Chapter 2038: This Is Extortion

Boiling hot water, preparing the coffee beans, Roxanne moved leisurely after settling into her office. Orchid sat opposite, and as the two women took their seats, a frostiness settled in Orchid's eyes.

“Roxanne, state your conditions. What must I do for you to relinquish the research institute? You're married into wealth; you needn't strive so hard. Let's hope your demands don't infuriate me!”

Roxanne remained silent, seemingly ignoring Orchid's words.

Agitated, Orchid fumed, “Why? Are you trifling with me? Don't forget, I helped you in Epea. Without me, you'd have been sleeping on the streets!”

Roxanne stopped cleaning her coffee cup. Looking at Orchid, she nodded. “I'll always remember your kindness. That's why I readily gave you the other research institute. And I hardly need to reiterate the substantial profits it generated for GK Group.”

Orchid was stunned, speechless. As Roxanne stated, the previously gifted institute had marketed numerous new medicines, contributing to nearly one-third of GK Group's profits.

“So?” Orchid asked.

“Nothing. Given your mention of your kindness, I've shown my gratitude. Even if my actions seem insufficient, I've done you no wrong,” Roxanne replied calmly.

The water whistled, reaching a boil. Roxanne prepared an espresso, filling the air with a delicious aroma. She filled a cup eighty percent full and gestured to Orchid. “Orchid, have some coffee.”

The woman hesitated before taking the cup.

Roxanne's calm demeanor was a calculated move, a tactic learned from Lucian. Whether business or negotiation, the calm consumption of coffee before an opponent exerted immense, subtle pressure.

“Be straightforward! What do you want? A specific sum? Benefits for your staff?” Orchid urged, unable to bear the pressure.

Roxanne began her next move. “Yes, the institute belongs to GK Group. But we hold numerous patents. We cannot simply return them. You know I rarely touch GK Group funds allocated to the institute since its founding.”

“What? You want those patented formulas?” Orchid slammed the coffee cup down, nearly leaping from her seat. Anger flashed across her face. “No way. Those formulas are invaluable to GK Group. How much money do you need?”

Roxanne ignored the outburst. “My requirement: We have thirteen patented products. We'll transfer four directly to GK Group. The fate of the remainder will be decided by the institute's high-level management, and we'll seek a cooperative-sharing model with GK Group.”

Orchid was momentarily stunned. Anger erupted. She jumped up. “No! I refuse. This isn't a discussion; this is extortion!”