11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Lily

I love the way he is looking at me. It reminds me of when we were younger, of a time before things changed.

His eyes are still filled with passion, with a fierce desire for my body. He looks as though he wants to devour me, but his eyes are a bit questioning. There is a hint of something else, something I don't recognize.

I love how easily intimidated he gets by my questions. I am not planning to stop asking him questions anytime soon.

"Lily, stay away from the window," he says as he stands up.

"Why?"

"The wood could be fragile."

"Don't you remember how we used to kiss right here?"

"That was before," he says as he comes to stand beside me.

"It could be again."

"Maybe," he says, looking down into my eyes.

His fingers brush across my cheek, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. His hand rests on my shoulder, and I can feel the cold coming from his touch. I look up at him.

"I missed you, Lily."

"I missed you too."

His lips crash against mine. They are just as soft and perfect as I remembered.

"We should go. I have a lunch meeting with my attorney," he says breathlessly, as he pulls away.

"Aren't you just this sophisticated, busy man," I tease, trying to make him smile.

"Lily, the meeting has nothing to do with what is going on between us."

"I know. Your company is important. I don't mind."

"I am trying to fix everything," he says, his tone more serious than I expected.

"I took a look at the file you gave me," I reply, my voice small.

"And?"

"And there are so many things I don't comprehend."

"Such as?"

"Well, I don't know where to start from, actually."

"You can ask me, Lily."

"I've been going through some of your product information and noticed that your pharmaceuticals are quite unique. Can you tell me more about the specific conditions they treat?"

"I thought we've talked about that, Lily."

"Yes. Yes, I am aware. But there is much more to your products than anti-aging skin care."

"I would rather not say too much about it." He takes a step back and puts his hands in his pockets.

"Okay, then," I say. I am trying to keep the curiosity out of my voice, but I know that it is there.

"Our products are designed for highly specialized medical needs, ones that aren't typically covered by mainstream medicine," Ethan says, after a moment of silence.

"Specialized, how?" I look at him, sensing his evasiveness.

"We have a very select clientele. Our products are only useful to those with very specific health requirements."

"Specific health requirements? Are these customers dealing with rare diseases?"

"You could say that. Their needs are very unique. Very ," he says, leaning forward.

"I bet they are."

"You really shouldn't be worried, Lily." His words come out in a rush.

"What? I am not saying I am worried. Simple questions, Ethan."

"Simple," he echoes after me.

"But I don't get it. How does your company ensure that only those who need your products get them? What's the vetting process like?"

Ethan's gaze flickers and his discomfort is more apparent. He clears his throat and looks out the window for a while. The view of oak trees is mesmerizing.

"Well, we conduct thorough background checks and require detailed medical histories. It's quite rigorous."

"And your research and development—why do they differ so much from other pharmaceutical companies? What exactly makes your clients' biology so unique?"

"Our clients have very distinct physiological characteristics that necessitate different approaches," Ethan hesitates. It feels like he is choosing his words carefully.

"Distinct? How? Are you talking about genetic conditions?"

"Yes, Lily. Something like that. It's complex and not easily explained."

"I have also noticed that your supply chain is incredibly discreet. Why all the secrecy?" My suspicion grows, and I can't help but push further.

"Discretion is important. Our clients highly value their privacy, and we must respect that."

"Important enough to avoid any public scrutiny? What exactly are you protecting here?"

"Lily, our work is sensitive. Our clients' safety and confidentiality are paramount. We really need to go," he says and walks towards the ladder, ready to leave, but the way he avoids me makes me want to ask him more questions, even the one I decided not to.

"That's the thing. Not only are your products insanely expensive, but not just anyone can get them."

"Well, that is the main reason why the company is so profitable, Lily."

"And the storage conditions for your products—they're highly unusual. What are you dealing with that requires such specific handling?"

"Easy one. Our products are delicate and must be maintained under strict conditions to ensure their effectiveness. It's nothing to worry about, Lily, really."

I follow him, not entirely convinced, but aware that I pushed as far as I could for now.

"Well, okay," I say, trying to hide my disappointment.

"I know what you are thinking," Ethan says, pausing as he steps down the ladder.

