Chapter 53
Golden sunlight bathed the girl at her desk, a gentle breeze carrying the warmth to her. The light made her face almost translucent, revealing even the finest hairs on her skin. Her lustrous hair, too, caught the warm hue. Her desk was strewn with homework and test papers. The perfect weather, the gentle breeze—it was the ideal moment to pursue her dreams.
Aurora, deeply immersed in her studies, received a call from Daxon. She answered, hearing a rich voice on the other end. “It’s Daxon. Do you remember me?”
Aurora closed her book, holding her phone to her face to verify the number. “I think anyone who’s met you once would find that difficult, Mr. Harrison,” she replied lightly, adding a playful touch.
Daxon chuckled. “I’m a few years older than you. If you don’t mind, call me Daxon.”
Aurora raised an eyebrow and agreed readily. “Sure, Daxon.” He hummed in acknowledgment.
Sensing his relaxed tone and knowing he wouldn't call without reason, Aurora’s intuition sparked. “Did you find your sister?”
Their only connection was Annie; it was the logical reason for his call. His response confirmed her guess.
“Yes, we did. Your SATs are coming up, right? Once you’re done, I’ll bring Annie to Mereida so she can thank you in person.”
Daxon mused, “The surveillance technology ten years ago wasn't as advanced. Without you, finding Annie would have taken much longer. She’s eager to meet you, and with the SATs over, you’ll have more free time. Her health should be much better, too!” He added, “I owe you a favor. Start thinking about what you want.”
Aurora grinned, happy for Daxon. Remembering the day she received Aurielle’s tiara, her wrist flicked, the pen in her hand spinning so fast it blurred. She teased, “Isn’t helping me humiliate the Newton family enough?”
A brief silence followed. Hearing background noise, she said quickly, “Daxon, if you’re busy…”
“It’s nothing,” Daxon reassured her calmly. “Harry just came in about the schedule. It’s no big deal.” He repeated, “The Newton family was a side thing; it doesn’t count. Let me know what you want.”
Aurora looked down at the sunlight on her desk. Daxon was a man of his word, unlikely to owe anyone anything. She should choose something simple. They inhabited different worlds. Having been given a second chance, she had more pressing concerns. She wouldn't burden him.
“Actually, I do have something in mind,” Aurora said. “Do you know about Sunrise Pharmaceuticals?”
She mused, Since Daxon wants to repay the favor, I might as well use it for Giles’ case. Clearing his name could win me allies, and besides, Giles will make me money later. I won’t lose either way!
“I do,” Daxon replied.
“Then do you know who’s backing Sunrise Pharmaceuticals?” Aurora pressed.
She recalled the previous life, when the scandal broke. The general manager had arrogantly declared their investors were wealthy and influential, unconcerned by minor issues. His arrogance had enraged netizens, who’d investigated the investors’ identities for a week without success. New scandals quickly diverted public attention. The backers remained shrouded in mystery.
“I do,” Daxon repeated.
Aurora’s eyes lit up. “Who is it?”
Sunrise Pharmaceuticals was well-established in Mereida; the herbal medicine market was largely saturated. A new company would struggle to gain traction. If she discovered the backers, she could leverage their influence.
“It’s me,” Daxon admitted.
Aurora was surprised but quickly understood. Daxon headed the Harrison family, one of Jydratica’s four prominent families, with diverse business interests. Sunrise Pharmaceuticals was a natural extension.
“Has something happened at Sunrise Pharmaceuticals?” Daxon asked, drumming his fingers on the table, swiveling to his computer. He opened a report from the general manager. Aurora’s sudden inquiry about the company intrigued him.
Aurora knew Daxon was unaware of Giles’ situation, which hadn’t been exposed in her previous life until years later. She explained the situation, concluding with her assessment: “The general manager hires only relatives, lacks long-term vision, and fired key production staff to protect his useless nephew.”
After Giles’ departure, Sunrise Pharmaceuticals went quiet for months. Only after securing an expert, thanks to investor backing and connections, did the company slowly recover.
Daxon’s gaze sharpened. He hated deception. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll look into it thoroughly.”
Aurora’s brow twitched. “Oh right. Didn’t you ask what I wanted? I’ve decided.”
Daxon’s tone shifted. “Sunrise Pharmaceuticals is having problems. Pick a company in better shape.”
Aurora rested her chin in her hand, chuckling. “I’m planning to start a pharmaceutical company. Sunrise Pharmaceuticals has the largest market share in Mereida; it’s my best option.”
Taking over an established company, with its existing structure, would be easier than building one from scratch. She could use this opportunity to eliminate the internal parasites.
Daxon was silent for a moment before agreeing.
In Mereida’s southern district, the most striking building was Sunrise Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters—a thirty-story skyscraper dominating the surrounding streets.
It was nine o’clock Monday morning, rush hour. Employees entered looking sharp and energetic, security guards efficiently collecting car keys for the underground garage.
Giles, impeccably dressed and brimming with confidence, strode through the entrance, followed by Harry, also in a suit. Harry’s presence wasn’t strictly necessary; he was Daxon’s highly capable personal assistant. But this was different. Aurora was a benefactor of the Harrison family. Daxon, knowing she wouldn't be present, sent Harry to ensure a smooth transition.