While My Husband Cheated, I Married His Powerful Brother

Xiomara blinked. "My assistance? With what?"

Caspian’s voice was low. "The serum. SN1818. The heart drug developed by Grace Tong." He paused. "I heard that Dr. Harrison is looking for a business partner. Someone to manufacture and distribute it."

Xiomara’s eyes widened. "You want to get involved with that?"

"I want to be the partner." Caspian sat down on the sofa across from her. His expression was serious. "This could be huge. Billions. And I’m not going to let some other company beat me to it."

Xiomara’s mind raced. She knew Dr. Harrison. Everyone in medical circles knew him. He was the best cardiologist in the city. If he was backing this Grace, the serum was legitimate.

But how to get to him? He was notoriously difficult to reach. He didn’t take meetings with just anyone.

Then Xiomara remembered.

"Dr. Harrison," Xiomara said slowly. "That’s the name you mentioned. My mentor, Professor Charles Sterling, knows him well. They’ve worked together for years."

Caspian leaned forward. "How close are they?"

"Very close. They collaborate on research, publish papers together, serve on the same medical boards." Xiomara’s smile widened. "If anyone can get you a meeting with Dr. Harrison, it’s Professor Sterling."

Xiomara crossed her legs. She was enjoying this. Caspian needed her. For once, she had something he wanted.

"Professor Sterling thinks very highly of me," she said. "I was his favorite student. He’s always said I have a gift for understanding people."

Caspian’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like being dependent on anyone. But he needed this deal.

"Can he get us in?" he asked.

"He can do more than that." Xiomara leaned forward. "He can recommend your company directly to Dr. Harrison. A personal recommendation from Professor Sterling carries enormous weight."

Caspian was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Then we need to meet with him. Tonight."

Xiomara laughed. "Tonight? You don’t understand. Professor Sterling is a busy man. He doesn’t just see anyone who shows up at his door."

"Then make him see us."

Xiomara’s smile faded. She didn’t like his tone. But she needed him.

"Fine," she said. "I’ll call him. But you need to let me handle it. He likes flattery. He likes deference. If you go in there acting like you own the place, he’ll shut us down immediately."

Caspian nodded reluctantly. "I’ll follow your lead.”

Xiomara pulled out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts. Professor Charles Sterling. She hadn’t called him in months.

She took a breath and pressed dial.

The phone rang twice. Then a warm, familiar voice answered.

"Xiomara! It’s been a while."

She smiled. Her voice became sweet. Deferential. "Professor Sterling. I’m so sorry to disturb you. I hope you’re well."

"I’m well, I’m well. Busy, as always. But I always have time for my favorite student." He chuckled. "What can I do for you?"

Xiomara hesitated. She didn’t want to sound too eager.

"Professor," she said, "I was hoping to ask you about something I heard recently. Something about a new heart drug. SN1818."

There was a pause on the line. Then Professor Sterling said, "Where did you hear about that?"

"Word travels fast in medical circles," Xiomara said lightly. "Is it true? Does it really work as well as they say?"

Professor Sterling sighed. "It’s true. I’ve seen the data. Dr. Harrison showed me the test results." His voice grew wistful. "A lifetime of my own research, and this young upstart named Grace has produced something that makes my work look like child’s play."

Xiomara tried to sound sympathetic. "Professor, you’ve accomplished so much. One drug doesn’t diminish your life’s work."

"You’re kind, Xiomara. But I’m old enough to recognize when I’ve been surpassed." He chuckled bitterly. "Grace is either a genius or very lucky."

Xiomara seized the opening. "Lucky, I’m sure. Anyone can stumble onto something good once."

Professor Sterling gave a wry smile, though she couldn’t see it. "Perhaps. But it’s more than I ever stumbled onto."

Xiomara continued to heap on the flattery. "Professor, no one compares to you. Your research on cardiomyopathy is still the gold standard. Everyone knows that."

"Enough, enough," he said, but he was pleased. "What is it you really want?"

Xiomara hesitated. Then she decided to be direct.

"I have a friend," she said. "A businessman. He runs a pharmaceutical company. He’s very interested in partnering with Dr. Harrison on SN1818."

"Ah." Professor Sterling’s voice was knowing. "And you want me to put in a good word."

"Only if you think he’s worthy, Professor. I wouldn’t ask you to recommend someone who wasn’t qualified."

Professor Sterling was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "Who is this friend?"

"Caspian. He runs his own pharmaceutical company. Very successful. Very reputable."

"Have you met this Grace?" Professor Sterling asked.

