Although Joshua could deal heavy blows to Sellers in the stock market, the Burton family''s near-monopoly on global medical resources gave them a stability that was hard to shake.


    Ste knew that even with the Gardner family''s wealth, they couldn''t keep burning money indefinitely.


    If she didn''t seize the opportunity to do something while Joshua was keeping the Burton Group under pressure, his entire campaign would amount to nothing more than an act of vengeance.


    Ste was certain Joshua never did things for momentary satisfaction. And in her hands, she held the key to seizing the Burton Group''s resources.


    What the elder Mr. Burton had given her wasn''t stock, but it was something far more coveted. It was because of what she held that Sellers, Sherman, and Queenie Burton all looked at her with such hatred.


    When Ste and Abby had visited the elder Mr. Burton, he hadn''t seemed surprised at all. Instead, he greeted her with a warm smile. "I''ve been idletely and developed a new medicinal recipe. Come try it and tell me what you think. Does it need any improvement?"


    Ste was a skilled cook with a refined pte. Often, after creating a new therapeutic broth, Old Mr. Burton would consult her on how to adjust the vor to make it more ptable for the general public. Ste, with her basic knowledge of pharmacology, could suggest herbs that would improve the taste without conflicting with the medicinal properties.


    For over two hours, Ste patiently discussed the recipe with Old Mr. Burton until they finalized the form.


    Old Mr. Burton then sat down, inviting Ste and Abby for tea. Without waiting for her to state her purpose, he brought up the topic himself.


    He sighed, a wistful look on his face. "Sherman filled me in on what''s been going on


    at the Burton Grouptely. Hard to believe that kid Joshua is a Gardner."


    Since Old Mr. Burton had "let the wolf into the house," not only by giving Ste resources but also by inadvertently sheltering the very person now attacking his family, Sherman had naturally run to him toin.


    Ste was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Old Mr. Burton, I''m sorry."


    Old Mr. Burton stroked his white beard and smiled. "I may have founded the Burton Group, but I''vez been retired for many years. My temperament is suited for treating patients and prescribing medicine, not for managing a corporation, AS thepany grew, I could feel myself disliking the atmosphere. During meetings, watching them fight tooth and nail over the smallest profits, I even regretted letting the enterprise get so big... It was just one headache after another."


    Old Mr. Burton''s personality was simply not cut out for the corporate world.


    He continued, "Later, I divided the shares and let the most capable take over. Under Sellers''s leadership, the Burton Group''s growth has been unstoppable. But....."


    He shook his is head with a soft sigh. "He values profit too much, and in doing so, he has forgotten about people, Right now, the Burton Group may seem irreceable, But what about in ten or twenty years? Nothing stays the same forever. Sooner orter, the Burton family will be reced."


    At this, Old Mr. Burton let out a long sigh. "I just feel that I''ve let down the partners who fought alongside me in the early days. I moved forward, but


    I left them behind. I was moving too fast to lend them a hand."


    He paused and looked at Ste. "Ste, I know what you''re here to do. Don''t let my involvement cause you to hesitate. Do what you must. You have my full support."