Chapter 504: Chapter 504: Bringing the Whole Family Along
Ann Vaughn raised her eyebrows in surprise, so, does this mean she caught a big fish willing to be caught?
Sherry didn’t notice Ann’s distraction, assuming she was skeptical, and went to the computer to pull up the encyclopedia of Imperial Glory, explaining as she did so.
"Oh, that’s Madame Sherman’s family business, so you can rest assured, there definitely won’t be... Annie?"
Once Sherry lifted her head, Ann Vaughn was nowhere to be seen before her eyes.
After asking the nearby staff, she learned that Ann had left behind a remark, "I’m going back to reorganize some documents," and hastily left, missing Sherry’s follow-up entirely.
Sherry could only chuckle silently; to collide by coincidence across such a distance might just be fate.
Yet Annie is unwilling to return to the Sheridan Family, would she then be willing to acknowledge the elderly couple of the Vaughn Family?
...
This call for cooperation from Imperial Glory was tantamount to temporarily resolving the imminent crisis facing Vaughn Clinic. If negotiations go smoothly, a series of subsequent issues could also be readily solved.
Full of energy, Ann Vaughn reorganized the documents related to the special effect medicine, packed twenty bottles of the finished product, and placed them obediently in a small suitcase, feeling very pleased.
However, when The Archfiend and Little Dumpling learned she was going on a business trip again, their moods weren’t quite as cheerful.
"Mommy sometimes gets lost, what if she accidentally loses herself? And with the wind outside being so strong, what if it blows Mommy away?" Little Dumpling mulled this over for a while, warning in a childish voice.
"Hawthorne Group has several pharmaceutical companies under its umbrella; going far away while ignoring the close ones is a foolish move." The Archfiend paused for a moment, his voice low as he joined in on the warning... no, coaxing.
The reluctantly lost, lightweight, and foolish Ann Vaughn: "..."
She was a bit amused yet frustrated, "I’m not as silly as you make me out to be! I’m only going on a business trip to Marinia for two days, it’s not like I’m moving there."
"I have to inspect Marinia New District tomorrow, let’s go together." Cyrus Hawthorne gazed at her for a moment and gently made the decision.
Little Dumpling glanced at Cyrus Hawthorne and nodded along, "To prevent Mommy from getting lost, Kenny wants to go too!"
Although Annie was appreciative of the rare agreement between this occasionally competitive father and son duo, Ann Vaughn still mercilessly rejected their proposal.
She was only going for a business trip, bringing the family along wasn’t necessary, right?
Especially Little J.B., Ann wasn’t comfortable with him traveling so far; there are hospitals organized by Cyrus and a medical team on standby ready to assist him at any time in The Imperial Capital, far safer than going elsewhere.
Kenny originally wanted to act cute and beg Ann Vaughn to take him along, but Cyrus Hawthorne grabbed him by the nape of his neck, without letting him get close to Ann.
Father and son exchanged glances, each exhibiting the stance of "If I can’t go, you shouldn’t think you can go either."
However, no matter how much they secretly contested, Ann Vaughn still boarded the flight to Marinia the next day, but to comfort them, she gave each of them a farewell kiss before leaving.
Who knew this farewell kiss would nearly cause Villa No. 8 to be engulfed in flames from harmless jealousy.
"Mommy lingered a second longer when she kissed you!" Little Dumpling’s cute face was full of indignation, "You’re a grown man and still competing with a child!"
Cyrus Hawthorne chuckled coolly and unceremoniously ruffled Little Dumpling’s soft hair, "It proves your Mommy loves me more, got it?"
"Don’t be smug! Mommy secretly told me she would be with me, telling stories when she comes back!"
This time, The Archfiend’s face turned dark.
Standing outside the living room witnessing this father-son contest, Uncle Dexter: ...Well, the young master is understandable, but when did you, master, become so childish too??
...
Upon arriving in Marinia, Ann Vaughn handed her luggage to the hotel front desk and then proceeded to Whispering Pines Villa, the agreed meeting location with Imperial Glory.
She was quite impressed to find that the chairman of Imperial Glory did not purposely arrive late due to his high status; instead, he was very gentlemanly, having prepared tea and refreshments for her, and as soon as she arrived, the waiter promptly served them.
The chairman was also very straightforward during the meeting, swiftly finalizing the contract details.
His efficiency was so quick it left Ann Vaughn a little surprised, "Is there nothing you want to delve into regarding the special effect medicine?"
The chairman of Imperial Glory smiled warmly, yet his eyes appeared very astute, "I have already learned what needs to be understood, I naturally trust Vaughn Clinic and Miss Vaughn’s capabilities and character."
"You overpraise us, we certainly won’t let you down." Ann Vaughn extended her right hand to shake the hand extended by the chairman.
After sealing the cooperation, she enjoyed a lunch at Whispering Pines Villa, then left with the contract.
Once she departed, a man with gold-rimmed glasses, emanating a gentle scholarly aura, emerged from behind the screen and naturally took the seat Ann Vaughn had just occupied.
"Chasing a girl shouldn’t be done like this." The chairman of Imperial Glory observed his thoughtful demeanor and couldn’t help but smile.
"No, Uncle Murray." Ian Vaughn loosened the zipper of his jacket, but his brows remained furrowed, "I’m not pursuing her, just can’t stand those unscrupulous businessmen pulling underhanded tricks behind the scenes."
Given that those pharmaceutical companies in The Imperial Capital lack insight and cannot recognize talent, he didn’t mind paving a better path for her.
People with talent shouldn’t be obscured by minor villains.
But what concerns Ian Vaughn the most is Ann Vaughn’s face, which bears an uncanny resemblance to his sister...
After stepping out of the compartment, Ian Vaughn walked to the elevator entrance, and as the door opened, he stepped inside, only to find Ann Vaughn still standing there for some reason.
"Ah, it’s you." Ann Vaughn looked at Ian Vaughn with some surprise; during the meal, she had felt there were others in the compartment, but since that person didn’t come out, it wasn’t appropriate for her to ask.
Nonetheless, she harbored lingering doubts and waited by the elevator.
Unexpectedly, she encountered a familiar face.
"Was it because of you that Imperial Glory Pharmaceutical Group extended an olive branch to me?" Anna Vaughn asked directly, without beating around the bush.
Ian Vaughn was surprised by her keen perception and agility, strangely feeling a sense of pride, he collected himself before replying, "It was your ability that attracted Imperial Glory; I simply extended a ladder."
Upon hearing this, Ann’s eyes curved slightly, "No matter what, I still have to thank you."
"If gratitude is due, shouldn’t there be some gesture?" Ian Vaughn pushed the gold-rimmed glasses up his nose, suggesting.
Ann Vaughn only hesitated for a moment before agreeing amicably, "Sure, choose any restaurant, it’s my treat."
"That’s not necessary. I know of a great place, let’s go."