Chapter 2033: Audit by Senior Management
Within half a month, Colby had proven himself more capable than Linda, earning her recognition and securing her as his assistant. He uniquely balanced the commercial needs of the business with the technical complexities of their research—James's assessment as Flora Verba Group's CEO. As the company sourced its products from the research institute, Colby served as the ideal bridge, simultaneously overseeing the production of numerous low-cost medicines, benefiting countless patients. With Flora Verba Group rapidly releasing new products, Colby proactively engaged medical insurance companies. This impressed Peregrine, who saw him as a suitable successor to Roxanne.
That day, an international flight landed at Horington Airport. A slender woman in a suit and high heels confidently exited the terminal, followed by over twenty sharply dressed men in black suits—a mix of Epeans and Aplotians, ranging in age from their twenties to their forties and fifties. Their glamorous presence commanded attention; those in the know recognized them as an international business negotiation delegation, their intimidating demeanor intended to subdue opponents.
Orchid, twenty-nine, one of Harvey's three apprentices and Roxanne's senior—the first student to study under Harvey—was the GK Group's executive manager in Epea. She had flown from Dartan to Horington to assume control of the Aplothian operations. Roxanne's performance, particularly her establishment of the rapidly successful Flora Verba Group, had deeply disappointed the company's board, leading to her dismissal. Orchid, however, kept her arrival secret from Roxanne, aiming for a surprise and to gather evidence of wrongdoing.
The large management team arrived unannounced at the research institute. Though Colby had never met Orchid, he recognized the garden violet pin on their collars, signifying their origin from the company's Epean headquarters. With burly men leading the way, Orchid and her entourage stormed the building, immediately locking the finance department, the general manager's office, and securing the data rooms.
Peregrine, shocked by their audacity, demanded their identity. As someone moved to call the police, Colby intervened, explaining, "Everyone, please cooperate. They are senior management from the research institute, authorized to be here." He then nodded to Orchid.
Smiling faintly, Orchid acknowledged Colby, "I remember you. You almost joined senior management before leaving for Chanaea with Roxanne."
"Indeed," Colby replied. "Your arrival makes your authority clear. I cannot interfere." However, he discreetly called Roxanne. She repeatedly inquired about the situation, receiving no response until overhearing his conversation with Orchid. Frowning, she ended the call and instructed the butler to prepare her transport to the research institute.