?Chapter 1027:


    “Wait—you’re setting up your own researchb?”


    “Why does that surprise you?”


    “It’s such a huge undertaking. I’m worried it’ll be more than you can handle.”


    Dunn’s response was measured. “Finch Group has always coborated with external research institutes. But when ites time to file patents for the drug we’re developing, we’ll find ourselves drowning inwsuits.”


    He chuckled. “The old coborative model just doesn’t fit with my vision for Finch Group’s future.”


    Aurora nodded, chewing over his words. “But if you go through with this, you’ll be stepping on the toes of some powerfulbs. Do you really think they’ll let that slide?”


    “I’ve proposed a new model,” Dunn exined. “It won’t bring in profits at first, but once it takes off, the returns will far outweigh the risks.”


    With no profits in the early stages, there was no way Finch Group’s board of directors would sign off on it. After all, they were all stubborn conservatives—set in their ways, old, and focused solely on squeezing out as much profit as they could before retiring.


    As a result, they would never back Dunn on a project that didn’t promise immediate profits.


    Aurora fell silent, the weight of his challenges settling heavily on her. For the first time, she truly grasped how steep the uphill climb was for him. “Would you be open to a rmendation?”


    “I’m listening. Who do you have in mind?”


    “You probably know her—Lynda Baldwin. She’s in the same department as you.”


    A flicker of confusion crossed Dunn’s face. “You know her?”


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    Aurora offered a knowing smile. “Yes. She is exceptionally gifted. She’s every bit as skilled as you are in pharmaceutical engineering. If you can bring her onto your team, it’ll be a game-changer. And her parents? Both veterans in this field. With a team like that, even the most stubborn critics in yourpany wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.”


    Dunn nodded. “That sounds promising, but I’m more intrigued by how you know my ssmate.”


    Aurora leaned casually against the edge of the table in front of him. She wasn’t about to admit to Dunn how she’d painstakingly dug into his past before.


    “Um, I just remembered—I have reading to do. See youter!”


    Dunn, quick to catch her intention, stood and blocked her path.


    With her lower back pressed firmly against the edge of the table, Aurora leaned back awkwardly. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she turned her face to the side.


    “Dunn, you’re too close.”


    “Why won’t you answer me?” he asked.


    Aurora’s heartbeat hammered like a wild drum. Dunn stepped closer, theck of sight emboldening him. He couldn’t see her flustered state, but he could sense her unease.


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