CHAPTER 23

"Dr. Swan, how have you been?" Anna Marsden, my chief operating officer, greeted. She seemed surprised to see me, but not displeased. She was a woman in her fifties, blonde tinted hair, wore little make up except for some surprisingly bright red lipstick (which clearly made a statement) and dressed in a classic, well-tailored, brown suit that screamed 'don't mess with me'. Strangely, what I took notice of at first, was the absence of a wedding ring. I blushed internally at the medieval programming even nowadays women had – she's at the top of her game so she must be unmarried… I could have kicked myself at the inadequate line of thought.

"It's wonderful to see you as well," I replied with enthusiasm. "I believe we're running late."

"Indeed, we should not make the men wait," she said almost deviously. She liked to command, to be in charge. "Greta, how are you today?" she added coldly and received only a brief nod in acknowledgment from her.

We walked towards the elevators at a fast pace as we only had ten minutes until the scheduled time. I noticed how people politely addressed me, even though it was only the second time I've ever been here. It never ceased to amaze me that they knew me but they were unknown faces. For some reason, I felt a twinge of guilt.

The doors opened on the 18th floor of the MorePharm building.

"This way, please," I was instructed.

"Where's Professor Walker?" I asked as I stepped outside the elevator.

"He's in His Grace's former office," Greta informed me.

I eyed her questioningly, silently asking why my wishes weren't satisfied, feeling like a total brat by doing so. One day I'll probably end up doing this without even noticing, then I'll be one of those people…

"I know where it is. I'll meet you in a couple of minutes."

"I'll take you there," Greta persisted.

"Thank you but I can find my own way. I'll be there in a second, please apologize on my behalf if we take an extra five minutes."

"To the left," Anna directed me as I went to the right.

"Of course," I said as I spun around. It wasn't hard to find the right place – four months after his death, the sign on the door still said Henry More. I found it strange there wasn't any other title, like His Grace or CEO, behind his name. He probably didn't need any of those.

I didn't bother to knock.

"Good morning, Professor," I greeted.

"Good morning, indeed. Your insistence on having me here really surprised me."

"I need your guidance in real situations, not just in classes. I was hoping you could give me your insight on some aspects we'll be discussing today at this meeting."

"Now there's a nice change," he said approvingly. "But not much has changed and I'm not sure, considering my prior history, if my presence is in your best interest."

"If it doesn't bother me, it shouldn't bother you. Your private life is exactly that. I need your expertise and you know I can't trust anyone."

"Greta has been doing a great job…"

"I know, and I thank her. I'm aware I need to share more responsibilities, but Henry was the CEO and she was his assistant, now she's just stepped into his shoes perfectly."

"And you don't like it," he affirmed, staring at me, his face stunned for a while.

I nodded with my head. Noticing who my new legal executive was really did a number on me.

"I was wondering how long would it take for you to come to that conclusion. I was beginning to worry…"

"I'm aware that in most companies the major shareholder isn't necessarily the CEO," I interrupted.

"No, but His Grace was always much focused on his duties and managing his companies."

We'd get back to that later.

"I've read some of the preliminary reports that will be discussed today…" I said, changing the subject. "I'm a doctor and I feel like I will have a major conflict of interest."

"I thought we were just going through some new drugs that are currently being tested. I'm genuinely intrigued, since you must know a hell of a lot more about this than I do…" he chuckled.

"Have you heard of fluvirin?" I asked him.

"No, should I?"

"It was an anti viral drug that was commercialized to treat the common flu three years ago. In just a couple of days, it reduced the duration of the overall symptoms. It was withdrawn from the market two months ago, because there were some reports of severe side-effects, nothing too dramatic, but the company publicly stated that as a matter of precaution its commercialization would be stopped. Somewhere along the line, one of our scientists found out that this drug was effective against hepatitis C. The drug we are discussing today is essentially the same, but we could say it has been polished, and a new patent will arise as twivirin."

