Chapter 38
Chapter38 Probing Questions
"If that's really the case, this new drug we're about to launch is going to sell like hotcakes," Brent said with a laugh.
On the surface, it sounded lighthearted, but the keen glint in his eyes suggested he was testing Marissa.
Marissa had collaborated with Brent for more than a year, yet their conversations had been rare.Despite his outwardly casual attitude, their bond wasn't exactly close.
At least, that was how she sawv it.
Marissa knew Brent was probing, likely suspecting she had something to do with Dr. Moore.
"Are you suggesting we hike the price of the medicine, Dr. Wallace?" Marissa asked, a subtle change crossing her face as she picked up on his hint.
The price had already been decided. Since the medicine would be needed by many, they had set it reasonably to avoid making it unaffordable for some families. In past discussions, Brent had hinted that the price was too low and nudged the idea of aiming for a more upscale market.
As the lead researcher, Marissa had the final say.She firmly rejected his suggestion, never expecting him to bring it up again, especially now, under the assumption she was Dr. Moore.
Both were skilled at reading people, each attempting to figure out the other's true motive.
"The price is finalized and filed. How could we possibly change it now?" Brent said, recognizing she didn't want to discuss this publicly. He smoothly shifted the topic, adding, "It'd be fantastic if you were really Dr. Moore!"
Brent had a way of saying things that carried deeper meaning.
Onlookers around them immediately started connecting the dots, convinced Marissa might really be Dr. Moore.
Shock rippled through the room.
Holley's jaw dropped.
This was absurd!
There was no way it could be true. Quickly, she blurted out, "Dr. Wallace, you've got the wrong person. My cousin isn't Dr. Moore. She doesn't know a thing about medicine. She just returned to the family today. She probably doesn't even know Dr. Moore."
Even as she spoke, a knot of unease twisted in her stomach, afraid that Marissa might speak up and reveal that she was actually Dr. Moore.
Brent seemed unconvinced. "Could I really be wrong?" he muttered.
He continued his subtle questioning, "Marissa,didn't you mention your major to the Curtis family?"
He figured the Curtis family had brought her in now purely for the new drug patent.
Otherwise, why else would they do so at this exact time?
"Dr. Wallace, you're really mistaken!" Holley said,keeping her voice calm though her heart raced.
What was happening here? Why did Brent seem so familiar with Marissa and speak of her with such respect?
Could Marissa really be Dr.Moore?
And would Theodore think the same? After a moment, Holley decided to clarify further."Dr. Moore is a young woman, but she's not my cousin! She has short hair. My cousin, on the other hand,has long hair."
Brent's eyes sharpened. "You've actually seen Dr.Moore?" His curiosity piqued, he leaned closer."Did you get any contact information?"
Holley hesitated, unsure if she should keep up the story. Seeing Theodore's eyes on her, she steeled herself and nodded. "I've seen her, but I didn't get any contact details. She left right after treating Rita. She's very busy."
"It's very difficult to get an appointment with Dr.Moore," an expert interjected. "And we just checked Rita's condition, it doesn't require Dr.Moore's attention anyway."
That seemed like overkill.
"Just because you couldn't get an appointment with her doesn't mean we can't," Holley shot back.
Brent's doubt lingered as he glanced at Barry, who had remained silent. "Did you see Dr.Moore too?"
Barry, though convinced Dr. Moore had operated on Rayden, doubted Holley's claim. Dr. Moore was notoriously elusive... why would she suddenly help Rita? Was it possible her indifference was just a facade,hiding a kind and helpful nature?
Barry snorted under his breath.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you!" Holley huffed.She'd lied, but it annoyed her that no one trusted her. "When Maxton gets here, ask him. He was there with Dr. Griffin. If you don't believe me,check with them!"