“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he’s alive. Andrew truly seems to have nine lives!” Theon’s voice echoed sharply through the spacious room of Sovereign’s Apothecary, his frustration practically vibrating in the air.
Seated around the polished mahogany table were Titus, the current leader of the organization, and Brielle, who had long since been pushed to the sidelines, her presence quiet but commanding.
Brielle’s gaze was icy as she fixed her eyes on Theon, her silence cutting through the tension like a razor.
Theon’s brow furrowed deeply. “Madam Baxter, did I say something to offend you?” he asked, his tone laced with irritation.
Brielle responded with a calm, almost detached voice. “What you say doesn’t concern me.”
Theon smirked, a hint of mockery in his voice. “If it doesn’t concern you, then why are you staring at me like that? Don’t tell me you’re upset just because I brought up Andrew. If that’s the case, I’m more than willing to apologize.”
Her eyes narrowed sharply. “Mr. Orben, I didn’t realize you were so unwell. And judging by your attitude, it doesn’t look like you’re getting any better.”
Before the argument could spiral further, Titus slammed his palm onto the table with authority. “Enough, both of you. It’s surprising, yes, that someone as formidable as a Martial Emperor couldn’t put that brat down. But killing is never the aim of our organization. Andrew is exceptionally talented. Honestly, no one here truly wishes him dead. I’d prefer to see him working alongside us, contributing to the Divine Alchemists.”
Brielle let out a small, cold laugh. “Don’t even entertain that thought. Have you ever seen a lion take orders from a mouse?”
Titus chuckled softly, undeterred. “If the Divine Alchemists were mice, then lions wouldn’t exist. Everything else in this world would be nothing more than ants beneath our feet.”
Brielle shook her head, a hint of resignation in her expression. “I’ve said more than enough. Andrew isn’t someone you can control, so stop dreaming about using him. Besides, weren’t we supposed to have a meeting? Let’s get to the point.”
Clearing his throat, Theon pressed on. “Madam Baxter, there are some critical deals that require your attention. Our negotiators have tried, but several major families and sects are either planning to terminate their contracts with us or slash their prices this year. You know we can’t afford to lose these deals, and we certainly won’t allow anyone to undercut us. Ultimately, we need you to step in.”
A faint smile played on Brielle’s lips. “Mr. Orben, are you actually asking me for help?”
Theon’s expression froze for a moment before darkening. “Asking you? Don’t flatter yourself, Madam Baxter. I’m the chief alchemist of Sovereign’s Apothecary now. Even Mr. Sterling wouldn’t dare speak to me like that. And you? You’ve already stepped down. You spend your days gardening and bird-watching, doing absolutely nothing. So tell me, why would I ever need to beg someone who holds no power or influence?”
Brielle shrugged nonchalantly. “If you’re not here to ask for help, then why are you wasting my time? I’m tired anyway. I’m heading back to rest. You two are in charge now, so handle things as you see fit.”
Without another word, she rose gracefully and exited the room, leaving an uneasy silence behind her.
Theon’s face darkened as he turned to Titus. “You saw that, right? Madam Baxter is growing more arrogant by the day. She’s lost all respect for Sovereign’s Apothecary and dumped every responsibility onto us. So, tell me—what’s the point of keeping her around?”
Titus rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. “Enough. This is a result of your attitude. You could have spoken to her with a little respect. That’s just who she is. Even I, or Mr. Bowen himself, can’t force her to stay if she doesn’t want to. Now that she’s left, we’ll have to find a way to manage on our own.”
Slamming his fist onto the table, Theon declared, “Fine. We’ll handle it ourselves. Sovereign’s Apothecary can function without her. I’ll personally take charge of the remaining negotiations. And if I succeed, I expect you to call headquarters and recommend me as the next Head of Sovereign’s Apothecary. Deal?”
Conclusion
The chapter closes on a tense and emotionally charged moment, capturing the fragile dynamics within Sovereign’s Apothecary. Theon’s frustration and ambition clash sharply with Brielle’s cold detachment and refusal to be drawn back into the fray, highlighting the growing divide between past and present leadership. Titus, caught in the middle, strives to maintain order, yet the underlying discord threatens the unity and stability of the organization.
Amidst the power struggles and unspoken resentments, the story subtly explores themes of respect, authority, and the complexities of loyalty. Brielle’s departure symbolizes a poignant shift, leaving Theon to prove himself and confront the challenges ahead alone. The chapter ends with a simmering determination, hinting at the difficult path toward acceptance and control that lies before him.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to deepen the tension within Sovereign’s Apothecary as Theon steps up to assert his authority, challenging the established order and testing the fragile alliances among the key players. With Brielle’s departure and her icy dismissal still lingering in the air, the power dynamics are shifting, and Theon’s ambition to lead will undoubtedly stir both support and resistance. Readers can anticipate a complex interplay of strategy and emotion as negotiations become more than just business—they become a battleground for control and respect.
Moreover, the unresolved feelings surrounding Andrew’s survival and his unpredictable nature continue to cast a shadow over the organization. Titus’s vision of unity contrasts sharply with Brielle’s cynicism, hinting at deeper philosophical divides that may soon erupt into open conflict. As Theon prepares to prove himself, the emotional undercurrents of rivalry, loyalty, and pride will intensify, setting the stage for unexpected alliances and betrayals. The upcoming chapter will explore how far each character is willing to go to secure their position and what sacrifices they might make along the way.