"But that's great, isn't it?" he smiled genuinely.

"It is, but you see, the market we're aiming at now is a totally different one, and each pill will cost the patient probably one hundred times more. It's that valuable! Obviously the pharmacokinetics are different, but fundamentally we'll be selling fluvirin under a different name. The safety profile was never the problem, even though they sugarcoated some things for me. Evidently, the pills won't cost one dollar more once they're commercialized…"

"They'll cost one hundred, Jesus! But that's a good thing for the company."

"Yes, although considering that I'm aware most patients won't be able to afford this new medication, morally, as a doctor, I have a conflict of interest. It was a relatively inexpensive drug when it was initially commercialized because it was supposed to be sold widely. The thing is, its generalized use would probably generate some resistance pattern. I'm well aware that a wide commercialization would probably be counter-productive in this matter."

"And," Professor Walker continued, "to make it profitable, if you don't sell as much the price has to go up. That's only doable if there's nothing better on the market…"

"There is not. It seems really promising; the final numbers will be presented today, and the definite marketing strategy will be outlined. More trials are needed aside from those already under way, but I can't honestly begin to think how this will change the outcome and life expectancy of these patients. I'm pretty sure safety won't be an issue."

"You're troubled that this will not be available to everyone who needs it…"

"Yes. I'll be breaking an oath. I need you to run these numbers and see if there's another alternative, anything."

"I can check, but I highly doubt there is another way around it. It seems pretty simple…"

I wanted to deny it, but I knew it really was that simple.

"Come on, we're 15 minutes late, I know you hate that," I teased, trying to convey a lighter mood.

"We're fashionably late, my wife would say," he defended.

"You're spending too much time with me."

"Not enough time would be more accurate," he corrected as he followed me to the corridor.

As expected, there was a little buzz in the room when nearly twenty people were gathered together, waiting.

"Good morning, sorry for the delay," I said, walking towards my chair.

"Doctor Swan, how do you do today? I'm glad you could make it," someone said.

I said a polite thank you as I sat, noticing there wasn't a chair for Professor Walker.

"My counsel, Professor Walker, will be sitting with us today," I announced, and resolved my first problem.

"Ok, shall we begin?"

I was happy I managed to keep my voice unfaltering, but the whole time I felt like digging a hole to hide in. It also took some effort not to look in Edward's direction, as I knew his eyes would make me crumble. He was staring at me, and a smile crept on his lips. I didn't glance at him long enough to know if it was teasing, amused or satisfied.

After the presentations the debate began, and for most part I tried to stay out of it. I listened intently to everything said, even the smallest argument, took my notes, but averted most questions that came my way.

"So, Dr. Swan? Do you agree with everything that was outlined here today?" Edward asked a little mischievously.

"Well, Your Grace, I believe we'll settle that next week. There is no urgency resolving this particular matter; I need to revise the numbers," I said, taking everyone by surprise. "Let's say same time next week? Ladies, gentlemen, I'll see you then."

And with that I got up and made my way to the exit.

"Isabella," someone said while grabbing my arm. "It's good to see you."

I looked over my shoulder and was met by expectant big, blue eyes. They were not unfamiliar but I couldn't remember where I had met him before.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid we haven't been introduced."

"I believe we have, at His Grace's funeral," he said gently while removing his hands from my forearm. "James More at your service," he spoke bowing his head, although what should have been a respectful move seemed a like mocking one.

"Of course," I managed to smile. "How do you do?"

"Very well, indeed. I'm really glad you're here. I suppose we have some private matters to discuss."

"We do?" I inquired as I started walking back to the office.

"Yes, about that personal contract I was asked to redact," he whispered in my ear, jeopardizing all notions of personal space. To the outsider we could pass as close acquaintances. Not for the best reasons, I knew exactly what he was doing.

"Well, thank you, I'm not sure this is the right time or place to discuss that. How is Aunt Jane?" I diverted as Greta opened the office's door.

