Chapter 75

Dexter mused, "Doesn't this mean I can seize Acheson Pharmaceuticals' market share? Consumers are smart; they'll choose the more effective medicine."

Aurora raised her chin, gesturing for John to examine the report's bottom. "It's from the medicine testing institute. Isn't that sufficient proof?"

Dexter exhaled, his arrogance dissipating. He instantly decided: Whitaker Group's hospital had to adopt this medicine.

Softening his expression, he abandoned his previous contemptuous demeanor. "Please explain this in detail, Ms. Whitaker," he said, treating her with newfound respect as a partner.

Aurora nodded, her pleasant voice filling the conference room. The three listened intently as Dexter, an experienced doctor proficient in both alternative and modern medicine, peppered her with questions.

Fifteen minutes later, Aurora concluded her presentation. Giles poured her a cup of coffee, which she sipped to moisten her dry lips.

Observing their expressions, Giles interjected, "Ms. Whitaker, could this medicine serve as an additional condition for contract renewal?" It was time to negotiate price.

Dexter stated seriously, "I'm impressed by the medicine's efficacy, but is it newly developed? Official production requires three phases of clinical trials, taking at least three to five years for approval. What if competitors develop superior medicines during that time?"

He shifted his posture, revealing his true intention: lowering the price. "Honestly, before Mereida, I met Bertram Pharmaceuticals' general manager. They can produce a similar medicine at three percentage points lower than your initial offer." Bertram Pharmaceuticals, based in Jydratica, boasted a larger industrial scale than Sunrise Pharmaceuticals.

The email that surprised John last night originated from Bertram Pharmaceuticals; their general manager, learning of Sunrise's leadership change, sought this order.

John's heart pounded. This was unexpected. He glanced at Aurora, eager to see her response.

Undeterred, Aurora set down her cup. "Bertram Pharmaceuticals will likely sign a one-year contract, restoring the original price in the second year," she stated confidently. Their general manager wasn't a fool; he wouldn't sacrifice profits.

Dexter remained silent, but his expression confirmed Aurora's assessment.

Aurora continued, "While other pharmaceutical groups will improve their flagship medicines, generational improvements are incremental. Furthermore, some leading groups become complacent due to their advantageous positions."

Dexter's expression grew serious.

Aurora stated, "With an 18% efficiency gap, I doubt any pharmaceutical group can catch up within three years. Otherwise, medicinal efficiency wouldn't increase by mere tenths, or even less, annually."

Dexter stood, declaring, "You've convinced me." He placed his hands on the table, emphasizing his height. "But I have one condition: an exclusive license to this medicine."

Aurora smiled. "Deal."

Giles, examining the two signed contracts, beamed. "Ms. Whitaker, you're incredible! You not only saved the original contract but increased the price by three percentage points!" He had anticipated sacrificing profits to secure the contract. Giles was astonished by Aurora's sophisticated negotiation skills at such a young age. He'd felt intimidated by Dexter's imposing presence, constantly second-guessing himself, while Aurora remained unaffected. Experience, he realized, wasn't solely determined by age.

Aurora rubbed her temples, the negotiation having been taxing. "The price increase isn't solely my achievement; it's due to the R&D department's efforts," she clarified. Their process improvements and the resulting 3% efficacy boost provided the leverage to raise the price; otherwise, her negotiation skills would have been futile.

Giles invited her to a celebratory party. Aurora declined, preferring to remain out of the public eye until her eighteenth birthday, when Jaxon's paternal authority would diminish.

Dexter, who had left earlier, was leaning against the wall. Seeing her emerge, he smiled.

"Anything else, Mr. Whitaker?" Aurora inquired.

"No business, but personal matters," Dexter replied smoothly. "Dinner, perhaps, to express my gratitude?"

Aurora understood. John's absence suggested he'd already made reservations. "Okay," she responded calmly.

Dexter drove her to a luxurious restaurant.

That evening, Jaxon learned of Aurora's success with Whitaker Group's hospital. A hint of tenderness softened his gaze as he addressed Harry. "How is she?"

Harry, still surprised, exclaimed, "I didn't expect Aurora to be so capable. Mr. Whitaker rarely changes his decisions."

Curious, Harry asked, "Mr. Harrison, how did she convince him?"

Jaxon replied, "A new product, more effective than anything on the market. That's her strength."

Pleased, Jaxon called Aurora, guessing they'd finished dinner. "Busy?"

Aurora's excited laughter filled the line. Jaxon could hear her happiness. "Daxon, how did you find the time?"

"Congratulations on the contract," Daxon replied. He often found himself comparing Aurora to Annie, hoping she would grow into such a brave, assertive, and decisive woman.

Later, seated on a swing in Crawford Manor's garden, Aurora invited Daxon to the upcoming new product launch conference. He readily accepted. Closing her eyes, she savored the moment, her worries fading with the night breeze.

Suddenly, a call from Lizzie Law Firm altered her expression. "Ms. Crawford, we have new information on your mother's whereabouts."