“What’s the meaning of this?” Scott Richard furrowed his brows.
Sophia flicked her nails casually and smiled. “I’ve decided to sell the formula to Apex Group. They’ve promised me a good price!”
Scott Richard’s expression immediately changed. Apex Group was Scott Corporation’s competitor. In past years, Scott Corporation had been under pressure from Apex Group until Scott Livinus became the CEO and redefined the company’s strategy.
Under his leadership, Scott Corporation’s visibility increased significantly, surpassing Apex Group to become the industry leader. However, in the last couple of years, while Scott Livinus expanded operations overseas, Apex Group seized the opportunity to grow domestically.
Even withholding shareholder dividends to free up funds to challenge Scott Corporation and expand its presence in pharmaceuticals, health supplements, and traditional medicine products. Apex Group sponsors have sponsored several family-oriented reality shows to outpace Scott Corporation, gaining positive public response and driving their stock prices up, causing considerable pressure on Scott Corporation.
Now, Sophia wanted to sell the formula to Apex Group. Was she kidding?
“Sophia, what are you playing at? Didn’t we agree that you’d sell the formula to me?”
“Agree?” Sophia let out a laugh. “Who did I agree with? A verbal promise? Surely you didn’t take that seriously?”
Scott Richard’s expression turned extremely grim. He gritted his teeth as he spoke. “What exactly do you want?”
“What do I want?”
Sophia sighed, her gaze turning cold.
“Yes, I initially planned to sell the formula to you. But now I’ve changed my mind! Even if Apex Group offers me less than you, I’m willing to sell to them. After all, given the way your Scott family has treated me, why would I want to help you? Selling to Apex gets me money and allows me to spread the word, causing Scott Corporation’s stock to plummet and your investments to go down the drain. What a delightful thought!”
Her words hit Scott Richard’s sore spot.
For a publicly traded company like Scott Corporation, a strong competitor coupled with negative publicity could cause stock values to drop, evaporating billions in market value.
Sophia’s sudden change of plans was something Scott Richard never anticipated. He assumed that someone like Sophia, unfamiliar with the world, would be grateful if he gave her a couple of million. Yet she didn’t even want the money, instead planning to hand the formula to Apex Group and toy with him at will.
“Sophia, don’t be rash!” Scott Richard, now desperate, lowered his tone. “No matter how my family treated you, no one says no to money. And besides, even if Henry wronged you, with your qualities, you can find a better man, right?”
Anxiously, Scott Richard added, “Here’s the deal. I’ll give you $2 million for the formula! A one-time payment, as long as you guarantee it’s the correct formula. If you agree, we can make the deal now!”
Two million dollars! Indeed, Sophia would be tempted by such a high price?
To his surprise, Sophia didn’t even flinch. Two million dollars? Did he think she had never seen money? Previously, she had leased formula usage rights for various miracle remedies, earning billions annually just from royalties. Did he seriously think she was inexperienced?
“Oh, what a lot of money!” Sophia shrugged with a mischievous smile. “Why don’t you ask Apex Group how much they’re willing to pay for it?”
Scott Richard was visibly stunned. Two million wasn’t enough for her? This woman’s appetite was insatiable!
“Sophia, what do you want, exactly?”
Sophia sneered. “Nothing much. Just the satisfaction of seeing your family unhappy!”
With that, she turned and headed upstairs. But as she reached the staircase, she saw Scott Livinus standing there, dressed in a black shirt.
He said in a deep voice, “The Boss wants to see you.”
Out of respect for elders, Sophia decided to oblige. Besides, the Boss, though not overly kind to her, had never wronged her. She had stayed in the Scott family for so long after the divorce because of his orders. Otherwise, Scott Richard would have kicked her out long ago.
When she entered the room, the Boss was sitting in a chair, practicing calligraphy.
It’s often said that traditional medicine reflects ancient cultural essence, and those with abundant energy often express it in their calligraphy. Despite his age, the Boss’s strokes were vigorous and impressive, demanding respect.
“Sophia, you’re here?”
Sophia smiled gently and greeted him, “Grandpa.”
The Boss glanced at her. “You, young lady, seem to be very busy lately. I’ve wanted to talk to you, but there’s been no opportunity.”
Standing before Scott Livinus, Sophia replied with a smile, “Grandpa, I’m always available whenever you need me.”
The Boss chuckled, evidently pleased. For some reason, he was especially fond of Sophia. He believed her poised demeanor embodied the elegance of a noblewoman—something unmatched even by others like Miss Brown.
“I’ve known your grandfather for years. Back when I went hiking, your grandfather offered me a cup of iced tea that left me amazed. I’d never tasted anything like it. I wanted to work with him to market bottled tea, but he declined, saying the tea contained medicinal ingredients not suitable for everyone. Later, Richard noticed your potential and brought you into the family, pairing you with Henry. When I first met you, I hoped you’d become the daughter-in-law of the Scott family. Yet, your marriage barely lasted two years.”
Sophia remained silent as the Boss sighed, his tone growing somber.
“But now that things are as they are, there’s no point dwelling on the past. I’m here today to discuss the divorce settlement and the formula on behalf of my irresponsible grandson.”
Sophia already knew the purpose of this meeting.
“What’s your suggestion, Grandpa?”
The Boss thought for a moment, struggling to find the best solution, and finally turned to Scott Livinus. “What do you think should be done, Livinus?”
Sophia kept her head down, avoiding his gaze.
Scott Livinus’s deep voice broke the silence:
“Grandpa, considering that the formula was part of Sophia’s dowry, it should logically be returned to her now that the marriage is over. Otherwise, people might gossip. However, since the company already developed the formula, returning it would be impractical. As for the hemorrhoid cream formula, paying $5 million outright might be too risky. The cream isn’t on the market yet, and poor sales could negatively impact the company.”
His perspective focused on the company’s interests, and the Boss nodded in agreement. “Go on.”
