Arabella gave a nod. "Yeah, that timeframe works for me too."
She made up her mind to get some practice in over the next few days before heading into the office.
"Alright," Lucas replied.
As Arabella walked away, Lucas watched her go, feeling a faint emptiness settle in his chest.
Soon she wouldn't be coming around here anymore, and chances to see her would grow even slimmer.
*****
Over at the pharmaceutical company, Arabella arrived and was quickly briefed by Chloe. "Ms. Hamilton, we've picked up the individual you mentioned. He's waiting in your office now."
"Good," Arabella said, picking up her pace.
When she stepped into her office, her assistant was pouring a cup of coffee for Aaron.
"Aaron, sorry to keep you waiting," Arabella said, her tone genuinely apologetic.
"No trouble at all—I just got here myself," Aaron replied with an easy chuckle.
"Would you like me to show you around the place?" Arabella asked politely.
Aaron nodded. "Absolutely, let's take a look."
"I could tell everything was running smoothly just walking through earlier," Aaron remarked as they started down the hall. "I have to say, Carol—it's impressive to see someone your age not only excel in medicine but also handle a company so well."
Arabella downplayed it. "You're too kind, Aaron."
"Hey," Aaron waved a hand, "just calling it like I see it."
They continued talking as they moved through the building.
Arabella guided Aaron through each department and also mentioned the research and production facility she operated outside the city.
"Wow!" Aaron sounded genuinely surprised. "You're even cultivating your own medicinal herb gardens?"
"Just on a modest scale," Arabella explained. "There's one particular plant I rely on that's low-yield and tough to source commercially."
"You never cease to amaze me, young lady," Aaron said, his admiration clearly growing.
"Aaron, now that you've seen the operation, would you be open to discussing a collaboration?" Arabella asked, her eyes warming.
"No discussion needed—I'm in. You handle the details; I trust your judgment," Aaron stated plainly.
Arabella looked slightly taken aback. "Aaron, doesn't that feel a bit rushed to you?"
"Not at all," Aaron said earnestly. "I trust you."
"Well then," Arabella replied, matching his sincerity, "I won't let you down."
"Just so we're clear," Aaron added with a grin, "I'm no good with management or corporate paperwork."
Arabella laughed softly. "That would be a waste of your talents anyway."
"Aaron, you'll lead our new drug development initiatives. You can work from here or the facility—whichever suits you. The labs are state-of-the-art and fully equipped, so no worries there," she assured him.
"Then I'll work from the facility. Fewer distractions," Aaron decided.
"Whatever works best for you," Arabella agreed.
"Besides," Aaron added with a hearty laugh, "I really do want to see those herb gardens of yours."
Arabella arched a playful brow. "Just looking won't be enough, Aaron—you'll have to help me tend to them, too."

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