Kain spoke soothingly. "I've asked Laura to assist you. The pharmaceutical wholesale trading company is stabilizing, and even if Laura leaves, the business can continue running smoothly. You should let her handle some of the management and expansion work. That way, you only need to focus on military communications and assisting me personally."
Betty bit back the retort that was on the tip of her tongue: 'I don't want to deal with your personal affairs either!' But the words stayed unspoken. For reasons she couldn't quite explain, she found herself holding back when it came to Kain.
"Should we head to the Biological Research Center first or your new home?" Betty asked. "The southernmost tip of Brook Forest—if it's not a coincidence, you can buy this place near the sea. It's a large area with no neighbors around."
Betty spoke with a hint of pride, introducing the results of her hard work. Kain's numerous and specific requirements had made it a challenge, but after careful deliberation, she had finally selected his new home.
"Let's go to the Biological Research Center first," Kain replied. "There are some things I need to handle there. As for the new home, I'm not too concerned about where I live. Whatever you chose is fine."
He paused for a moment before tilting his head and asking, "Are there many people living nearby?"
"You'd only need to purchase four more estates to own the entire area. Even if you had a neighbor, they'd be several kilometers away. However, the additional properties would cost at least $100 million."
"Fine. Please handle the negotiations later," Kain said casually. Money was hardly a concern for him now. He possessed far too many valuable assets and knew his future income would be significant.
Enhancing his privacy and quality of life was well worth the expense.
"Betty, your tone earlier sounded irritated. Did I disturb your rest?" Kain asked, glancing at her. "You can take a few more days off if you need to."
"Forget it. It's nothing," Betty replied, brushing it off. "Lunch was just interrupted, that's all."
"Alright, I'll make it up to you tonight."
When they arrived at the Biological Research Center, the heightened security was immediately noticeable. The area's security level had been raised two tiers since the establishment of Kain's Umbrella Military Security Company, which had made the facility its top priority.
The progress on the Extremis virus was going smoothly, and the recovery medicine for treating severed limbs had reached the final stage of human trials.
During Kain's absence, Betty had monitored the progress daily to ensure the project remained on schedule. The delivery date to the military was non-negotiable; any delay would jeopardize future deals.
While Maya and the other researchers assured her that the recovery medicine was flawless, the military required comprehensive testing data before committing to purchases.
To meet this demand, the factory and production lines for the medicine were already being set up. Based on the timeline, the pharmaceutical plant would be fully operational by the time the final experimental data was ready.
Kain's visit to the research center was mostly a formality, but today brought an unexpected development: Killian had submitted his resignation.
Technically, the terms of Killian's contract made it nearly impossible for him to leave at this stage. No research facility would allow such a departure, and even if he were to leave, various restrictions would still apply.
However, Killian seemed adamant about resigning. Kain decided to compromise, agreeing to let him go—but only after staying for at least one more year.
Killian, realizing this was the best outcome he could hope for, reluctantly agreed.
As Killian left the office, Kain seized the opportunity to discreetly plant a Chakra Seal on him, ensuring that his departure wouldn't compromise Kain's interests.
Unless someone noticed the curse seal on Killian's back and pointed it out to him, Killian would remain unaware of its purpose.
Even if the pattern of the seal were discovered, he wouldn't understand its function. Over the next year, his desire to leave would gradually fade, and in time, Killian would become Kain's most loyal subordinate.
After dealing with Killian, Kain gathered Rick's research team to announce the groundbreaking news of the three new specific medicines.
When Kain explained what these medicines could do, the room fell silent. Not only were Rick and his team stunned, but even Betty Ross was visibly shocked.
Cancer, AIDS, and uremia were universally classified as terminal illnesses—diseases without definitive cures. Yet Kain had come forward with three formulas claiming to eradicate these conditions.
It sounded impossible, almost miraculous.
"Gentlemen," Kain began, his tone authoritative, "this is our next research direction. We're skipping the R&D stage and going straight to clinical trials and regulatory approval. Your task is to prepare the finished products based on the formulas I've provided."
Despite the skepticism on their faces, Kain dismissed their doubts and laid out the tasks like a true leader.
It took several hours to organize the manpower, assign responsibilities, confirm processes, and—most importantly—secretly plant Chakra seals on everyone in the biological research center.
By the time he was done, Kain felt he had barely managed to get everything under control.
He knew he would need to visit the center frequently in the coming weeks. The team's manpower had to be expanded significantly; otherwise, Rick's group would be overwhelmed by the workload.
Typically, it takes at least ten years—or even longer—for a drug to progress from concept to market.
However, Kain planned to eliminate the research and development phase and leverage connections to expedite regulatory approvals. He intended to have these three medicines on the market within two to three years.
For someone with access to magic, this was achievable, and Kain justified it as a moral endeavor. The sooner these life-saving drugs were available, the more lives they could save.
After leaving the research center, Betty couldn't contain her curiosity.
"Where did you get the formulas for those medicines? It's unbelievable," she said, her tone equal parts incredulous and intrigued. "You seemed so confident back there, like you knew they would succeed."
Kain opened the car door and, with a faint smile, interrupted her. "The inspiration came from the Extremis virus. That's all I'll say for now."
Before Betty could ask more, Kain added, "Dear Miss Betty, after a long day, I'd rather not discuss work—unless it's during dinner or after dinner."
Betty paused, uncertain of Kain's intentions, but as she looked at his face, her irritation from earlier had completely dissipated. With a resigned sigh, she opened the driver's door and slid into the seat.
"Heading to your new home?" she asked.
"Of course," Kain replied with a smirk, "assuming it's ready for me to move in."
…
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