Boiling hot water and preparing the coffee. bean, Roxanne went through the actions leisurely after sitting in her office.
Nobody else followed them into the room as Orchid sat opposite her. As the two ladies took their seats, they watched each other as frostiness appeared in Orchid’s eyes.
“Roxanne, tell me your conditions. What do you want me to do for you to give the research institute to me? You’re married into a wealthy family now. You don’t need to work so hard on your career, so let’s hope your conditions won’t piss me off!”
Roxanne kept quiet, as if she didn’t hear Orchid’s words at all. Feeling agitated, Orchid fumed, “Why? Are you fooling around with me? Don’t forget that it was me who helped you when you were in Epea. Without my help, you would have to sleep on the street and beg for food!”
Roxanne stopped cleaning the coffee cup. She looked at Orchid and nodded. “I’ll always remember the kindness you’ve shown me.. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to give you the other research institute. And I don’t think I’ll have to repeat the great profits that research institute brought to GK Group.”
Orchid was stunned. She couldn’t find the words to retort. Just like Roxanne had stated, the research institute that she gave to Orchid previously had marketed much new medicine. These medicines contributed to nearly one- third of the profits earned by GK Group.
“So?” Orchid asked. “Nothing. Since you mentioned the kindness you had shown me, I told you what I did to express my gratitude in return. Even if what I did wasn’t much, at least I didn’t wrong you!” Roxanne answered calmly.
The water reached boiling point, emitting a whistling sound. Roxanne used the water to make espresso. Soon, a delicious coffee scent filled the room..
She filled the cup to eighty percent full before motioning for Orchid to take it. “Orchid, have some coffee first.”
The woman hesitated for a moment before reaching out to take the coffee cup. I can’t read Roxanne at all. When did this calm and relaxed manner of hers start showing itself?
Obviously, Roxanne didn’t tell Orchid that Lucian taught her current behavior. Whether it was a business deal or a negotiation, drinking coffee calmly before the opponent would give them immense pressure indirectly.
“Let’s be straightforward! What do you want? Give me a number. How much grant funds do you want? How many benefits are you trying to seek for your staff?” Orchid urged anxiously, unable to withstand the pressure anymore.
Roxanne knew it was time to make her next move. She spoke slowly. “Yes, the research institute belongs to GK Group. But then, we’ve patented so many products up until now. We couldn’t return them just like that. After all, you should know that I rarely touch the funds given to me by GK Group since the day the research institute was founded.”
“What do you mean? Are you saying you want to make these patented formulas yours?” Orchid immediately put the coffee cup on the table, nearly jumping out of her seat.
Then, her expression, which had just eased up moments ago, flashed with anger. “No way. I’ll never agree to that. These patented formulas are precious to GK Group. Why don’t you be straight with me? How much money do you need?”
Roxanne didn’t react, ignoring Orchid’s outburst.
Instead, she stated, “All right. Here’s my requirement. We have thirteen patented products. We can only transfer four of them to GK Group directly. The fate of the rest has to be decided by the high-level management of the research institute, and we have to find a way to enter a cooperation-sharing model with GK Group.”
Orchid thought her ears were playing tricks on her. It took her a few seconds to understand what Roxanne was saying. Instantly, anger filled her as she jumped up from the seat. “No way! I’ll never say yes to that condition. This is not a discussion. You are merely trying to extort me!”
