Jack’s heart lurched when he heard that, and he spapped his head upward to stare at Hector in disbelief. Damaris Group has come so far today because of my hard work, but now Grandpa is kicking me aside just like this? How can I just accept this? I haven’t even reached my goal yet!
Suppressing the emotions bubbling in his chest, Jack lowered his head and apologized to Hector. “Grandpa, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made this decision on my own, but I’m sure there’s a way to reverse this situation with Dr. Jarvis. Let me have another talk with her.”
Hector shook his head in disappointment. “It’s too late now. Didn’t you see that? The whole world now knows that Dr. Jarvis is working with Farwell Group and Queen Group.”
The Damaris family no longer had anything to do with the new drug her research institute developed.
All Hector could hope now was for the public not to know about how the Damaris family could not continue working with Roxanne because of conflicts in profit. If the news about that were to spread, the Damaris family’s reputation might suffer.
“Close to a hundred types of medicinal herbs are involved in the new drug. There’s no way Roxanne could find replacements for all of them. There must be at least a type that she hasn’t found a source for yet, so she’ll still have to work with Damaris Group!”
Jack still refused to give up. Hector did not see a point in wasting his breath on his grandson, so he waved his hand tiredly and uttered, “I’m old now. I can’t lord over you anymore. Despite being the heir of a family of doctors, you see more value in money than in helping others. One day, you will end up falling from grace because of this.”
With that, Hector went upstairs. Jack’s face clouded over. He’s right. He’s old now, so he can’t even tell wrong from right. The Damaris family is now on the pedestal of the medical field, worshipped by so many, but what use is that? It’s nothing but a title at the end of the day, and we even have to spend much money and time to maintain that name of ours with all those pro bono medical consultations. Eventually, the Damaris family will go bankrupt. The reputation of being kind isn’t something the Damaris family needs anymore. What the Damaris family needs is money. We need to make a profit!
The news of the three organizations working together spread like wildfire. In a mansion in the suburbs, Frieda was seated rigidly on the couch as she stared at Shawn’s back. The man was elegantly brewing coffee by the coffee machine.
A moment later, he brought the fresh coffee to her with a smile. “This is all thanks to you, Ms. Queen. It’s a pleasure to work with you.”
Frieda was momentarily struck dazed by his smile, but when she heard his words of thanks, she quickly flashed him a smile of her own and answered, “It’s nothing. I only mentioned it to my brother. That’s all.”
Frieda was the one who recommended the trading company that Jonathan contacted for Roxanne. That company belonged to Shawn and was recommended to Frieda by Shawn himself before getting recommended to Jonathan.
Jonathan had been having trouble with finding a supplier back then, so when Frieda recommended the company to him, he only looked into it to make sure that the company was capable enough for the collaboration. He did not go deep into his research, and he even praised Frieda for the recommendation.
Frieda gazed at Shawn in gratitude before saying, “I should be the one thanking you. With your recommendation, my brother is not that biased against me anymore.”
Shawn gave her another smile before sipping his coffee. His line of thought was different from Frieda’s.
He had thought that Frieda’s close relationship with Aubree meant that Jonathan would be suspicious when Frieda recommended to him the company.
However, it seemed that Jonathan did not have his guard up around his younger sister. With just a snap of his fingers, his company was now working with Queen Group.
In other words, he had established a relationship with the Farwell family. With that, anything he wanted to do would be much easier.
Shawn narrowed his eyes in satisfaction before putting down his cup and turning to Frieda. “What would you like for lunch?”
He shifted the topic to a more private one. Frieda froze for a few seconds before a blush crept onto her face. “I-I’m fine with anything. Something simple would do.”
Shawn smiled and nodded. “I’ll make the arrangements, then.” He then took out his phone to make a call. Once he was done making the arrangements, he led Frieda to the car, and they headed to the city center.
One had to admit that Shawn was a master at flirting. It was a simple lunch, but somehow, he could make it seem romantic.
Frieda knew that there was nothing between the two of them, but still, she felt as if they were on a date. Shawn was delighted to see her flustered. He enjoyed the feeling of courting women.
Women who easily responded to flirtations like Frieda made him feel accomplished. Furthermore, once he won over Frieda’s heart, he would have even more ease in carrying out his plans in the future.
“Oh, yes. I can’t do nothing after you’ve helped me out so much,” Shawn started. “Other than the amount we’ve agreed on with Queen Group, I’ll give you ten percent of the profits every month. What do you think?”
Frieda was even more elated to hear that, but she kept her expression composed as she inclined her head.
Shawn smiled in satisfaction before pretending to sound regretful as he said, “I like your character, but I have some work matters to attend to, so I’ll have to be away for a period of time.”
Frieda stiffened. If he leaves, my plan will fall through! Right as she was gripped by disappointment, Shawn continued, “This is the key to the mansion. I hope you can help me keep an eye on my mansion while I’m away. Also, I hope I won’t be a nuisance if I contact you.”
He made it seem as though there were some romantic feelings between the two of them. Frieda froze for a few seconds before a joyous look appeared on her face as her heart skipped a beat.
“I will. Don’t you worry.”
Upon leaving the Damaris residence, Jack drove back to Damaris Group. On the way back, he replayed the live stream of the press conference. The sight of how loving Roxanne and Lucian were filled him with frustration.
Upon arriving at Damaris Group, he quickly noticed the strange looks his staff was giving him. Evidently, news of Roxanne forming at partnership with Farwell Group had become public knowledge.
“What are you looking at? Go back to your desks!” Jack barked. The crowd gradually retracted their gazes as they returned to their stations. Upon storming back into his office, Jack slammed the door behind him.
“Mr. Damaris…” Kevin entered warily. “With regard to the medicinal herbs that we have reserved for the research institute, should we continue to set them aside?”
Previously, Jack had ordered it to be done, for he was certain that Roxanne would change her mind and collaborate with him. Little did he expect her to form a partnership with Farwell Group and Queen Group instead.
Upon a long deliberation, he answered coldly, “Leave them as it is. Call Ms. Jarvis and arrange a meeting. I would like to speak to her.”
Even if Roxanne had come to an agreement with the other two companies, Jack didn’t believe they would be able to send medicinal herbs over to the research institute on such short notice.
He still stood a chance as long as he could speak to her before she received the herbs. Upon receiving the instructions, Kevin did as he was told. Roxanne picked up the call without a moment’s delay.
“Ms. Jarvis, I’m Mr. Damaris’ assistant. I wonder if you have time to spare, as Mr. Damaris would like to have a chat with you.”
The press conference had just ended, and Roxanne was on the way home with Lucian. Kevin’s proposal caused her to look at Lucian by reflex. In response, Lucian nodded, indicating that it was up to her.
Retracting her gaze and pursing her lips, Roxanne flatly replied, “Please tell Mr. Damaris that my decision is firm and there’s nothing for us to discuss. I have found new partners to work with. The only thing left to talk about is compensation. That is something you should speak to my lawyers about.”
With that, Roxanne ended the call. Satisfied with Roxanne’s decisive response, Lucian held her hand with a smile. Meanwhile, a grim look descended upon Kevin’s face, causing Jack’s expression to change drastically.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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