Chapter 152

Neil did not hide his contempt at all. “Fortunately, my father anticipated problems and sent Mr. Keaton here. He’s a famous apothecary from the capital–he and I will take over Grande Corp’s operations.”

Vicky frowned–she invested money and personnel to build the company, and he was taking over just like that? What was she left with?

“That’s unnecessary,” she said. “We can secure the Riverton market even without the Beauty Pill recipe. Why don’t you start your own company with Mr. Keaton if you want a cut?”

Neil laughed. “How are you going to compete with the Salazars when you’ve allowed them to steal your recipe?”

“Mr. Lawrence has developed something better,” Vicky said confidently. “Don’t worry.”

“What is it? Show me,” Neil demanded.

“You’re kidding,” Vicky replied with a chuckle. “It’s top secret–it won’t do if it’s leaked. If you’d like, I could give you a few for free once it gots into production.”

“No recipe? Then why should I trust you?” Neil snorted before shooting Frank a look of disdain. “And who does that brat think he is, making something better than the Beauty Pill?”

Beside him, Paul Keaton smiled as he stroked his beard. “Could you be lying, Ms. Turnbull? The development of every pill is a reflection of the apothecary’s wisdom and experience. Even if Mr.

Lawrence there is clever, he wouldn’t know the first thing about developing a pill without experience, and making a recipe is naught but a joke. I myself have only developed two despite my long career, both of which are hugely popular myself… who does Mr. Lawrence think he is, making something better than the Beauty Pill?”

Vicky rolled her eyes. “Believe what you want.

Either way, she refused to show them the recipe – Neil was trying to usurp her, just like Les did!

Neil folded his arms before his chest. “So, how am I going to believe you can secure the Riverton market? The family’s future is in the balance–no half–baked effort will do.”

“What does it take for you to trust Frank?” Vicky shot back impatiently.

Neil quickly said, “Let Frank test his abilities against Mr. Keaton. If he wins, it proves that he can help you secure the Riverton market, and you’ll stay in charge of Grande Corp. But if Mr. Keaton wins, it proves that Frank doesn’t have what it takes.”

Vicky waved him off. “No way–Mr. Keaton has years of experience, and Frank is at a disadvantage from the start.”

“Then show us the recipe.”

“No.” Vicky refused immediately.

“Actually, I don’t mind playing along if that’s what you want,” Frank suddenly said.

Stunned, Vicky hurried to his side and whispered under his breath, “Don’t fall for it, Frank. Mr. Keaton is a famous apothecary in the capital –you’re in a handicap against him!”

“I’m fine with it,” Frank shrugged nonchalantly. “And I might not lose here–I have a few years of experience myself.”

Robert chuckled beside them. “That’s a good idea–let skill speak for itself. No hard feelings, and certainly no physical conflict.”

His own daughter thought the world of Frank, claiming he improved their martial arts technique and was also a genius in medicine.

He was certainly eager to see if his daughter spoke the truth.

Susan smiled just then. “Vicky, Frank himself agreed to it, so he’s probably confident about it. There’s no reason to dissuade him.”