plan because she feels like her family is safe. You’re doing a great job. Congrats.”
Ellis frowned. “I don’t really think congratulations are in order.”
We grimaced at each other. I loved my brother, but he could be the consummate buzzkill.
Hannah waved us over. “Fiona and I need to talk more—we’re going to grab lunch at Mado before she heads back to the office. Do you guys want to come?”
“Love to.”
Ellis nodded, too—it wasn’t as if he’d let Fiona out of his sight.
Mado was the hottest new restaurant in Palo Alto, and I was pretty sure they didn’t serve Bud in a bottle. I chuckled to myself as we headed out, wondering what in hell my brother was going to order.
The restaurant was packed with the typical Silicon Valley crowd—men wearing those odd fabric shoes that were the hot new thing, and of course the jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies that were iconic markers of our geographic location. The women were more varied; some in dresses, some in sweaters, but mostly in neutral colors. Silicon Valley wasn’t particularly stylish, but there still seemed to be a dress code, and people trying to identify as part of the tribe.
The clothes might not be fashionable, but Mado was. There was a Mado in New York, London, and LA. The fact that Palo Alto had gotten one meant we’d arrived.
We sat down in our booth, and Ellis scowled at the menu. He didn’t look particularly enthused about the destination.
“This looks amazing.” Hannah scanned the lunch options. “I think I’m going to try the crispy Brussel sprouts and the tuna-sashimi tacos.”
“Sounds great,” Fiona said. “I’m going to get the same, except I’m getting the edamame appetizer.”
Hannah smiled in approval. “I’ve heard it’s delicious.”
Ellis watched them as if he were waiting for the punchline.
I tapped his menu. “What are you going to order?”
“Uh…”
Fiona leaned forward. “You might like the short ribs—they’re marinated in soy sauce, so they’re pretty normal.”
Ellis offered her a rare smile. “Thanks. Normal sounds good.” But a scowl crept over his face as he watched the busy bar area. “Wes. At the bar.”
