Chapter 7

When Bernice arrived at her office that morning, she was informed that several projects she was working on had been canceled. Even ongoing collaborators discontinued their projects with her. After looking into the situation, Bernice learned that the rejecting companies were affiliated with the Thenswy Chamber of Commerce. With so many companies banding together to boycott VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group, Bernice felt uneasy about what would happen next. The company was left with only a dozen ongoing projects, barely enough to sustain them for three months. Financially, they were staring down the barrel of a crisis. Bernice couldn't understand why things turned sour when she hadn't provoked anyone. After moments of hesitation, Bernice decided to make the call. When the call was picked up, Bernice respectfully said, "I'm Bernice Collins from VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group, Mr. Jenkins. I hope I'm not interrupting." Rudd, anticipating Bernice's phone call, cut straight to the chase. "I know what's on your mind, Ms. Collins. However, your company's issues are beyond my control. Please refrain from calling me in the future." Upon hearing that, Bernice paused briefly before saying, "Surely you must know something, Mr. Jenkins. Can you tell me why? VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group hasn't wronged anyone, and we've been actively contributing to Thenswy's development for years. Can you do me a favor and shed some light on this matter?" As a member of the Chamber of Commerce herself, Bernice believed Rudd wouldn't completely disregard her. However, his response was cold and laced with hostility. "You're giving yourself too much credit, Ms. Collins! You hold no sway over me. "Just so you're aware, there's been a vote initiated within the Chamber of Commerce. Unless something unforeseen happens, VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group will likely be kicked out." "Why?" Bernice asked, her breathing caught in her throat, overwhelmed by the unexpected events. Bernice pondered the situation, attempting to discern whom she might have offended, but her efforts proved fruitless. Rudd, clearly wanting to end the call, offered a cryptic clue. "Think about it carefully, Ms. Collins. Hasn't your company been sailing smoothly for the past three years? I'm afraid you alone don't carry that much influence!" "Just so you know, VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group got to where it is today because someone paved the way for you behind the scenes. But now, your supporter isn't backing you anymore." With that, the call abruptly ended. Bernice was bewildered; Rudd's words echoed in her mind. Upon reflection, Bernice realized Rudd was correct. The smooth trajectory of VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group's rise had raised suspicions, yet she had never questioned it. Who had been backing her up? Throughout her career, she prided herself on her self-reliance. Surely it wasn't Andrew! In the past three years, all Andrew did was mundane household chores. He was so pathetic, and the thought of him pulling strings was laughable. A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Bernard walked in. "I've heard about your predicament, Bernice. Stay calm. I'll figure something out." Bernard had invested in Bernice, so he closely watched her. Furthermore, he had also been lusting over Bernice. "I have some powerful clients. Tomorrow night, the Thompson family is hosting a charity auction. Use it as a networking opportunity to stabilize the company." Bernard's offer felt like a lifeline. Relief washed over Bernice. Compared to Andrew's uselessness, Bernard seemed like a savior. "Thank you, Mr. Clarke," Bernice said sincerely. "Once this is all sorted out, I'll ensure you're properly thanked." … On the outskirts of Starlight Grove was a river, its scenic beauty drawing many elderly individuals to its banks for leisurely fishing sessions. Andrew had claimed a shaded spot by the river and had been sitting there for most of the day. With the evening setting in, Doria relied on her GPS to guide her to Starlight Grove. Upon reaching her destination, she exclaimed, "What a picturesque location! Your eye for beauty is unexpected. How's the fishing been, Mr. Hughes?" As Doria surveyed the scene, she noticed Andrew's empty fish basket. Upon Doria's arrival, Andrew began to pack up his fishing gear. "It seems like there's no fish in this river; the water's too clear. I won't bother returning next time." Right when Andrew was earnestly making his case, an old man nearby suddenly exclaimed, "Look! It's at least two pounds! Dinner's sorted for tonight!" When the old man made his statement, he instinctively cast a look at Andrew, as if to convey, "Young man, your skills need some work." Doria couldn't resist chuckling. "I'm not sure if the water is too clear, but my common sense tells me that you need a fish bait for fishing." Andrew raised an eyebrow, inspecting his empty hook. "Really?" "If you're down for it next time, I'll join you for fishing. But let's head back now. Grandpa probably can't wait to see you." Doria stopped teasing Andrew. Andrew packed his gear without saying a word. He had started fishing during his days in the mountains. Fishing had become a refuge for him, a way to reflect on life's complexities. Once they entered the luxurious Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Doria handed the marriage certificate to Andrew. "This looks pretty convincing. You have to really inspect it to tell it's fake," Andrew remarked. "It needs to look authentic. We can't afford to slip up when we see Grandpa later, or we'll be in trouble," Doria cautioned Andrew. Doria came prepared. Her trunks were packed with gifts, like fancy drinks and supplements. As they arrived at the entrance of the nursing home, Doria took out her gifts and linked her right arm with Andrew's. They walked closely next to each other. Andrew was a bit thrown off by Doria's intimate actions. However, seeing Doria's nonchalant demeanor, he chose not to make a fuss and composed himself, continuing forward. The second-floor ward was rather lively that day. For the joyful occasion, Gavin had the nursing home free up a room to accommodate Andrew. Besides Hamilton, there was also a beautiful middle-aged woman in the room. She was Doria's mother, Susan Yanice. Despite being in her 40s, she had kept herself in great shape and carried herself with grace. Having sorted Doria's marriage, Susan had cooked a feast. She eagerly waited for her son-in-law to arrive. Hamilton, however, harbored reservations about Andrew and the situation at hand. "You've got to think it through, Susan. We're talking about Doria's future. You can't take it lightly! While Andrew is a skilled doctor and has saved Dad's life, he has been married before and has no prior connection to Doria. Dad may act foolishly, but we can't afford to make a mistake here!" After going home, Hamilton investigated Andrew's background. Only then did he realize Andrew was recently divorced. Everything felt reckless to him! As Hamilton persisted in expressing his doubts to Susan, a sudden whooshing sound caught his attention.