The air in the meeting room grew even heavier.
Some of the high-ranking executives began to whisper and talk among themselves before deciding to speak up and start arguing.
Nathan closely observed the expressions that highlighted their faces as they did so.
One could discern concern in some of them, determination in others. Doubt, and faces full of arrogance.
One of the individuals from the research and development group approached the microphone which each designated seat had and began to speak.
"Director, over the past two months, there have been issues concerning the material and equipment needed to conduct further research on the drugs."
He raised his voice and fixed his tie to process.
"We've been asked to continue with Project Adelaide, however it would require more financial support. We've spoken numerous times with the commercial department team, but to this day, we haven't received any response."
Nathan immediately identified the issue and, as if following a manual, responded precisely.
"The research team was granted an ideal budget at the project's inception. If they are unable to continue the work, it simply means our team is not competent enough for it..."
"Should I be concerned about our staff's capabilities?"
His face displayed a cold and sober gaze.
The research team representative fell silent and decided not to press the issue. The discomfort he felt at that moment was palpable.
He was aware that what he was asking for was more than what had been agreed upon.
Secretary Chen had taught Nathan that in these types of meetings, aside from an obvious power play, he would encounter several unnecessary requests from various departments who only wished to obtain increased profits.
The uncomfortable silence was interrupted by a subtle voice.
"From the legal department."
A young man who appeared to be in his twenties intervened instead of his superior.
His face reflected an honest and gentle gaze, and his manner of speaking was delicate. He displayed soft features and respectful behavior. One couldn't complain.
This was Christian Hilman, Nathan's cousin.
He was the son of Robert Hilman, Nathan's father's older brother, and unlike his father, he had always been close to his cousin and never showed him hostility.
Years ago, when the company still belonged to Nathan's grandfather, there was a major internal discussion.
Robert, being the eldest son, expected to obtain the position of CEO of Healman Pharmaceutical. However, due to his delicate health situation, his father never even considered him as a possible successor.
Yet, it was a topic no one ever discussed in detail, which led Robert himself to be unaware of his father's plans.
Therefore, in his final moments, even though Robert was the eldest son, the company was entrusted to David Hilman, Nathan's father. A young man with great qualities and an intellect gifted in medicine and with grand perspectives.
This decision caused great torment and disappointment for Robert, who had wished since he was young to be the one with power over the entire family.
Thus began the days of torment in the Hilman household.
The rivalry between the two brothers did not remain private and was subject to public scrutiny, although David tried to manage the speculations and news.
His attempts to maintain control were constantly threatened by his brother's envy and fury, affecting his public image and professional life. If he wasn't at home throwing and breaking things, he would go to the company to yell directly in David's face in front of everyone.
The latter, with no other option, made a decision to deal with his brother that would completely change the family's destiny. A decision that caused a profound shift in perspective within the family.
On Robert's side of the family, everyone harbored hostility and resentment towards David, but to this was added a great fear of what he might be capable of doing.
That's why, years later, they decided to remain passive, even though the type of resentment they held was well known.
Even so, as children, Nathan and Christian never felt the same hostility towards each other.
One day, when they were young, Christian was taken to Dr. Hilman's house to meet Nathan for the first time. Seeing his cousin, who was older than him, dedicated, composed, and intelligent, he couldn't help but feel admiration and motivation to also improve himself.
He demonstrated this through his studies, adopting a diligent and responsible attitude in school, and subsequently pursuing a career in law, ending up studying at one of the country's best universities and being hired by one of the largest firms.
Once well-established in his job, he didn't hesitate for a second to show his desire to work alongside his cousin, supporting and assisting in legal cases.
It was in this way that, despite the complaints from his mother and siblings, Christian came to work at Nathan's company as one of the most important pillars, right after the death of the preceding CEO, who would never have allowed that to happen.
The position he momentarily held, however, would naturally soon change, as it was only a matter of time before they realized how effective and useful he was in his work—so much so that Nathan, from the beginning, decided to recommend him as the next representative of the legal department.
He was one of the few people Nathan could trust and turn to in an emergency if something were to happen at the company.
However, this was before he lost his memories.
In the meeting room, Christian was no different from the rest of the executives to him.
That's why, if it weren't for Secretary Chen's approving glance, Nathan would have directed the same look at Christian as he did at the others.
"In recent days, there have been data protection issues in Project Adelaide. But we made sure to protect all information related to the studies and patients."
Christian, who had a serene expression, now furrowed his brows.
"However, I believe it would be more appropriate if the entire project were inspected. From the materials... to the personnel."
The research team representative's forehead began to sweat. It was evident that, despite his desire, he couldn't respond to Christian's suggestion.