"You remember my grandmother?"

"Evidently, she's family. And I'm really sorry I didn't recognize you before. Too many new faces, you know?" I smiled apologetically. Confrontation would get me nowhere. I felt I was being played and until knowing exactly how, I'd have to lay low.

"No problem, I understand. She'll love to meet you. She was so pleased to find out about you. She and your mother met a couple of weeks ago. I can't begin to say how much I was disappointed about your mother's rash behavior. My grandmother tried to calm her but to no avail. You must be suffering a terrible loss, I really am sorry for you. I can't begin to wonder what happened for you to need this kind of legal protection," he said, pulling my hand between his.

"About that, I don't think I'll need your services. In retrospect I might have been too callous. Let's just tear the damn paper up and forget it ever existed."

He eyed me questioningly and glanced briefly at Greta, who seemed to be taken aback by my statement as well. That particular matter was going to be resolved on my own terms.

I sat on the single sofa and watched the rain for a moment in an effort to regroup, but ultimately felt really tired.

"Maybe you'd do better by drawing up a new contract for Professor Walker. I want him working with me as my advisor – if he doesn't object," I added quickly.

The good professor was frozen by my statement.

"I think you should discuss it with Martha. Obviously you'd have to travel a lot. I think you were growing too accustomed to Seattle," I chuckled.

"I'm not sure what to say…."

"Just consider it for now."

"Evidently, we could discuss that over lunch perhaps?" James suggested, seizing the opportunity, leaning in my direction.

There was a fortunate soft knock on the door.

"Hello," Edward said as he entered. He stiffened when he saw James and somehow seemed to grow taller with the change of stance.

"Good of you to come in, I was just about to tell Mr. More that I was to meet you in the lobby for lunch. Professor Walker, I suggest you take Martha out as well. She complained the other day that you have been neglecting her."

Edward just lifted his eyebrows in return, clearly amused.

"I thought…" Professor Walker started but I discouraged him from talking; he got my silent message that we'd be working alone today, "…we were all going out for lunch," he stuttered.

"Great idea," James said, standing up.

"I believe Bella owes me a date, as you must recall from the benefit auction."

"I remember, since I was the one who forced some extra pounds out of your pocket," James said lightly. "I hope, my dear, His Grace explained you that it was more of a show than anything else. You're in no way obliged to do anything." His blue eyes glinted with defiance while Edward's were glacial. The way he said 'His Grace', like it was a dirty word, astounded me.

"I'm a woman of my word, though. Greta, is everything settled at More Park to receive our guests?"

"Yes, the staff is informed the Professor and his wife will be spending the weekend there."

"Very well, have a nice weekend then," I kissed her cheek as I stood up. "Try to get some rest, you surely deserve it."

"But I thought we were going to go through some paperwork today."

"If it's not too much trouble, why don't you leave everything at More Park today? I believe it is relatively close to your home. If you have other plans I suggest you leave everything to Professor Walker. I'll see if I can get anything done tomorrow, even if highly unlikely."

"I plan to keep her very distracted," Edward said nonchalantly while placing a hand low on my back, escorting me out, and I felt myself blush profusely which didn't go unnoticed by anyone. My mind kept screaming at me, "he saw me naked!" I didn't even notice I was walking towards him until I felt his touch.

We exited without further delay, his hand never leaving its place. Too soon, as soon as the elevator doors closed, his expression changed to one of anger.

"Why the fuck is James Hunter the new legal executive? I feel like strangling you!" he said, hitting the wall hard enough to leave a dent. "And why the hell was he leaning towards you when I got in?"

"He presented himself as James More… he's my cousin."

"He's my cousin, too, and you don't see him acting like that around me," he stated while holding his injured hand and cursing again.

"I'm sure you guessed I was a little uncomfortable with his advances, considering my excuse to leave. You don't actually need to take me to lunch, you know…" I said while holding his injured hand in mine, trying to check on it.