"Do you?" I look up at him, his strong figure outlined in the bright sunlight.

"I do."

"And? Am I being ridiculous?"

"You aren't. You have the right to ask every question you have in mind. I just didn't think you'd have that much," he replies, his tone softer.

"Well, that is how it is," I say with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant.

"I know, Lily. I know," he replies. He turns around and grabs my hand, climbing down the ladder, and heading to the car.

The weather is turning gloomy, with rays of sunlight peeking out of the clouds. The drive to the office is quiet and filled with tension. Ethan seems distracted, and I don't push him further. I want to enjoy this time with him and the silence that fills the air.

"Lily, can I ask you something off the record?" he finally speaks.

I glance at him. His jaw is clenched, and his grip is tight on the steering wheel.

"Of course."

"When you mentioned how secretive the company is, do you think I am doing the right thing by keeping it secretive?"

"I am no one to decide for you."

"You are here in the car with me, Lily Snow. We were just at our favorite place on earth, so yes, your opinion matters to me."

"Maybe some things are kept secret for a reason. It's not always about hiding something bad."

"It's more than that. At Rothschild Pharmaceuticals, we just handle things differently."

"Like you've said, Ethan. You just want to meet the needs of your clients, but I can't help but wonder, how far are you going to achieve that?"

"Well, our clients do have unique needs, so it is our job to meet those needs, no matter how unconventional they might seem."

"Unconventional is one thing, but being the FDA's target is a whole new level."

"I know. They will start requesting documents soon enough."

"What does that mean for your company?"

"It means we have to be even more careful. Every step we take, every document we release, all must be flawless. We can't afford any mistakes."

"But what if they find out the truth about your products? About whom they're really for?"

"Truth?" Ethan glances at me, his eyes dark with concern.

"You've been talking about nothing but specific needs. Maybe the nature of your clientele is suspicious."

"I am working on it," he says, slightly chuckling.

"Well, I hope they don't find out any dark truths."

Ethan laughs, and it sounds so natural. It is music to my ears.

"Dark truths," he says, shaking his head.

"It's the truth, and it isn't funny. If they find out that your clients are special, literally, or not, you will be in a lot of trouble."

"That's what I need to prevent at all costs. If the FDA discovers the true nature of our clientele, it could mean the end for me. Not just the company, but everything I have built, everything I have worked for."

"It won't be that easy," I chuckle as I shake my head.

"Meaning?"

"They can't easily demolish such a persuasive man as you."

"I am not sure what you mean by that, Lily."

"Don't play coy with me, Ethan. You know what I am talking about. You are good at what you do, and you will not give up easily. That is a fact."

"I appreciate the support, but I can't help but feel anxious."

"Anxious how?"

"If the FDA finds out, it will destroy the company and everything I have."

"Well, you made it clear to me yesterday that you are not going against the law, so why are you worried?"

"Yes. True that," he says, his voice low.

The rest of the drive is spent in silence, and Ethan pulls into the underground parking lot at the office building. I get out and wait for him, but instead of walking inside, he grabs my hand and leads me to the elevator.

"Where are we going?" I ask, my heart racing. It is not fear, but excitement.

"To the basement. I need to show you something."

"Ethan, I really must get to work. Can't it wait until later? I still need to plan for the rest of the offices."

"No, it can't," he says as we walk into the elevator. He presses the button for the basement, and the door closes.

"I'm not sure why you're being so secretive," I say.

"Am I being secretive? I just thought you might be interested in seeing the storage unit for the products."

"Okay. I guess it won't hurt."

We walk out of the elevator and down a hallway, Ethan stops at a metal door. He unlocks the door and leads me inside. It is dimly lit, but I can see rows of shelves lined with boxes and various equipment. Ethan stops at a table, opens a laptop, and then begins typing.

"This is the storage unit," he explains, pointing to the shelves.

"Yes, I can see that," I laugh, shaking my head.

"And this is the laptop I personally use to track the products that go out."

"Don't you have people specialized enough to do that?"

"Yes, Lily, I do. But I can't help to do things on my own sometimes."

"Ethan, I love your enthusiasm, but I am not sure why you are showing me all of this."

"Because I need your help."

