Chapter 1614: The Reputation of the Damaris Family

Jack remained unperturbed by Hector's fury. "Grandpa," he said, "Dr. Jarvis insisted on a hundred and twenty per box for the new drug. I'm afraid no one will accept that price; it's not profitable."

Hector's vision blurred, and he nearly fainted from rage. He hadn't expected his handpicked heir to prioritize profits so heavily. "Is the Damaris family so short of funds?" the elderly man asked, clutching his chest and gasping for breath.

Jack hung his head, his thoughts evident. He believed the company would lose money, making collaboration with Roxanne unproductive.

Disappointment washed over Hector. "I chose you as the Damaris heir because I believed you understood that the family's century-long reputation was built on the kindness, not the wealth, of its physicians."

"I understand," Jack replied glumly.

"You do not!" Hector snapped. "How long has it been since the Damaris family developed a life-changing drug? We were close with Roxanne, but you ruined it!"

The press conference concluded. Roxanne and her colleagues, escorted by bodyguards, moved past the reporters. The collaboration was finalized.

Seeing the situation irreversible, Hector gave up. Waving a dismissive hand, he muttered, "Forget it. You've lost sight of your original aspiration. Step down from managing Damaris Group and focus on pro bono medical consultations to rediscover it. I'll find someone else to manage the company."

Jack's heart leaped, and he stared at Hector in disbelief. Damaris Group is where it is because of my hard work, and now Grandpa is discarding me? I haven't even achieved my goals!

Suppressing his emotions, Jack apologized. "Grandpa, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made this decision alone, but I believe there's a way to resolve this with Dr. Jarvis. Let me speak with her again."

Hector shook his head. "It's too late. Didn't you see? The world knows Dr. Jarvis is working with Farwell and Queen Groups."

The Damaris family was excluded from the new drug. Hector's only hope was that the public wouldn't learn of the family's withdrawal due to profit disagreements. Such news would damage their reputation.

"Nearly a hundred medicinal herbs are involved," Jack argued. "Roxanne can't find replacements for all of them. She'll still need Damaris Group!"

Hector, weary of arguing, waved his hand. "I'm old. I can no longer control you. Despite being the heir to a family of doctors, you value money more than helping others. One day, you'll fall because of this."

Hector left. Jack's face fell. He's right. He's old, and he can't discern right from wrong. The Damaris family stands on a pedestal, worshipped by many, but what good is that? It's just a title, and maintaining it with pro bono work costs time and money. Eventually, we'll go bankrupt. Kindness isn't what we need anymore; we need money. We need profit!