Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Chapter 366

Bennett's words rolled out with a deliberate calm that nevertheless sent waves of oppression crashing

through the room.

"It's not... I mean no offense! But since we shareholders are here today, we're just looking for your

honest opinion. That's all!"

"I have no opinion!" Bennett's response was flat-out defiant.

The room fell into an awkward silence.

Looking around and seeing the expressions of everyone present, I decided to step in. "Since there

seems to be business to discuss, my husband and I will excuse ourselves. Dad, we'll wait for you

outside."

But as Jaylan and I made a move to leave, Bennett's voice sliced through the tension. "Show these

people out," he commanded his secretary.

It was an unequivocal dismissal.

Standing up, he addressed my father. "Mr. Wilburn, please! I'll accompany you." NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Dad offered him a serene smile. "Well then, lead the way."

Without another word, or even a nod to that Kemp fellow, we made our way out.

"Mr. Richardson!" Kemp stepped forward, calling out.

Bennett gave him a frosty glance and instructed his secretary, "Schedule a full shareholders' meeting

for tomorrow morning at ten."

Then he strode out of the office.

I was baffled. What game were my father and Bennett playing? It was beyond my comprehension. One

thing was clear, though; my dad was not one to be outmaneuvered.

We all got into our cars, and once we were on the road, I asked my father, "Is Kemp the major

shareholder of VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals?"

"No," Dad said simply, his mind clearly elsewhere. It dawned on me that those men were indeed the

real deal, not extras in some corporate theater.

Seeing my father's contemplative and slightly displeased expression, I chose not to press further.

Looking out the car window, I marveled at the changes in Silverdale City. It had been a while since I'd

been back, and the city had transformed significantly. Our route took us through the urban sprawl,

heading directly to the Camellia Crest in the Eastgate District.

The eastern side of Silverdale City was hilly, dotted with sprawling camellia plantations, hence the

name Camellia Crest.

The most picturesque part of Camellia Crest was to the east of Silent Blossom Pond. Once a provincial

reservoir, the area had become a national tourist attraction. Its banks were lined with plum trees that,

when in bloom, painted the landscape a fragrant pink. Hence, the name Silent Blossom Pond.

The pond was divided into the West Lake, separated from the ocean by a mere mountain, and the East

Lake. The construction of a new highway had leveled the mountain, blending the reservoir with the sea

to create a distinctive coastline.

East Lake, now Silent Blossom Pond, had become the largest freshwater lake in the region. Each side

offered contrasting vistas, drawing visitors to two distinct areas.

As we arrived, I was taken aback by how much the place had flourished, almost like a paradise on

earth.

"Land here is worth a fortune now!" Dad remarked as we passed a string of resorts along the shore.

"The entire area around Silent Blossom Pond has been developed. The speciality here is becoming

quite famous!"

"The tourism in Silverdale City is booming," I mused.

"That's the future hope for us. Our Oldtown Avenue will become another must-see in Silverdale City,"

Dad said with pride.

"Galen, which has a brighter future: Oldtown Avenue or VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals?" Jaylan asked, his

practicality coming through in his first interjection.

Dad beamed at the distant Silent Blossom Pond. "They're different sectors: one focused on lifestyle,

the other health. Both are essential and incomparable."

Jaylan seemed unsatisfied with the answer, falling silent as he pondered.

The driver was already looking for a parking spot when Dad added, "But both are long-term ventures in

their fields—one open for continual expansion and the other a steady stream of profits."

I felt a twinge in my heart. His answer was precise, meaningful only to me.

Dad's vision was to build me a near-perfect foundation for business, with pharmaceuticals and medical

devices complementing each other for sustainable growth, while Oldtown Avenue could be a charming

alley that attracted visitors from everywhere, providing endless profits.

These endeavors could remain evergreen, a legacy we could pass down through the generations, even

as we grew old. This was Dad's blueprint.

Stepping out of the car, I was greeted by the fresh air scented with tea, a natural oxygen bar. Jaylan

had already joined Dad, strolling alongside Bennett towards the scenic villa.

Hannah came up beside me, tugging at my sleeve and raising an eyebrow. I immediately understood

she had something to share.