Chapter 2034: Public Outrage
Upon seeing the smooth operation, Orchid instructed her subordinates, “Investigate all incoming and outgoing accounts for this year and compile a list of all technology patents related to the new medicine.” Her subordinates immediately sprang into action.
Soon, all laboratory work ceased at the research institute. Puzzled technical personnel emerged, questioning the disruption.
Colby explained the research institute's ownership structure to Peregrine, clarifying that Roxanne was not the sole proprietor.
Peregrine retorted, “Colby, I'm unfamiliar with this jargon. But was Roxanne responsible for establishing the institute, its research and development, and all profit-making operations?” Colby nodded.
Despite being a GK Group subsidiary, the institute received minimal financial support from its parent company—primarily initial start-up capital. Subsequent expansions were undertaken entirely at Roxanne's risk and expense, each plan approved by the board of directors beforehand. When Roxanne formed Flora Verba Group, many board members supported her independent ventures, believing they risked losing such a valuable asset.
“If Roxanne single-handedly established the institute,” Peregrine stated sternly, “why should the parent company claim credit? Ms. Downey is being unduly aggressive.”
Overhearing from outside the general manager's office, Orchid's expression darkened. “I know Mr. Lomax,” she said, raising her brows. “My mentor, Harvey Lambert, co-founded GK Group. Roxanne works for GK Group; her activities represent the company!”
“Stop evading the issue,” Peregrine snapped, frowning. “You have no right to act without Roxanne's presence.”
Before Orchid could respond, Peregrine signaled longtime technicians to enter the general manager's office. They surrounded Orchid's subordinates, warning, “Put down those materials. You’re not allowed to touch anything without Ms. Jarvis's permission!”
Another technician added, “We only answer to Roxanne Jarvis here. We will protect all financial and R&D materials. Report these people to the police! They're acting like bandits—outrageous!”
The public outcry stunned Orchid and her subordinates. Their shock deepened as more of Peregrine's men arrived. All eyes turned to Orchid, awaiting her response.
Colby initially hoped Lucian would intervene once Roxanne learned of the situation, believing they could stop Orchid, a seemingly recent addition to senior management. He was astonished by Peregrine’s immediate, decisive action.
Yielding to Peregrine’s pressure, Orchid’s subordinates returned the documents. Attempts to copy data onto external hard drives were also thwarted.
Peregrine addressed Orchid indifferently, “You cannot touch anything until Roxanne arrives. Persist, and you and your thirty or forty men will not leave this institute!”
Orchid was speechless. She hadn’t anticipated Roxanne’s subordinates daring to challenge headquarters' actions; it seemed contrary to Roxanne’s usual management style. Three years prior, in Epea, there had been no such resistance when headquarters reclaimed control of a similar institute.