"No one has," Xiomara said. "Dr. Harrison keeps her hidden. Refuses to let anyone see her."

Professor Sterling chuckled. "That’s what I heard. Dr. Harrison says Grace won’t meet with anyone except him. Very secretive."

Xiomara filed that information away.

"Professor," Xiomara said, "would you and Mrs. Sterling like to join us for dinner sometime? My treat."

Professor Sterling laughed. "You’re too obvious, Xiomara. You clearly have a favor to ask."

Xiomara feigned a pouty tone. "Professor, can’t I just want to see you?"

"You can. But you also want something." He laughed again. "Fine. I’ll help you. But don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing."

Xiomara smiled. "Thank you, Professor. You won’t regret it."

She hung up the phone. She turned to Caspian.

"We’re going to his house tonight. Seven o’clock."

Caspian nodded. "What should I bring?"

"Good wine. And a gift. He’s always complaining about his old fountain pen. Get him a nice one."

Caspian stood up. "I’ll make the preparations."

*

The early evening sun cast long shadows across the driveway.

Xiomara smoothed her dress. She had changed three times before settling on a simple navy blue sheath. Elegant. Professional. Not too flashy.

Caspian wore a dark suit. His hair was freshly cut. He carried a gift box containing a fountain pen and a bottle of fine wine.

They walked up the steps to Professor Charles Sterling’s home. The house was old, set back from the road behind a wall of flowering vines.

Xiomara rang the bell.

The door opened. Professor Sterling stood there, smiling. He was in his seventies, with silver hair and kind eyes. He wore a cardigan over a button-down shirt.

"Xiomara. You look lovely as always."

"Professor." She kissed him on both cheeks. "This is Caspian."

Caspian extended his hand. "Professor Sterling. It’s an honor to finally meet you."

Professor Sterling shook his hand. His grip was firm. "Come in. My wife is making tea."

They sat in the living room. The furniture was old but well-maintained. Bookshelves lined the walls.

Mrs. Sterling brought tea. She chatted briefly, then excused herself.

Professor Sterling set down his teacup. "So. You want to partner with Dr. Harrison on SN1818."

Caspian nodded. "I believe my company has the resources and expertise to bring the drug to market efficiently."

Professor Sterling studied him. "Dr. Harrison is very protective of this Grace. She’s anonymous for a reason."

"I understand. I don’t need to know who she is. I just need to partner with Dr. Harrison."

Professor Sterling nodded slowly. Then he picked up his phone.

He dialed. The phone rang. A voice answered.

"Dr. Harrison," Professor Sterling said warmly. "It’s Charles Sterling. How are you?"

Dr. Harrison’s voice came through the speaker. "Charles! I’m well. Busy as always. What’s this about?"

"Straight to the point, as always." Professor Sterling chuckled. "I have a friend here. A businessman. He’s interested in your SN1818 project."

Dr. Harrison was quiet for a moment. "You know I’m handling that myself, Charles. I have my own process."

"I know. I know. But hear me out. This is a good man. His company is solid. And he’s willing to move quickly."

Dr. Harrison’s voice was curious. "Who is this friend?"

"Caspian. He runs a pharmaceutical company. I’ve looked into his track record. Very solid."

Another pause. Then Dr. Harrison said, "I know the company. They’ve done good work in the past."

Caspian and Xiomara exchanged glances. This was good. Very good.

Dr. Harrison continued, "Oceanic Pharmaceuticals has an impressive track record. I’ll keep them in mind."

Caspian’s heart leaped. Oceanic Pharmaceuticals was his company. And Dr. Harrison knew it.

Professor Sterling smiled. "That’s all I ask. Thank you, Charles."

"Thank you for the recommendation. I trust your judgment."

They exchanged pleasantries for another minute. Then Dr. Harrison hung up.

Professor Sterling set down the phone. He looked at Caspian. "He’ll consider you. That’s more than most people get."

Caspian bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Professor. I’m grateful for your help."

Professor Sterling waved a hand. "Don’t thank me yet. The partnership isn’t guaranteed. Dr. Harrison is very selective. And this Grace... she has the final say."

Xiomara leaned forward. "Do you think there’s a chance?"

"There’s always a chance." Professor Sterling smiled. "Now, let’s have dinner. My wife has been cooking all day."

He stood up. Caspian and Xiomara followed him into the dining room.

The table was set with fine china. Candles flickered. Mrs. Sterling brought out dish after dish.

Professor Sterling raised his glass. "To new opportunities."

Caspian raised his glass. "To new opportunities."

Xiomara smiled.

She had opened the door. Now Caspian would have to walk through it.