Chapter 50
Skyler’s expression darkened. “If you can’t find the doctor, what happens to Jay?”
“I have the drug,” Valerie answered, as if it were obvious.
He held out his palm and demanded, “Give it to me.”
She went on eating at her own pace and ignored the outstretched hand in front of her.
That was when Skyler started panicking. “What’s the meaning of this attitude, Valerie?”
She found the question almost laughable and snapped back, “We both know better than to play dumb. In our last meeting, I made it clear that the first week’s worth of drugs was a gift. If you want more, you’ll have to pay the price.”
Skyler asked, though he already knew the answer, “How much do you want?”
In response, Valerie picked up a pen and wrote down a number. “20 billion dollars.”
At the sight of the price, Skyler’s temper flared. “This is outrageous, Valerie. I can’t raise that kind of money, and even if I could, why the hell should I give it to you?”
Valerie gracefully dabbed her lips with a napkin before saying, “It looks like we’re done here, then. Thank you for the dinner–it was excellent.”
Then, twisting the knife, she added, “It’s no surprise, considering it’s my mom’s recipe. The Woodwards have been raking in profits with these recipes for years without giving her a dime
in return.
“Mr. Woodward, if I were to dig up paperwork and file a patent lawsuit, how much do you think it would tank Woodward Group’s stock?”
His glare sharpened. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I smashed Lucius‘ hotel lobby, yet you want to test me on what I dare to do?”
The horrifying memory of that night flashed through his mind, and his head was filled with the thought of lawsuits. How had Lilith, that imbecile, given birth to such a venomous daughter?
To calm her down, Skyler had to soften his tone and said, “Behind closed doors, we’re family, Val. Blood runs thicker than water, so why would you go to such extremes?
“Windmere isn’t like the countryside you grew up in. Here, it’s about resources, connections, and background. Since you’ve chosen to stay, you should seek a powerful ally.
“I’m willing to acknowledge you as my daughter and provide you with a comfortable life, but
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that comes with the condition that you stand with the Woodwards.”
He was about to continue his long–winded persuasion when Valerie coldly cut him off. “Save your breath. My last name is Collins, not Woodward.”
“Must you fight me to the end? Whether you admit it or not, we’ll always be father and daughter.”
“Guilt trips don’t work on me,” she spat, rolling her eyes.
“You’re such an ingrate!” Skyler seethed, pointing angrily at her.
Her eyes flashed with killing intent as she reminded him, “Have you forgotten, Mr. Woodward? I have a terrible temper.
“If you don’t watch your words, the doctors you bribed in prison might just turn on you. When that happens, I won’t even have to hire a lawyer for Woodward Group’s stocks to bleed
red.”
Those words made Skyler’s stomach drop. “Are you the one who reported the doctors to the authorities?”
He’d spent a fortune cleaning up that mess. And now that he realized the hand behind it had been hers all along, he wanted nothing more than to skin the ungrateful Valerie alive.
But Valerie had no more patience for him. “20 billion dollars isn’t up for negotiation. If it’s off the table, we’re done here.”
As she rose to leave, Skyler panicked. “Jay’s on the verge of death!”
“That’s not my problem.”
“How could you be so heartless, Valerie? Aren’t you afraid of retribution?”
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Chapter 51
