She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 433

"You guys are certainly hospitable, sending this many people just for an airport pickup."

Melanie remarked, unable to keep the observation to herself.

"Why are you talking so much? Just keep moving!"

One of the welcome party members suddenly snapped.

Melanie froze.

That aggressive tone didn't sound like a medical researcher at all. She cast a suspicious glance at the man.

He was wearing a white lab coat.

But it looked brand new, as if it had never been worn before, and it fit him terribly.

Glancing around, she noticed the others—regardless of their height or weight—seemed to be wearing the exact same size lab coat.

Every single coat was stiff and pristine, clearly fresh out of the packaging.

A massive red flag went up in Melanie's mind.

Perhaps sensing Melanie's scrutiny, Keith quickly intervened.

"Our association wanted to show our utmost respect and warm welcome to the researchers from Aldoria, which is why we sent so many staff members."

Following Keith's explanation, Dr. Hayes immediately exchanged some polite pleasantries with him.

However, standing off to the side, Melanie felt an even deeper sense of unease.

It wasn't just what Keith said that was strange.

It was the fact that Keith was saying it at all.

Technically, Keith wasn't a member of the MD Medical Association.

He was just a hired guide and driver.

Yet, his tone and the way he spoke made him sound like the director of the association.

Or, at the very least, the leader of this particular group of greeters.

Something was definitely off.

"The van we prepped isn't big enough for all of us. Let's split into two vehicles."

Just like that, Melanie managed to drag Dr. Hayes along with her, ensuring she wasn't trapped alone with a van full of suspicious men.

The vehicle slowly rumbled to life, heading toward the medical association.

Meanwhile, in Averin, at Stellaris PharmaTech.

Philip knocked on Preston's office door.

"Boss, this is all the data you asked me to pull regarding the mutated Dendrobium strain in MD."

Philip respectfully handed over the thick stack of documents.

Preston flipped through the file as Philip delivered his report.

"The news about the mutated strain only popped up on domestic websites over the last few days, strictly under the name of the MD Medical Association. But... I looked into it. Nobody in MD's local pharmaceutical circles has heard a single thing about a mutated Dendrobium discovery."

"We can practically confirm this is a fake news story, fabricated specifically to bait the Averin medical community."

Preston's white-gloved fingers tightened over the files. He snapped the folder shut, his expression grim, a dark premonition settling over him.

"Philip. Prep the helicopter."