“Don’t cling to those out of your league, or you’ll be crushed. And don’t mess with those you can’t handle, or you’ll end up in even bigger trouble,” Jeffrey warned.
“But you, Matthew, seemed to have done both. You’re really asking for trouble!”
Rachel’s icy demeanor showed a hint of disdain. “You’re wrong, Jeffrey. Matthew didn’t cling to me. I was the one reaching out to him. You and I are classmates, but you can’t talk to him like that. Otherwise, our friendship ends here.”
Jeffrey fumed. Rachel, once as aloof as an untouchable goddess, had remained cold despite his attentions. Yet, she now spoke harshly to defend Matthew. He wished he could slap some sense into her. He wanted her to see that Matthew was a nobody: a broke, divorced ex-convict. Jeffrey, on the other hand, considered himself the best of the best.
However, he remained silent for the sake of his goals, suppressing his anger and forcing a smile. “Rachel, out of respect for you, I’ll let him go. Our company wants to collaborate with you on a project. Several families are eyeing it, wanting to invest, but I’ve brushed them off. It’s a three-year investment to develop a drug promising century-long profitability.”
Rachel was surprised. Modern medicine typically remained profitable for only two to three decades before innovations rendered it obsolete. For the future of the Carter family, she had ventured into traditional medicine, whose formulations could last for thousands of years. Strategizing with traditional medicine was a promising long-term plan with potentially millennial-level returns.
Jeffrey’s proposal of a century-long profitable project caught Rachel off guard. Could they also be eyeing traditional medicine? Her face resumed its usual icy demeanor. “Is your project related to traditional medicine?”
Jeffrey shook his head. “Come on. Who uses traditional medicine these days? Modern medicine is the most popular choice. My project focuses on authentic modern medicine. It’s known for its quick results, and the best part is that once patients start on it, they’re committed for life. It’s a solid bet for making money!”
Rachel felt somewhat disgusted with Jeffrey. Nevertheless, the project sounded promising. Fast-acting medications were what patients preferred and the most popular choice. A lifetime usage meant lifelong profits for the pharmaceutical company.
Rachel couldn’t help being intrigued. “I’d like to know more about it.”
A smile bloomed on Jeffrey’s face. Everything was going according to plan. He knew her interest was a facade; deep down, she was wavering, placing high value on the project. She was merely putting on a show.
Feeling in control, Jeffrey smiled. “Alright then, let’s find a cafe, and I’ll brief you on the situation.”
Rachel shook her head. “I’m busy today. I have other things to do. You should head back. We’ll meet another day.” Jeffrey smirked knowingly. He knew she would look into the project and consult other business partners, likely Fred, who was gravely ill and nearing the end of his life.
“Sure, I’m going to be in Lambda City. Call me anytime. I’ll also drop by and see our old friends for a cup of tea.”
After Jeffrey left, Rachel turned to Matthew and Tracy. “Come on. Let’s go see Mike.”
“See him for what?” Matthew asked.
Rachel’s cold expression betrayed a hint of concern. “Mike went to the media and claimed that the willow bark extract could cause patients to turn vegetative. This can deeply affect the company. He needs to retract his statement.”