Chapter 56

Mark's expression shifted as he looked at Harry. With a smile, Harry concluded his speech, announcing, "Ms. Whitaker has appointed Mr. Giles Hansen as general manager." He was the first to applaud, exclaiming, "Congratulations, Mr. Hansen!"

The others exchanged uncertain glances. It was still early, and the day had already seen the replacement of the major shareholder—the enigmatic Ms. Whitaker—followed by Caspian and Giles's heated dispute over the medication issue. Now, Ms. Whitaker had directly implicated Caspian and installed a new general manager. Events were unfolding so rapidly they could barely keep up.

As Giles nodded and briefly introduced himself, Caspian lunged forward, landing a hard punch and shouting, "Giles, you screwed me over! I'm going to kill you!"

Giles, simmering with weeks of pent-up anger, retaliated instantly. The two men brawled without restraint. Stunned onlookers summoned security, but ultimately, the police were needed to separate them.

Outside the towering Jydratica building, sharply dressed professionals flowed in and out. Harry exited a taxi, briefcase in hand, and entered. He acknowledged each passing greeting with a nod. Reaching a spacious office, he announced, "Mr. Harrison, I'm back."

Daxon, without looking up, casually inquired, "How did it go?"

"Caspian was arrested, and Giles is assisting the investigation. Most other shareholders, after reviewing his credentials, agreed to appoint Giles as the new general manager of Sunrise Pharmaceuticals," Harry reported.

Daxon nodded. Silence settled over the room, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Harry, though intending to leave after his report, remained hesitant, plagued by doubts.

"Is there something else?" Daxon finally looked up, the atmosphere thickening.

Harry hesitated, opening and closing his mouth several times before blurting out, "Mr. Harrison, I don't understand. Why did you so readily relinquish your shares in Sunrise Pharmaceuticals?" He'd been shocked by Aurora's audacious request to Daxon for the hospital.

Daxon, withdrawing his gaze from the computer, fixed Harry with a deep, commanding stare. "Are you questioning my word?"

He referred to the night he'd spirited Aurora away from the Lloyd family's anniversary celebration, promising her that Aurielle's Tiara was merely a down payment. Once they found Annie, she could request anything, and he would grant it. Harry's question about the Sunrise Pharmaceuticals shares implied a breach of that promise.

Harry's breath hitched. "Mr. Harrison, that's not what I meant. I just… I think giving her an entire company is excessive."

Daxon's lips tightened, his posture leaning forward. "Are you saying Annie isn't worth it?" Annie, the Harrison heiress, was a priceless treasure. He'd made a promise—find Annie, and he'd give Aurora whatever she wanted. To break his word now would be unthinkable.

Harry, distressed, stammered, "Mr. Harrison…" His inner monologue raced: What's happening? Where's my usual eloquence? I've worked for Mr. Harrison for years. What am I afraid of? He's not going to eat me alive. Pull yourself together! But his fear remained.

Daxon raised a hand, cutting him off as if understanding his unspoken words. "You think my decision regarding Sunrise Pharmaceuticals was rash?"

Harry nodded vigorously. I heard Aurora's still in high school. Even if we want to thank her, handing over such a huge company seems excessive, he thought. "Sunrise Pharmaceuticals holds a significant position in Mereida, affecting countless jobs. If Aurora is incapable and ruins it, won't Mr. Harrison be left to clean up the mess? Just give her money; let her decide how to spend it."

Daxon steepled his fingers beneath his chin. He recalled the young girl who'd stood firm against the Newton family's pressure. A faint smile touched his lips. "She's more capable than you think."

Harry frowned, unconvinced. "Mr. Harrison, you think highly of her?" Aurora was, after all, a lucky high school student.

Daxon dismissed his thoughts. "Didn't you encounter her at Woodside Capital Management?"

Harry remembered his visit, sent by Daxon, and his subsequent discovery of Daxon's sister's location. He recalled seeing the director of Woodside enter after Aurora had been ushered into the reception room. Considering Woodside's business, he was stunned. "Aurora… she…"

She has assets at Woodside Capital Management, substantial enough to require the director's intervention. Doesn't this mean her assets are comparable to the shares Mr. Harrison gave her? She isn't short of money, he realized.

Daxon, seeing Harry's dawning understanding, raised his chin slightly, amused. "Her first challenge is approaching. Let's see what she can truly do." To Daxon, a company was insignificant; he owned many. If she could manage Sunrise Pharmaceuticals successfully, she would warrant further attention.

Harry, catching on, smiled. He knew Daxon referred to the Whitaker Medical Center collaboration. Sunrise Pharmaceuticals had secured the large order thanks to Daxon's influence; whether Aurora could maintain Whitaker Group's satisfaction remained uncertain.

That afternoon, Giles reported to Aurora: "We have solid evidence of former general manager Caspian's involvement in embezzlement and bribery. His accomplices, including the head of finance, Shawn Crowe, and the deputy head of procurement, Jamison, along with over ten others, are detained pending further investigation…"

Aurora responded, "Has their departure created vacancies?"

Giles turned a page. "HR is actively recruiting replacements. Each position has candidates. Ms. Crawford, if you have time, you can conduct interviews."

A car pulled into the main gate. Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't they use the underground garage?"

The question was answered as she saw Maura exiting the car, discharged from the hospital.

"Ms. Crawford? Ms. Crawford, is your connection lagging?" Giles called repeatedly.

Aurora refocused on the screen. "You'll be working with them; you can make the decision." Giles, touched by her trust, assured her, "Don't worry, Ms. Crawford. I'll choose the best." He was determined to select the most qualified candidates fairly, remembering Aurora's past kindness.

"Anything else?" Aurora asked.

Giles mentioned Whitaker Medical Center. "Ms. Crawford, Whitaker Medical Center emailed, inquiring about contract termination discussions."