"Me? I don't know anything about this kind of stuff, Ethan."

"But you have an eye for detail. I need your help making sure nothing is suspicious, and everything is perfect."

"Ethan, I am not sure what you are talking about," I avoid looking at him. I know he knows something, but I can't put a finger on what it is.

"Lily, please. This is important."

"Okay, fine. I will help you. I will at least try to. I am still not sure what kind of help is needed from me, though, but I am willing to try."

"Thank you. Now, would you look at this guy right here?" he says, as he points at the screen. The profile shows a picture of a young man, in his early twenties, and it looks like an ID photo of some kind.

"Are we looking at something pertinent?" I say, laughing nervously.

"Yes, we do. But do you think he looks suspicious?" he asks, his hand placed on the edge of the desk.

"He looks like a regular guy."

"Right. But do look at his profile."

"Ethan, I am not sure if this is a good idea. I feel like I am invading someone's privacy," I say as I stare at him. I can see a sparkle in his eyes, but it is not his usual playful one. There is something else there.

"Look at the details," he continues, pointing at the screen, right at the shipping address.

"His name is Demetrius Daire, and that is the address he provided to the company."

"Do you think it is legitimate?"

"It is a residential area."

"Oh," I nodded.

"But an abandoned one."

"What?" I turn to face him, frowning.

"Look closer."

I lean over to examine the screen.

"Is it a street or an address?"

"Neither."

"Ethan, is this a joke? Why would anyone provide an abandoned address?"

"You tell me. Maybe he doesn't want to be traced."

"I don't get it."

"Neither do I."

"This is weird. Who is he exactly? Someone from your circle?"

"He is one of our newest buyers. He has been buying a massive number of products."

I stare at the screen for the longest time. There is something about his eyes. It gives me chills. He looks like a criminal. I look back at Ethan, who is watching me intently, analyzing my facial expressions.

"Pertinent thoughts you got going there. I can feel it from the look in your eyes," Ethan chuckles.

"He looks dangerous, like someone you wouldn't want to cross paths with. Those eyes, and that lightning scar on his neck."

"I am saying the same things."

"Is he a trustworthy client? I mean, he looks like he could be just a scammer."

"A scammer would not spend so much money on our exclusive products if he doesn't need them, Lily."

"Exclusive? What do you mean by that?"

"We've been developing products that push the boundaries of conventional medicine. Some are not exactly legal, but they offer incredible benefits. I can see that Demetrius demanded the best, and he is willing to pay a premium for it."

"Are those products the reason the FDA is after you?"

"You get it now, Lily Snow," he says, smiling slightly as he stares at me.

"I just hope this doesn't bring more trouble than it's worth."

"Hopefully," he clears his throat.

"God, those eyes. They give me chills."

"Don't stare for too long then," he says, and slams the laptop shut.

His face is hard to read. It is like he is hiding something. It is like he is worried that I might dig too deep into this. But why would he be worried about something like that? Is there a secret hidden beneath the surface? I can feel the tension, but I try to hide it.

"Ethan, I can't help but notice the tension on your face right now."

"Well, aren't you an observant little one?" he grins.

"I am just saying."

"There is no tension. Just concern, Lily. And I guess I just needed an honest opinion concerning what I just showed you."

"You are the expert. You should know what you are doing."

"Sometimes it's hard to think clearly, especially when I'm around you," he says.

"Ethan, I-"

He cuts me off, moving closer and putting his hand on my waist.

"You make me lose my train of thought."

"It is best if I get to the office. I have lots-"

"Lots of planning to do, yes, I am aware of that," he interrupts me again.

"And your lunch meeting?" I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

"I'm not hungry. Not for food at least," he says, licks his lips, and places his hand on my shoulder. He does it a lot. I wonder if it is his way of intimidating me.

"You're insatiable," I whisper, my body melting into his touch.

"My attorney can give me a call any minute now," he says, running his other hand through his soft hair.

"Then, I should really get going."

I smile at him and remove his hand from my shoulder, making my way to the elevator.

I suddenly can't help but notice a unit of medical equipment with an odd name, something that I have never read or heard of before.

"Ethan, what's that?"

"No, Lily. Stay away from that."