Chapter 1867

Although Karina found out a little earlier than planned, it didn’t make much of a difference.
She beamed with excitement. “So, I’ll go home and start packing today?”
“You can. Also, take a look at this.” Wilfred slid a folder across the desk. “It’s the profile of the company we’ll be visiting.”
Karina picked it up and flipped through a few pages, muttering to herself, “HeShare Pharmaceuticals… Doesn’t really sound like an international company.”
Wilfred nodded. “It’s not. It was actually founded by two Birkhamese entrepreneurs. One of them, the chairman, Mr. Hall, had a stroke last year. Since then, the company’s operations have been handed over to his son-in-law.” “What about the vice-chairman?” she asked, curious.
“He’s been uninvolved for years. You don’t need to worry about him.” Wilfred’s expression gave nothing away, his tone steady.
Karina shrugged, uninterested in company politics. What she really cared about was whether their groundbreaking cancer drug was as effective as the buzz suggested.
HeShare Pharmaceuticals had been around for decades, focusing on drug research and development. Recently, they announced a breakthrough an anti-cancer drug.
Cancer, a modern medical enigma, remains difficult to cure. Early-stage or benign cases might respond to treatment, but late-stage cancer is often fatal.
In just the few months Karina had worked at the hospital, she had seen more than a dozen cancer patients, a stark reminder of its rising prevalence. That was why, when she first heard about the project, she had been so eager to be part of it. “Read through the materials tonight. Tomorrow afternoon, we head to the airport,” Wilfred instructed.
Karina nodded, standing up to leave. Just as she reached the door, she paused.
Wilfred noticed. “Is there something else?”
After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Would it be okay if I bring someone along?”
*
The next afternoon, Karina arrived with her luggage.
Wilfred approached her with his usual calm demeanor and, without a word, took her suitcase.
Off to the side, Yvette watched the interaction, amusement flickering in her eyes. Spotting her chance, she chimed in, “Hey, Dr. Wilfred, how about helping me with mine too?”
Wilfred walked past her as if she didn’t exist.
Yvette’s face fell, her earlier smile fading into a pout. Karina couldn’t help but laugh. “Want me to take it for you?” she offered.
“No need,” Yvette sighed, resigning herself. “You’re even smaller than me. I’ll manage.”
Yvette couldn’t figure out why Wilfred’s attitude toward her had changed.
It wasn’t like he outright disliked her.
But his current behavior-acting like she was invisible was a far cry from how approachable he’d been at the hospital.
After all, it was Wilfred himself who had agreed to let her tag along on this trip. So why the sudden cold shoulder?
Confused, she shared her thoughts
with Karina, who seemed just ase puzzled. Karina gave it a moment’s thought, her gaze drifting toward Wilfred’s figure ahead of them.
Then, with a knowing look, she leaned in and said softly, “Maybe it’s just one of those ‘men are impossible to figure out’ things.” Yvette’s eyes widened as if everything suddenly made sense. “Oh, that’s it!”
*
When they reached the security checkpoint, they placed their luggage on the conveyor belt. Having packed appropriately, the process went off without a hitch.
IMS
As they boarded the plane, Yvette glanced at her ticket and let out a sharp gasp.
“Business class? This is my first time flying anything but economy! This must’ve cost a fortune!”