Chapter 558
Michael grinned smugly. “Of course! In front of Mr. Eslinger, even the renowned Dr. Aicker must step aside. Whether it’s medical skill or the art of poison, Mr. Eslinger's unparalleled!”
Bane ignored Marcus entirely, addressing Tiana instead. “Mrs. Rhodes, you know the price of engaging my services isn’t small.”
Tiana smiled graciously. “Mr. Eslinger, as a highly regarded disciple of the Advanced Medical Institute and a true master of medicine, any price is well worth it.”
Bane laughed heartily, clearly pleased with her flattery. With an air of arrogance, he said, “Since you’ve spoken so kindly, consider it done. Give me at most a month—or as little as ten days—and I will deliver two top-tier formulas to Rhodes Pharmaceutical. They’ll restore your department’s reputation and bring in immense profits!”
Marcus was stunned. “Ten days to develop formulas? That seems impossible!”
Bane cast him a disdainful glance and sneered. “The mysteries and prowess of someone like me, a master beyond worldly bounds, are beyond your comprehension. You’re nothing more than an ant. How could you grasp the heights of heaven or the depths of earth?”
Lauren couldn’t hold back a scoff. “Mr. Eslinger may be a medical genius, but that doesn’t mean we can’t develop formulas ourselves.”
Bane smirked dismissively. “Ms. Rhodes, I’m not looking down on your Pharmaceutical Division. The truth is, it’s full of nothing but garbage. With me assisting Mr. Rhodes, your aspirations to compete for the CEO position are nothing but delusions. Let me offer you some advice—give up your unrealistic ambitions sooner rather than later.”
His tone brimmed with overconfidence and contempt, as though he was unbeatable.
Michael couldn’t resist chiming in. “Lauren, I don’t see why you’re even bothering. Mr. Eslinger is a legend among doctors! You heard him, he can produce groundbreaking formulas in just ten days. And you? Who knows how many years it’ll take you to make any progress? By then, I’ll already be sitting in the CEO’s chair.”
Lauren’s expression remained calm. “You’re mistaken. I already have formulas.”
Michael froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Lauren, you really are relentless. You’d say anything, no matter how absurd, to keep up appearances. Fine, keep deceiving yourself. But when Mr. Eslinger develops his new formulas, I won’t rub it in. I just hope you’ll be able to handle the reality check.”
For Michael, the likelihood of Lauren already possessing viable formulas was about as probable as pigs flying.
Bane let out a scoff, his tone dripping with disdain. “I suppose Ms. Rhodes’ so-called ally is none other than that brat Andrew? I’ll admit, the kid’s medical skills are impressive. To be honest, even I have some respect for him. But he’s arrogant, reckless, and full of the typical youthful bravado. He has all the traits of someone destined to burn out early.”
Lauren’s voice was ice-cold. “Mr. Eslinger, perhaps you should focus on yourself. Being experienced doesn’t always equate to being exceptional. By your logic, shouldn’t those thousand-year-old turtles in the pond be far more accomplished than you, Mr. Eslinger?”
Bane’s face darkened in fury. “You insolent girl! Are you mocking me?”
Lauren remained unfazed, her tone sharp. “I’m not mocking you, Mr. Eslinger. I’m simply advising you not to lean on your age and experience as a crutch. Medical expertise isn’t always a matter of years lived—it’s about genuine ability!”
Bane sneered. “You make a fair point. There are indeed prodigies with unparalleled talent in medicine. But as for Andrew, what qualifications does he have? He’s just a small-time doctor—at best, he knows a few tricks. Once I’ve developed my formulas, I’ll make sure you and that boy understand what it means to have a reputation built on real skill!”
Chapter 559