Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 235

Timothy's words served as a sharp wake-up call for Emma.

With all her years of street smarts and survival instincts, was Gillian really just a brainless idiot?

"Thinking back on it, ever since I returned, Gillian's schemes have seemed foolish, but she's never actually lost anything from them."

She hung up the phone and looked over at Levi, who was also deep in thought.

It really did make sense.

"Isn't she mostly escaping consequences because the Lockwoods and Raymond are protecting her? That doesn't necessarily prove she's some mastermind."

Emma rubbed her temples. "Let's ignore that for now. The government-backed research grants should be finalized soon, right?"

"Yeah, for the new specialized drug development. You'll likely need to spearhead the clinical trials. Plus, our company's new medication is about to enter the experimental phase. The patient pool is ready, but as for the facility..."

Emma waved a hand dismissively. She already had a plan.

"I'll monitor the trial data at the lab. Let Travis oversee the new drug experiments. He visits the hospital every day anyway, so it's perfectly suited for him."

Levi watched her close the contract files and stand up. "You're not staying at the office today?"

"No, Clara is coming back. She used to base all her operations overseas, but now she wants to expand her domestic market. I'm going to help her scout for a corporate office and retail space. I also need to oversee the interior design and hire more staff for her."

Emma had her assistant start making calls to check real estate listings. They had barely inquired about two spots when Carter called.

"You need commercial space?"

Carter had already pulled up a massive spreadsheet of his personal real estate portfolio.

"I need an entire building," Emma sighed, rubbing her temples.

Carter casually forwarded a few prime listings to Emma. Her assistant leaned over to look and instantly gasped.

"Boss, these buildings are in the absolute most expensive prime locations downtown. Renting just a single floor in any of these goes for millions of dollars a year!"

The assistant excitedly grabbed Emma's phone and began scrolling through the luxury properties.

"Boss, this one on Maple Creek Road is perfect!"

The assistant's thrilled voice was so loud it bled through the speaker. Carter tilted his head, rubbing his ear, and glanced at Jeffrey.

Jeff immediately took the phone. "Mrs. Harrington, why don't you come take a look in person? You won't know if it's the right fit until you walk the space."

Emma looked at him, joking playfully, "Mr. Harrington is so generous. As the CEO's wife, I suppose I shouldn't be stingy either."

The employees instantly quieted down, waiting with bated breath to hear what Emma would offer.

Emma thought for a moment. "I'll cover all your morning coffees and lattes for the first three months you're back. Plus, I'll arrange free comprehensive medical checkups for everyone. Just register your details on our app later. If you want to include your family members, add their information too. I'll have Metropolitan Medical Center set aside a dedicated VIP wing just for your health screenings."

The employees couldn't believe their ears. Free priority medical care for their entire families at the city's top hospital without waiting in lines or paying a dime? Plus three months of free coffee? This was an absolute dream.

"The CEO's wife is gorgeous and an angel!"

"Mr. Harrington and Ms. Lockwood are a match made in heaven! Absolutely perfect!"

The relentless wave of compliments made Carter even happier, and he personally ordered extra bonuses for the employees who cheered the loudest.

Carter walked out of the lobby with a lingering smile, but the moment he reached the entrance, his expression darkened.

Raymond was waiting right outside the building. Watching the ecstatic employees, it was obvious he already knew exactly what had just transpired inside.

"Shutting down operations for half a month? Do you have any idea how much financial damage that will do to Harrington Corp?" he demanded.