Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Evelyn's expression didn't change at all. Her tone was flat but carried a cold, oppressive force. "Profit? Mr. Barnett, I'd like to ask you—what exactly has the company profited this year? You lost twelve million dollars, and you still have the nerve to talk to me about profit?"

"The company doesn't keep deadweight, and it doesn't keep parasites like you who line their own pockets and harm the company. Those people deserved to be fired. Professor Kidd is a core expert I invited back, and no one can touch him."

"And you, Manuel—from now on, you're fired. Pack your things and leave immediately. All your positions at the company are terminated. Also, the company funds you misappropriated and the company assets you embezzled—I'll have lawyers settle accounts with you properly."

Manuel, on the other end of the phone completely panicked. He hadn't expected Evelyn to be so tough that she'd uncovered everything he'd done, and that she would actually fire him directly.

He immediately got anxious, his tone becoming vicious. "Evelyn! You dare fire me? Let me tell you, I've been at this company for so many years. I have extensive connections. If you dare fire me, I'll make sure you can't stay at Vitalis Pharmaceuticals. I'll ruin your reputation!"

"Is that so?" Evelyn's tone was cold. "I'd like to see how you'll ruin my reputation. If you dare lay a finger on me or spread rumors outside, I'll make you pay the price. Try me if you don't believe it."

With that, Evelyn didn't wait for Manuel to say anything more and hung up directly, then blocked Manuel's number.

As soon as Evelyn walked out of the company building, she saw a familiar figure standing ahead. The person wore a well-tailored black suit, stood tall and straight with handsome features—it was William.

William held a bouquet of white tulips. When he saw Evelyn come out, his eyes immediately lit up.

He quickly walked forward, his face wearing a gentle smile. "Evelyn, I heard you took over Vitalis Pharmaceuticals, so I specially came to visit you and bring you my congratulations."

Evelyn was stunned for a moment, somewhat surprised. "How did you know I took over Vitalis Pharmaceuticals?"

She hadn't publicly announced taking over Vitalis Pharmaceuticals yet. How did William find out so quickly?

William smiled and handed her the tulips in his hand.

"I'm in contact with Mr. Taylor. He told me. When I found out you were coming to Vitalis Pharmaceuticals today, I specially came to see you and wish you success in your work, and that you'll get Vitalis Pharmaceuticals back on track soon."

Evelyn hesitated for a moment but still accepted the tulips, her tone flat. "Thank you."

"No need to be so polite with me," William looked at her, his gaze gentle. "I know you just took over Vitalis Pharmaceuticals. You must be very busy and working hard. I specially reserved a restaurant with great food. I'd like to treat you to a meal, to celebrate and cheer you on. I wonder if you have time?"

Evelyn glanced at the sky, thinking that she indeed hadn't eaten yet, so she nodded and agreed.

William's smile deepened. "Then let's go now."

In the car, William drove while occasionally glancing at Evelyn. He hesitated for a moment, then took out a contract from the glove compartment and handed it to Evelyn. "Evelyn, actually, there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you today."

Evelyn took the contract and looked at it with confusion. "What is it?"

"I know you took over Vitalis Pharmaceuticals and definitely need financial and resource support now," William's tone was serious.

"I want to cooperate with you. The Brown Group can invest in Vitalis Pharmaceuticals, provide quality raw material channels, as well as sales channels, to help Vitalis Pharmaceuticals recover profitability quickly and even do better."

Evelyn opened the contract and looked through it carefully. The terms in the contract were very reasonable.

The Brown Group would invest without interfering in Vitalis Pharmaceuticals' internal management, only providing financial and resource support. The profit sharing was also reasonable. For Vitalis Pharmaceuticals, this was a good thing.

She read for about ten minutes, closed the contract, and looked at William, her tone flat. "I've reviewed the contract. The terms are reasonable. I have no objections. We can cooperate."

Hearing this, a smile appeared in William's eyes.

"In that case, the Brown Group will definitely give you full support."

"However, since we've reached a cooperation agreement, many things will require communication and coordination in the future. I think we should try to talk in person as much as possible. It's more convenient and can avoid misunderstandings. What do you think?"

William's tone was calm, making it hard to tell what he was thinking. Evelyn frowned slightly, feeling something was off.

But seeing William's businesslike manner, she thought she was overthinking it, so she nodded in agreement.

After dinner, William drove Evelyn back to the Taylor Mansion. As soon as she changed her shoes, Evelyn saw Xavier and Hannah sitting on the sofa.

Seeing her return, Xavier and Hannah immediately stood up and walked over quickly.

"Evelyn, you're back." Hannah took Evelyn's hand and looked her up and down, her tone full of concern.

"How was it at the company today? Did everything go smoothly? Did anyone give you trouble? That bastard Manuel—did he cause you any problems?"

Looking at their worried eyes, Evelyn felt warm inside, and a gentle smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. "Dad, Mom, I'm fine."

Then she told Xavier and Hannah about what happened at the company.

Learning about the company matters, Xavier became very angry. He slammed his hand on the table.

"Those reckless bastards! I only just found out about this now. Evelyn, you did the right thing. Those people are tumors—they shouldn't be at the company at all!"

Evelyn quickly pressed his arm, gently persuading him, "Dad, don't let it upset you. I'll handle everything properly."

Xavier sat down with a sigh to calm himself, his tone full of heartache. "You've worked so hard, Evelyn. I thought giving you a pharmaceutical company would let you do what you love. I didn't expect you'd encounter these troubles."

Hannah, beside them, tightly held Evelyn's hand, her eyes full of concern. "Evelyn, I don't care about the company. I'm just worried you'll be exhausted and mistreated. Why don't you just come back?"

Evelyn leaned on her shoulder and smiled faintly. "Mom, I'm fine. I've been through harder times in the Thomas family. This is nothing."

Seeing Xavier and Hannah care so much about her, Evelyn's heart naturally softened somewhat.

Hannah continued to fuss and give instructions. Seeing this, Xavier persuaded her, "Alright, let Evelyn rest early. She still has to go to the company and the research institute tomorrow. She needs to be well-rested."

Evelyn said goodnight to Xavier and Hannah, then returned to her room to rest. Lying in bed, she thought about William's unusual behavior, her mind full of doubts.

After all, from the beginning, William had been helping her in subtle ways, and even proactively proposed cooperation. Was he genuinely helping, or did he have another purpose?

But thinking it over, the Brown Group was powerful, and as long as they didn't interfere with Vitalis Pharmaceuticals' major internal decisions, cooperating with the Brown Group would be all benefit and no harm to Vitalis Pharmaceuticals. She stopped dwelling on it and fell into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, after washing up and going downstairs, Evelyn found Xavier and Hannah already waiting in the dining room. After a simple breakfast, she said goodbye to them and drove to the company.