Chapter 526

In Crestwood, no matter how wealthy or powerful you were, there was one line no one dared to cross: you never offended anyone from the Crestwood Medical Research Center. After all, who could guarantee they'd never get sick in their lifetime?

For years, Scales had struggled with poor health. He'd always wanted treatment at the Crestwood Medical Research Center, hoping their renowned care could help him recover, but he'd been turned away again and again.

Now, spotting the director of the prestigious center among the guests, Scales couldn't hide his excitement. He strode forward, hand outstretched.

"Dr. Nathanael, it's an honor to finally meet you."

But Nathanael didn't even glance in his direction. He walked right past Scales without a word and stopped in front of Citrine.

Bowing his head, Nathanael spoke quietly to her. "Chairwoman, I'm so sorry we're late."

Citrine didn't seem bothered in the slightest. She replied softly, "It's nothing. No harm done."

Watching Nathanael and Citrine chat so familiarly, Scales' face twisted with envy and frustration, though he forced himself to remain composed.

All around, the other guests were stunned.

"What's going on here? Did Nathanael really come here today just for President Carmichael?"

"They look like they know each other really well."

"Is it just me, or does Nathanael seem almost overly respectful toward President Carmichael?"

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

Then, Nathanael stepped forward and addressed everyone, his tone clear and authoritative. "I'd like to make something clear: the NecroBlitz Tablets were indeed developed by President Carmichael. There's no doubt about it."

With the director of Crestwood Medical Research Center himself vouching for her, no one could possibly question the claim.

The way people looked at Citrine changed instantly-admiration and awe flickering in their eyes.

First she'd created Vitaflux, and now NecroBlitz Tablets. President Carmichael was the real deal.

Who could have imagined an eighteen-year-old college student would achieve so much?

Almost everyone in the room believed it-everyone except Scales, who reacted with sudden intensity.

He fixed Nathanael and his group with a cold, sharp stare. "Impossible. The scientist who created NecroBlitz Tablets is dead."

He knew he was sure the only person capable of creating NecroBlitz Tablets had died fleeing Mirage Cay. There was no way Citrine could be the one behind it.

Only Citrine understood what Scales meant; to everyone else, his words just sounded like nonsense.

"Enough," Nathanael cut in sharply, thinking Scales was cursing Citrine. His eyes flashed with anger.

He looked Scales dead in the eye, his

voice icy and direct. "NecroBlitz

Tablets were developed by President Carmichael in the Crestwood

Medical Research Center's own lab. I was there, assisting her myself. Are you accusing me of lying?"

A sudden thought struck him, and he continued, "Even if you don't believe me, do you really think I'd risk the

Pn

reputation of the entire researche

center? If there were any problems with President Carmichael's NecroBlitz Tablets, my colleagues and I would all be held accountable. Do you think I'm stupid enough to destroy my own career and the center's future just to back up a false claim?"

The crowd was silent, but the effect was instant: any lingering doubts evaporated. Scales had nothing left to say.

Citrine spoke up, her tone cool and composed. "If there are no further questions, let's proceed with the auction."

She signaled discreetly to the

vel

auctioneer, who finally stepped forward. "The last item up for

bidding: NecroBlitz Tablets. Starting bid: eight hundred million.

The room erupted in shock; some guests nearly choked on their drinks.

"Eight hundred million? Is this a joke?"

"That's daylight robbery!"

"My entire family's assets combined don't come close to eight hundred million!"