The rest of the team was well aware that Eric and the group had left with Francis. Even if they were silenced, with so many disappearing, the Association would never overlook it. If the Oberdeens couldn't provide an explanation by then, they would undoubtedly face elimination by the Association. Therefore, it made no sense for the Oberdeens to silence them.Francis led them to the outskirts of King City, leaving Drew puzzled."Mr. Oberdeen, where are we?" Drew asked.As a holistic physician, Eric had already detected a faint medicinal scent.Francis chuckled. "Mr. McClain, just step inside and see for yourself. You're in for a surprise."He intentionally maintained an air of mystery. This was a separate production factory recently established by the Oberdeens, heavily guarded and inaccessible to ordinary people.Inside the factory, everyone donned clean shoe covers, hairnets, and other germ-proof items, indicating the Oberdeens' high regard for hygiene.At that moment, Drew fina
Francis led the team on a tour of the entire factory, showcasing its exceptionally high standards and cutting-edge technology."We've implemented the most advanced production equipment globally to ensure ample production and supply," Francis declared proudly.The Oberdeens had poured a fortune into this factory, resulting in a remarkably high level of automation.Drew, acknowledging this, asked, "If the special medicine has already been produced, why aren't you pushing it to market?"Francis smiled knowingly. "Mr. McClain, it appears you grasp management but not the essence of business. Business endeavors to maximize profits!"We've yet to unveil this drug to the public. We're biding our time, waiting for the opportune moment when demand peaks. There'll be a nationwide surge in purchases at that juncture, and prices will soar."With strategic maneuvering, our company's market value is bound to skyrocket, perhaps even multiply several times over!"The infection rates in Salt City
Ultimately, it was all about money! And what the Oberdeens were doing didn't make sense. Medicine was also a commodity. The law of the market showed that demand came first, then the commodity followed. If there was no demand, what was the use of producing the commodity?The tour ended around 2:00 p.m.After revealing his trump card, Francis thought joining the Association wouldn't be a problem."After we return, we'll organize the data immediately and reply within three days. If you could provide us with market analysis data for this drug, that would be even better," Drew said.Francis smiled. "Certainly! I'll have someone send the data to you immediately."It was just market analysis data, so Francis would naturally provide it.Drew and the team were sent back to the Oberdeen Group, and they left after getting all the data they needed.Jessica was puzzled. "Why are they exposing the pharmaceutical factory to us? Aren't they afraid?""Although I don't understand pharmaceuticals
The Combat Department was aware of Eric and Sylvia's long-standing marriage without children, but they refrained from intervening due to Eric's profession as a holistic physician. Nonetheless, they hoped Eric would eventually have offspring, preferably a son, to carry on his legacy.Eric grinned broadly in confirmation. "She's at least a month pregnant now, and we're expecting a daughter!""That's wonderful! A daughter can be just as capable as Ruth," Pierce remarked enthusiastically."Big Boss, what about your own family? I've never seen your wife," Eric asked, naturally curious. Considering Pierce's age, Eric assumed he would have children in their s, yet he had never glimpsed any of Pierce's family members.Pierce waved off the question, stating, "I've dedicated my entire life to the Combat Department. I've had no time for romantic entanglements."Eric immediately grasped Pierce's sentiment. Pierce had devoted himself wholly to the Combat Department. While Ruth might be his pro
Eric appeared conspicuously out of place for his age amidst the heirs of King City's affluent families, who reveled in a life brimming with beautiful women. While it was normal for them to flirt, Eric maintained a noticeable distance from other women.Eric glanced at Jessica and remarked, "People lead different lives. Personally, I harbor no interest in anyone besides Sylvia. Life is fleeting, with myriad pursuits awaiting. Why squander time on fleeting romances? Ultimately, it yields naught but regret."Jessica smirked. She didn't expect him to understand that one's body could be wasted, too. Many heirs in King City had been wasted by alcohol and women. Some vowed to quit drinking but never mentioned quitting a promiscuous lifestyle."It seems you possess an excess of leisure time. The Innova Group boasts a plethora of eligible bachelors. I could arrange for them to vie for your attention, one by one."You know, as women grow older, it's more harmful for them to suppress their des
Francis was keenly aware of the involvement of the Combat Department in the outbreak in Dortmund City. He maintained confidence that the evidence would not implicate the Oberdeens. However, he harbored concerns that even a mere suggestion of Oberdeens' involvement could trigger the Combat Department's intervention. He was well aware that the department's actions did not hinge on concrete evidence."It's not impossible," Ivan said. "The Association will definitely curry favor with the Combat Department and spill our secrets to them. Although there is no evidence pointing to our family, the drugs produced by the factory are highly suspicious. Besides, I'm afraid the Combat Department will requisite them!"The requisitioning of drugs implied their distribution to Dortmund City and Salt City without charge, resulting in a substantial loss for the Oberdeens.Francis began strategizing. "Are the Montgomerys leading this charge? That resolute woman. Extend an invitation to her, stating o
Francis smiled as he glanced at Julius, who remained composed."If the Oberdeens successfully pass the review, they'll assuredly gain entry into the Association. If not, my hands are tied," Julius remarked. "Mr. Oberdeen, to be frank, had the Hernandezes not secured Association membership by now, our prospects might be similarly bleak."Aware of Eric's investigation into the Oberdeens and his intention to provoke them, Julius chose his words carefully to indirectly slight Francis.Francis sneered inwardly, fully grasping Julius' implications. In truth, he held a low opinion of the Hernandezes. Once a leading family, they had regressed to a lesser status.Were it not for the Association's patronage, Francis believed the Hernandezes would have been ousted from King City long ago. Yet, here they were, presuming superiority?Though irritated, Francis maintained a facade of friendliness.Turning to Grace, he inquired, "Madam Montgomery, the Association's influence has expanded. Have t
"Isn't this a trap?" Grace voiced her confusion as they left the Oberdeen residence. Francis had failed to join the Association, and Grace had anticipated their move for the night. Eric shared her expectations. After all, the presence of numerous grandmasters signaled imminent action. Yet, to their surprise, the Oberdeens allowed them to leave.It was late at night, and there weren't many vehicles on the streets, so they were driving faster than during the day.Eric also felt perplexed. However, considering that people from the prominent families would have professional bodyguards, he assumed that once they left the Oberdeens, there wouldn't be any further action from them.However, just as Eric began to relax his vigilance…The car collided with an obstacle, hurtling into the air before crashing heavily onto the ground, its wheels spinning wildly.The force of the impact left Eric disoriented momentarily, but he swiftly regained his composure, only to find Grace unconscious b