Chapter 602
“There’s one more thing. We’ve got a lead on the Snow Poria for the new drug you’re developing p>
Sienna’s gaze snapped up immediately.
She set down her files and leaned forward. “Tell me p>
The assistant shook his head slowly. “The supply is completely monopolized by the Ames clan over in Havenport. They run a chain of herbal pharmacies as a front.
Behind closed doors, it’s all black market trading. They’re ruthless.
The batch of Snow Poria they’re holding was sourced from the border last year. Top-tier quality, and you won’t find it anywhere else on the market p>
He paused, sounding conflicted.
“I had a contact reach out, but the moment they heard Capital Hospital was involved, they flat-out refused. Said they wouldn’t sell at any price.
They exclusively supply a few high-end private clinics in Zurich. They never deal with anyone in our network p>
Sienna frowned.
She had spent over a month searching for this specific ingredient.
Every lead had been a dead end.
The old man’s failing health was depending on this new drug to save his life, and time was running out.
Development had been stalled on this single compound for three agonizing weeks.
When she secured the initial funding, she had signed a strict performance agreement.
The investors’ millions were already wired; any further delay meant a breach of contract.
Snow Poria wasn’t just about money—it was about life and death.
Sienna massaged her temples, her voice dropping. “Is there really no other way? Bidding higher? Switching channels? Bypassing the middleman? You tried everything p>
“Everything,” the assistant muttered.
“The Ames clan operates in the gray area. They aren’t short on cash, and they aren’t afraid of a fight p>
Sienna’s expression hardened.
The deadlock was absolute, and she couldn’t immediately see a way out.
While she silently brainstormed solutions, another voice sounded from the doorway.
“Ms. Sloan, Mr. Sterling is here. He wants to see you… he just stepped off the elevator p>
A flicker of surprise crossed Sienna’s mind.
Just as she was wondering why Jarred would show up right now, the office door was pushed open.
Jarred strode in, radiating a chilling aura, a sleek black briefcase gripped in his hand.
His handsome face was a mask of cold indifference.
His piercing gaze swept across the room and locked onto Sienna.
For a fleeting second, the hostility in his eyes melted into something softer, like a crack in a frozen lake.. before vanishing just as quickly.
Reading the room, her assistants immediately bowed out, quietly shutting the door behind them.
Sienna looked up, watching the man approach, and offered a faint, mocking smile.
“You should be buried in damage control right now. Instead of hunting for evidence to clear your mothers name, you decided to drop by for a visit p>
Jarred ignored her jab.
He stopped at her desk, his towering frame suddenly closing the distance as he planted his hands on the edge and leaned over her
The crisp, masculine scent of him washed over her, his face coming so close it nearly brushed against hers.
His eyes swept over the gauze at her temple, his gaze darkening for a moment before a dangerous smile touched his lips.
“I heard your new drug development hit a wall p>
His voice was a low, resonant drawl, his eyes locking onto hers. “You’ve been desperately hunting for Snow Poria, haven’t you p>
His words struck the core of her biggest dilemma.
Sienna’s heart skipped a beat, her full attention completely hijacked.
Distracted, she failed to notice him moving closer.
By the time she snapped back to reality, Jarred was already leaning over her chair.
He rested his arms on the armrests, effectively caging her within the small space.
His overwhelming presence enveloped her, his solid chest mere inches from her own.