"I thought someone had died at Eternality Hospital," someone said. Another added, "I thought something was wrong with the medicine." A third voice scoffed, "Tsk, it was all an act. How shameless." Disinterested, the crowd dispersed.

In the hallway of Eternality Hospital, Gladys rebuked James. "What are you doing? That was the perfect advertising opportunity. Now you've ruined everything. What do you mean by a publicity stunt? Does this look like one to you?"

James sat down and lit a cigarette.

Lex asked, "What's going on, James? Did you really arrange this?"

"Arrange?" James's face darkened. "How would I have the time? With so many things going wrong, does this look like a publicity stunt to you? If we don't explain this, do we admit something was wrong with our medicine? Do you know how much damage that would cost us if the media found out?"

Tommy stepped forward. "Are you saying something was wrong with our medicine?"

James nodded. "Most likely."

Tommy said coldly, "Even if something is wrong, whose fault is it? Thea's the chairman and makes all the company's decisions. I heard Eternality recently changed medicine suppliers. Is that true?"

James glanced at Thea, who nodded. "Indeed. Our previous supplier was a small company. After deepening our collaboration with Celestial Group, we terminated the contract and started sourcing from them. Celestial Group is a well-established corporation; their medicine should be fine."

Megan said sarcastically, "Only you would know if anything was wrong with the medicine. The profits are great, after all. Who knows if you've been pocketing the earnings and selling fake medicine?"

"That's right," Tommy said, turning to Lex. "Grandpa, you need to investigate this. Everything was fine at Eternality before Thea became chairman. Look what's happened in just a few days. Besides, I heard David bought a two-million-dollar luxury car. It's not the end of the month, and dividends haven't been issued. How did he get that money?"

Megan agreed. "You must have been lining your pockets. You must have taken at least a couple of million from the company. After all, you've got yourself a new two-million-dollar luxury car."

David yelled, "Bullshit! I bought that car a long time ago, and I paid for it myself!" Gladys scolded him. "Watch your language, both of you! Thea would never do such a thing."

Lex glanced at Thea. "Thea, this is normal for someone in your position. However, you should be wholly devoted to the family business. Using substandard medicine would ruin our reputation and have terrible consequences for our family."

"Grandpa, I'm innocent," Thea said, aggrieved. She had devoted herself to the family business, visiting large corporations like Celestial Group and Longevity Pharmaceuticals. She hadn't taken a cent from the company. "How dare you, James? How dare you, Thea?" Tommy raged. "I understand now. You embezzled company funds and colluded with outsiders to swindle money from the family. You probably kept nine million of the ten million you distributed today, didn't you?"

"Bullshit," Gladys countered.

David shouted, "Tommy, don't accuse us! What do you mean by 'colluding with outsiders'? Do you have evidence?"

Tommy looked at Lex. "Grandpa, you need to get to the bottom of this. If Thea and her family are behind this, we need to reconsider her position as chairman. If this continues, the business will be ruined."

"Grandpa, I didn't do anything. I'm innocent," Thea cried, her eyes brimming with tears.

Lex smoked his cigarette. Embezzlement by chairmen wasn't unusual; even Howard had done it. But Thea had gone too far. He waved dismissively. "We need to investigate this thoroughly. Howard, investigate and give me an explanation as soon as possible."

"Yes, Father," Howard replied.

Lex looked at Thea. "Thea, I've observed your performance. Reforming the company and collaborating with Celestial Group and Longevity Pharmaceuticals are positive steps. That's why I pray you had nothing to do with this. If I find out you were behind it all… hmph!"

He snorted, then, carrying his dragon cane, he walked away.