Although Nathan didn't remember anything he knew about the company, it was easy to understand what Christian was suggesting.
An inspection to verify that there were no leak sources.
It was obvious that he wanted to once and for all secure the informants who still remained within the company.
However, one of the few things Nathan had clearly planned beforehand was not to react for the time being.
The data leak had been known for some time, as one of the competing companies was showing advances and results that matched those of Healman Pharmaceutical.
That's why Nathan, knowing it was a potentially weighty entity, wanted to first ensure he could confirm and have concise evidence, and if possible, resolve it face-to-face privately.
"I'll keep that in mind," he commented in a mild voice. "For now, we can start with the material inspection."
....
After the meeting, Nathan returned to his office exhausted.
He knew that initiating a general overview of the company's situation would be tiring, but he hadn't imagined just how much.
"Hmmm... And there's still another meeting with the major investors later."
He massaged his glabella with his fingers, trying to calm the throbbing pain in his head, a futile action given the amount of work he still had for the day.
Nathan thought it was a good thing he had just been discharged, otherwise, he didn't know what to expect.
At that moment, he couldn't help but think how comfortable it would be to be at home or go out for some fresh air.
It was inevitable later not to think of Lucian.
Of him and his flushed cheeks, his restless eyes, his smile.
Just thinking about him, his headache calmed down a bit. Unable to go see him, Nathan decided to take out his phone and call him, to at least hear his voice.
"..."
"Hello?"
On the other side of the phone, a sweet, almost childlike voice could be heard, but not enough to be irritating, rather a calming one.
"...Yes? Who is this?"
"You still don't have my number saved? That disappoints me a little."
Nathan, who was desperate to hear his voice, now that he finally was, couldn't help but start the conversation by annoying him a bit.
"Oh God, Nathan?! I'm sorry, I completely forgot!"
Now Lucian's voice had a nervous tone, and he tried to justify himself so as not to look bad in front of him.
"One thing led to another, and I forgot to save it..."
"It's okay. I'll forgive you this time, just because you answered on the first try."
Lucian, remembering the other time, started to laugh.
"Hahaha, that time I was really convinced it was an advertisement. I get them almost all the time."
"Hmm, that's not good."
"It's fine. I manage to block every number that turns out to be spam."
Nathan could hear that Lucian was somewhere else, not home, as there was noise in the background, and it seemed like things were being moved.
"Are you at work?"
"Yes! I'm taking a short break before I start packing some things."
"Okay, try not to exert yourself too much." with a voice full of concern.
"Yes..." Lucian replied with a withdrawn and submissive voice.
Nathan didn't see him, but his cheeks were slightly flushed.
"And you? I imagine you're at home..."
"I'm at work." Nathan now glanced at the watch on his right wrist. He was checking the time.
"I have to resume in about 10 minutes."
"Ah?! That's not good!! You should be resting!?"
Lucian was stunned by the fact that Nathan was made to work right after being discharged from the hospital.
Did they have no consideration, not even for a sick person? And how could he work if he didn't remember anything?
"It just happened that way. Maybe next time I'll have to report them for exploitation, although as the boss, I don't know how that would work."
"Hahaha, that's true. It's a strange situation... It must be very strange for you."
Lucian took on a more serious tone. "Are you sure they're not giving you trouble?"
"...No, I'm fine. For now."
'For now.'
Lucian understood exactly the meaning behind those words.
In their type of sector, competition and envy were through the roof. Far from the fact that the world of pharmaceuticals has always been very controversial, internally, everyone wouldn't hesitate to step on heads for leadership.
It wasn't the best environment. And now that Nathan wasn't in his best condition, it was easier for someone to try to take advantage of his situation.
Lucian felt very uneasy.
That's why, in recent years, he also tried to avoid crossing paths with his family. That was the kind of environment they lived in, and he could never get used to it.
But now that Nathan was also in an unfamiliar environment with that kind of family, it was the equivalent of what Lucian felt.
"Tell me if anything happens. Seriously, anything at all."
"..."
"That feels good..." Nathan couldn't help but comment. "To have a boyfriend who worries."
'Boyfriend'
That word made Lucian tremble with emotion, and he wasn't used to hearing Nathan utter those words.
"Of course I have to worry... it's only natural."
"It's okay."
At that moment, someone could be heard calling Lucian from the other side. It seemed to be his boss, who needed him for something.
Nathan thought it might be time for him to get back to work as well, and so the two said goodbye, not before promising to call the next day.
This time, Nathan warned Lucian that next time, he better have his phone number saved. Otherwise he would search for him at his work.
At that request, Lucian laughed and assured him that this time he would save it.