While My Husband Cheated I Married His Powerful Brother novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Chapter 86 The Hidden Inventor

Xiomara blinked. "My assistance? With what?"

Caspian’s voice was low. "The serum. SN1818. The heart drug developed by Grace Tong." He paused. "I heard that Dr. Harrison is looking for a business partner. Someone to manufacture and distribute it."

Xiomara’s eyes widened. "You want to get involved with that?"

"I want to be the partner." Caspian sat down on the sofa across from her. His expression was serious. "This could be huge. Billions. And I’m not going to let some other company beat me to it."

Xiomara’s mind raced. She knew Dr. Harrison. Everyone in medical circles knew him. He was the best cardiologist in the city. If he was backing this Grace, the serum was legitimate.

But how to get to him? He was notoriously difficult to reach. He didn’t take meetings with just anyone.

Then Xiomara remembered.

"Dr. Harrison," Xiomara said slowly. "That’s the name you mentioned. My mentor, Professor Charles Sterling, knows him well. They’ve worked together for years."

Caspian leaned forward. "How close are they?"

"Very close. They collaborate on research, publish papers together, serve on the same medical boards." Xiomara’s smile widened. "If anyone can get you a meeting with Dr. Harrison, it’s Professor Sterling."

Xiomara crossed her legs. She was enjoying this. Caspian needed her. For once, she had something he wanted.

"Professor Sterling thinks very highly of me," she said. "I was his favorite student. He’s always said I have a gift for understanding people."

Caspian’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like being dependent on anyone. But he needed this deal.

"Can he get us in?" he asked.

"He can do more than that." Xiomara leaned forward. "He can recommend your company directly to Dr. Harrison. A personal recommendation from Professor Sterling carries enormous weight."

Caspian was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Then we need to meet with him. Tonight."

Xiomara laughed. "Tonight? You don’t understand. Professor Sterling is a busy man. He doesn’t just see anyone who shows up at his door."

"Then make him see us."

Xiomara’s smile faded. She didn’t like his tone. But she needed him.

"Fine," she said. "I’ll call him. But you need to let me handle it. He likes flattery. He likes deference. If you go in there acting like you own the place, he’ll shut us down immediately."

Caspian nodded reluctantly. "I’ll follow your lead.”

Xiomara pulled out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts. Professor Charles Sterling. She hadn’t called him in months.

She took a breath and pressed dial.

The phone rang twice. Then a warm, familiar voice answered.

"Xiomara! It’s been a while."

She smiled. Her voice became sweet. Deferential. "Professor Sterling. I’m so sorry to disturb you. I hope you’re well."

"I’m well, I’m well. Busy, as always. But I always have time for my favorite student." He chuckled. "What can I do for you?"

Xiomara hesitated. She didn’t want to sound too eager.

"Professor," she said, "I was hoping to ask you about something I heard recently. Something about a new heart drug. SN1818."

There was a pause on the line. Then Professor Sterling said, "Where did you hear about that?"

"Word travels fast in medical circles," Xiomara said lightly. "Is it true? Does it really work as well as they say?"

Professor Sterling sighed. "It’s true. I’ve seen the data. Dr. Harrison showed me the test results." His voice grew wistful. "A lifetime of my own research, and this young upstart named Grace has produced something that makes my work look like child’s play."

Xiomara tried to sound sympathetic. "Professor, you’ve accomplished so much. One drug doesn’t diminish your life’s work."

"You’re kind, Xiomara. But I’m old enough to recognize when I’ve been surpassed." He chuckled bitterly. "Grace is either a genius or very lucky."

Xiomara seized the opening. "Lucky, I’m sure. Anyone can stumble onto something good once."

Professor Sterling gave a wry smile, though she couldn’t see it. "Perhaps. But it’s more than I ever stumbled onto."

Xiomara continued to heap on the flattery. "Professor, no one compares to you. Your research on cardiomyopathy is still the gold standard. Everyone knows that."

"Enough, enough," he said, but he was pleased. "What is it you really want?"

Xiomara hesitated. Then she decided to be direct.

"I have a friend," she said. "A businessman. He runs a pharmaceutical company. He’s very interested in partnering with Dr. Harrison on SN1818."

"Ah." Professor Sterling’s voice was knowing. "And you want me to put in a good word."

"Only if you think he’s worthy, Professor. I wouldn’t ask you to recommend someone who wasn’t qualified."

Professor Sterling was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "Who is this friend?"

"Caspian. He runs his own pharmaceutical company. Very successful. Very reputable."

"Have you met this Grace?" Professor Sterling asked.

"No one has," Xiomara said. "Dr. Harrison keeps her hidden. Refuses to let anyone see her."

Professor Sterling chuckled. "That’s what I heard. Dr. Harrison says Grace won’t meet with anyone except him. Very secretive."

Xiomara filed that information away.

"Professor," Xiomara said, "would you and Mrs. Sterling like to join us for dinner sometime? My treat."

Professor Sterling laughed. "You’re too obvious, Xiomara. You clearly have a favor to ask."

Xiomara feigned a pouty tone. "Professor, can’t I just want to see you?"

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