Andrew let out a cold laugh. “Let’s cut to the chase. The elder from the Divine Alchemist is one of Theon’s people, right? And Theon’s using his connections upstairs to push Brielle around and come after me, isn’t he?”
Amari’s voice dripped with bitterness. “That’s exactly it. Andrew, when we get in there, if things look bad, maybe we should play it smart and let Theon have this one.”
Andrew let out a cold snort. “Let him have it? I’m not interested in that. Worst case, I just walk away from Sovereign’s Apothecary and start fresh somewhere else.”
Before long, Brielle led the way into Theon’s courtyard, her purple veil swaying gracefully behind her. Andrew and Amari followed close behind.
“Madam Baxter, you’ve arrived! Please, have a seat,” Theon called out cheerfully, standing up from where he had been chatting with an elderly man. He flashed a warm smile at Brielle, but he completely ignored Andrew and Amari. In the courtyard, Mikayla and Caden stood watching the scene unfold, their eyes gleaming with amusement as they glanced at Andrew.
Brielle stood tall and graceful, waving her hand dismissively. “Let’s skip the pleasantries. You’re certainly thoughtful, aren’t you? The higher-ups send someone here, and instead of bringing him to me, you host him in your own courtyard. I wonder what people would think if they didn’t know better. They might think you run Sovereign’s Apothecary, not me. Am I merely a figurehead now?”
Theon rushed to respond. “Oh, Madam Baxter, you’re killing me with those words. I’d never dare! You’ve always been in charge here. I’m just a humble alchemist. How could I overstep?”
Brielle’s brow furrowed as she prepared to press further. However, the white-haired elderly man seated above them raised his hand, and his voice cut through the air with natural authority. “Enough, Brielle. I asked to come sit with Theon myself. Since you weren’t here at the facility, I decided to catch up with an old friend. There was no need to trouble you with the details.”
Brielle smirked. “In that case, what brings you here?”
The white-haired man was Titus Sterling, Brielle’s senior and also the Third Elder of the Divine Alchemists, a position of considerable authority. In the hierarchy of the Divine Alchemists, only the First Elder, Second Elder, and the mysterious leader ranked above him. Most importantly, he was a martial emperor. Titus’ eyes gleamed with a sharp, focused light. It was a clear sign of power so profound it seemed bottomless.
He replied flatly, “Nothing dramatic. The higher-ups have expressed certain concerns about your management of Sovereign’s Apothecary. That’s why they sent me here specifically to make some corrections.”
Brielle’s anger meant little to him. Nonetheless, she was not a pushover and shot back, “Oh? You came here to ‘correct’ me? Fine, then tell me, what exactly do you plan to correct?”
Titus’s expression hardened. “Watch your tone, Brielle. You sound like you have a problem with me being here. For the record, this wasn’t my idea. Mr. Bowen personally assigned me to come to Chetvine to straighten out Sovereign’s Apothecary.”
Julius Bowen was the mysterious leader of the Divine Alchemists.
Brielle laughed coldly and waved her hand, then sat down in the wooden chair below his position. “Don’t try to pull rank by invoking Mr. Bowen’s name, because I’m not intimidated by it. Now, let’s discuss this openly. If you plan to ‘fix’ things, then do it. I’m listening.”
Titus did not respond immediately. His gaze swept over the room and landed on Andrew and Amari. After a brief pause, he smiled faintly. “Mr. Goodman, it’s been years, hasn’t it?”
Amari clasped his hands politely. “Mr. Sterling. It’s good to see you again.”