Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2537

Mikayla smiled smugly. The younger generation of the Webster family was all guys with wandering eyes but no guts. Compared to the scions from other elite families who were bold and brazen with expert flirting skills, only the Webster family stuck to their old-fashioned ways, with all the men acting shy and reserved.

The younger men of the Webster family were so conservative that it felt like stepping into an old aristocratic house from centuries ago; dull, uptight, and absolutely no fun.

Nonetheless, that only made it the perfect stage for Mikayla to perform. Once those sheltered boys caught sight of her grace, she knew they would be utterly captivated, and the rest of her act would go smoothly.

Once everyone was seated, Theon went straight to business. "Mrs. Webster Senior, I'm sure you already know why we came today. So, I won't waste your time. Sovereign's Apothecary is here with full sincerity, hoping the Webster family will grant us this year's alchemy supply quota. What do you think?"

Helda replied, "The Webster family doesn't require many potions, so whether we work with Sovereign's Apothecary or another supplier doesn't really matter. The change this year is simply because our family has its own considerations."

Theon frowned slightly. "May I ask what those considerations are?"

Helda chuckled. "There's nothing to hide. This year, my daughter, Maddie, will handle the family's alchemy orders. She plans to source everything through her own circle of connections. To be honest, Mr. Orben, your products haven't changed much over the years, and your prices have become rather high. So Maddie decided to help lighten the family's load."

Theon's eyes widened. "Maddie? Do you mean Ms. Madeline Webster? She's been in seclusion all these years, devoted entirely to her alchemy studies. Is she finally coming out?"

Helda sighed softly. "If only it were that simple. Rather than calling it research, I'd say she's been avoiding responsibility. I'm her mother, so I've let her be, but Melvin can't keep watching her waste away like that. So under some pressure, she finally agreed to take on something for the family."

His tone suddenly shifted, as if something weighed on his mind.

Melvin and the others exchanged questioning looks, wondering what he meant.

Inside, Theon was secretly pleased. If the Webster family wanted to send Madeline to Sovereign's Apothecary, then gaining leverage over them would be child's play. He thought, if they were trying to bypass the Apothecary or reject the deal, they could forget about it now.

Since the Websters clearly needed something from him, he would play along and be respectful for now. But in return, he fully intended to make them pay a proper price later.