In Presley''s eyes, David had probably brought this young woman on board because of the valuable recipes she had. Not wanting to lose face, he gave Mirabe a fancy title as vice president, though it didn''t mean much beyond the name. It was a title without the perks and responsibilities that a real vice president would have.


    The paperwork Presley handed over to Mirabe outlined the association''s rules and also included a list of benefits for an actual vice president. These benefits were even more alluring than the ones Mr. Boyd originally offered, enough to make anyone think twice.


    Presley was pretty sure he could win her over. But just as he felt confident she wouldn''t refuse, Mirabe casually nodded and said, "Why wouldn''t I be willing?" If it wasn''t for the endless and free supply of ingredients, she wouldn''t care about the position, not even if they offered her the top spot.


    Presley was taken aback by her response, hardly believing his ears. After a beat, he replied, raising his voice a notch, "Do you even realize what you''re saying? Did you even bother to read the document? This is about being a bona fide vice president!"


    Was there really someone who wasn''t tempted by such a position? Was she out of her mind?


    Mirabe looked at Presley as if he were the naive one, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. “Trading recipes for a vice president''s role—seriously, is the association that desperate?"


    The benefits looked better than what David had initially offered, but they came with a catch: handing over ten ancient recipes. For any physician, recipes are closely guarded secrets, especially the ancient ones. Asking for ten was beyond bold-it was outrageous.


    Presley caught the jab in her words right away, his expression darkening a bit, but he kept it cool. "Trading recipes for the vice president''s position is a win-win deal."


    Mirabe''s smile was a bit forced. "Sorry, but I''ve never been one for fame and fortune."


    Presley saw through her indifference, his tone turning icy. "So you''re saying no to my generous offer?"


    "Obviously." Mirabe nodded, unshaken.


    Presley narrowed his eyes. "Do you understand what consequences might follow if you turn me down today?"


    Mirabe barely lifted an eyelid. "Oh, consequences don''t really bother me. Just curious, aren''t you just a vice president?"


    Presley''s face fell, especially after her jab at him being ''just a vice president.'' It hit a sore spot.


    "If you''re just a vice president, what gives you


    the right to talk Preset


    renegotiate contracts with me?"


    Sabe''s voice cut through again.


    After all, isn''t everyone just a vice president in some way? Even a nominal one.


    Presley red at Mirabe, unused to anyone speaking to him like this. Even David, always the gentleman, never dared. Was she acting so bold because of some tie to the Shepherd family?


    After a tense silence, Presley finally spoke, "Don''t refuse a good offer just to end up with a bad deal. This contract, you''re going to sign it, like it or not."