"Yes I do, but it doesn't count as a date," he rebuked peremptorily.

"Give me your hand, Edward," I said impatiently.

"You promised me five nights in Barcelona…"

"I'll be in a congress…"

"Only by day…" he said, opening his hand to allow me a better look. There were just a few scrapes, nothing major.

"It's not broken. You scared me," I said honestly.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. His left hand cupped my face softly and his lips met mine, soft and undemanding. "I don't trust him," he exhaled soundly.

"I don't either… Honestly, I'm not entirely sure how that came to be."

"That's so irresponsible I'm not even going to comment," he exclaimed, displeased.

I got into his car, a relatively inconspicuous white Mercedes, and wondered where he was taking me. As soon as I entered the car, John was calling me to ask if they should follow me. I enquired of Edward about it.

"They can follow us, but you'll be perfectly safe where we're going."

"And where is that?"

"The Official Vidal residence in London - one of the properties attached to the title and one of the finest palaces in London."

"I'm not sure..."

He locked the car's doors in that instant and smirked.

"Put your seatbelt on!"

He revved the car and exited the building's garage with John on our tail.

"So, care to explain James' promotion?" he pressed.

"Why don't you like him?"

"Aside from the obvious?" he smirked. "There might be a little rivalry between us, and before you ask, no, I'm not taking you out because of that…"

"I didn't…" I began to protest, but he cut me off.

"Don't… I know how women's minds work. I believe even intelligent women such yourself tend to fall into that trap on occasion…"

"Fine, so why is there some rivalry?"

"What do you know about James?"

"Just what my Uncle told me about him. He was concerned that he might approach me, so he told me about the young girl that he allegedly nearly beat to death. Really creepy stuff… it's hard to imagine someone doing such a thing…"

"Not allegedly, and he raped her! I can only guess what he did to stay out of jail and manage to keep a clean criminal record. He's dangerous because he's too smart and covers for himself successfully," he spat. "Anyway, because Henry More had no direct heirs, the Duchy was inherited by the closest male relative..."

"You."

"Yes, but you see, my great grandfather Leopold had an affair in his 40s that resulted in a son, James' grandfather."

I was stunned…

"He got to be known as the Poor More. Being an illegitimate child most of his life, he was only recognized as a More when Leopold was nearly on his death bed. The succession can never be questioned, as the child, who by then had grown to be a man, was younger than my grandfather."

"Oh my God…"

"Well, Hunter went to the same private schools I did, with Henry More as a patron. He's a couple of years older, so he managed to make my life a living hell when I first started. Eventually I got back at him…"

"Of course you have." I could only imagine both alpha males trying to conquer the turf.

"Bella," he scolded me, "don't."

He was clearly distressed as he drove away and I barely registered the streets as he took us to his home.

Half an hour later I was frozen, facing the most austere building's façade I'd ever seen. It was opulent but cold. The windows were big and the garden was well-arranged, symmetrical with a center fountain, immense for London's standards. I frowned at the sight.

"If you have this house, why were you sleeping at Alice's?" I blurted.

"Can't you tell?"

I chose not to answer and followed him inside.

"You don't like it…" he stated as the entrance door was opened for us.

"It's not that, it's just…"

"That you dislike it," he chuckled. For some reason it amused him.

"Good morning," I complimented the housekeeper, who seemed taken aback by those simple two words.

"Good morning," she answered, surprised.

"We weren't expecting you for lunch, Your Grace. Do you have any particular requests?" the poor woman was on the brink of tears at the thought of displeasing Edward. He frowned and was about to make what I was sure would be a sour remark when I decided to step in.

"You know what I'm dying for? Chinese food. Could you find us some menus to order?"

"You want take out? Of course you do."

"It never failed me throughout those long study hours in med school."

"Is it healthy?"

"Do I look unhealthy?" I asked back.

"Well, you heard the lady, Chinese food it is."