Chapter 60
Rain woke up early, eager and nervous to report to the Prosecution Office. Though she had initially passed on the application, she ultimately decided to join the Smith Law Firm. Fortunately, the position she wanted was still available, favor seemed to be on her side.
“Eat first before you leave,” Sanya reprimanded, eyeing her from across the room.
“Yes, it’s still early,” Clifford added, massaging his temples. As usual, the breakfast table was set with a meal Sanya had prepared.
“Did you guys stay up late?” Rain asked as she took a seat, opting for a quick meal before heading out.
“Not really, just until midnight,” Clifford replied. “Also, I sent you the full report on your growing funds for the last quarter p>
“I’ll check it later,” Rain hummed, nodding appreciatively. Clifford was her fund manager, the one who had turned her modest earnings into a growing fortune.
It was funny how it all began. Back in high school, Rain had started earning money by helping students with their assignments and projects, charging them for her services.
Since she couldn’t keep her earnings at home because her privacy was always invaded by Dina, she had entrusted Clifford with her money. It turned out to be a brilliant decision, as Clifford, gifted with numbers, had not only safeguarded her funds but also managed to expand them significantly. Clifford had mentioned that he made money by lending it out with interest.
When Rain turned fifteen, she earned even more by delivering a thesis to a college student at a gambling den. The patrons encouraged her to try her luck at the tables, and to her surprise, she was good at it. That was when she started frequenting gambling dens in disguise, as she was still a minor. Her knack for strategy and seemingly constant luck made her a frequent winner.
Since she couldn’t open a bank account at that age, she entrusted Clifford with managing all her money. By sixteen, with Clifford’s help in investing in stocks, Rain had become a millionaire. Clifford, who was two years older, managed her investments and handled her finances with great skill.
Rain only stopped gambling when Brandon caught her during one of his raids. As a result, she became Brandon’s undercover agent, working for him instead of gambling.
When Rain turned eighteen, Clifford transferred all her money into her name. Despite this, she continued to rely on him to handle her funds, knowing he was exceptionally good at it.
“Also, Dr. Ivan is complaining about why you rarely visit the institute. He said my handsome face is too annoying already,” Clifford snorted, causing Sanya to almost spit her milk out in surprise.
Rain was the Chairman of Elysium Biotech Institute, where she owned the majority of the shares. The institute was a three-way partnership between her, Clifford, and Dr. Ivan Hartmann.
Rain invested a significant portion of her wealth into the institute, which was a top-secret facility known for its groundbreaking work in developing revolutionary drugs and therapies aimed at curing various diseases.
Clifford served as the Chief Executive Officer, while Dr. Ivan Hartmann was the Chief Medical Officer, overseeing clinical and research operations to ensure the medical integrity of the institute’s projects.
“I’ll visit the institute next week,” Rain said with a smile. Their institute was hidden deep within a remote mountain range. They started it when she was nineteen and in three years, the institute already boasted state-of-the-art laboratories, highly advanced AI-driven research tools, and a team of bright and promising scientists that Dr. Ivan personally chose.
They had an innovative approach to treatment and would often push the boundaries of conventional medicine to discover new and effective cures. Rumours already circulated about their experimental compounds showing miraculous results, though much of their research remained classified, fueling both hope and intrigue in the scientific community.
“You’re the Chairman of the institute, Rain, and you’ve practically hidden your identity for three years now. Everyone’s dying to know who the founder and Chairman really is. I’m tired of constantly covering for you,” Clifford complained with a pout. “We’re about to celebrate our 4th anniversary p>
Rain chuckled and teased, “I thought you enjoyed the limelight, my friend. Every woman is practically swooning over you! And don’t worry, I’ll let you introduce me at the anniversary party of the institute p>
“That will be great! I can’t wait to see Clayton’s reaction when they find out!” Sanya beamed excitedly. Rain simply shook her head and poured herself a glass of fresh milk. It was remarkable to think how far she had come without her family’s support. Yet, in a way, their mistreatment had fueled her determination to succeed.
“Is there any good news on curing haemophilia?” Rain asked, recalling her earlier question. She had been so busy lately that she hadn’t checked her emails or called Dr. Ivan.
“Not yet, but there seems to be progress in their research on cancer treatment,” Clifford informed. Rain’s smile widened. Her face quickly turned serious as she added, “Also, let’s proceed as planned with the Clayton University Hospital and Clayton Life Insurances p>
“Yes, I’ll work on it, Rain,” Clifford answered. She nodded, and after a brief silence, he added, “Do you think you can secure it within four months p>
“I’ll do my best to expedite it,” Clifford replied firmly.
“Is this because of your four-month agreement with Alexander?” he pondered.
“Yes, I only have four months to find something against my father to stop him from pressuring me into an unwanted marriage,” Rain explained with a sigh. “Alexander Lancaster was honestly the best choice for a shield. Once my father finds out I’m married to someone like him, he won’t dare harass me anymore p>
“You just need to keep up the pretense of marriage. That’s what you want, right?” Sanya interrupted. Rain looked at her and then shifted her gaze to Clifford. Both friends were watching her intently, waiting for an answer.
“Pretense,” Rain repeated the word in her head. Unknowingly, her eyes darted to the ring she had never removed from her finger since the moment she first put it on.