The Wrong Woman
Chapter 311

Nathan stood firm, his voice a beacon of calm assurance. “Dr. Lawrence, please share your mindfreely.”

Joe responded, “To produce Glacial Elixir, which is vital for air purification, demands a substantialsupply of Azurium.”

At these words, Nathan’s expression darkened, and a flurry of discussion erupted among the others.

“Our nation lacks the capability to produce Azurium. We’re dependent on imports.”

“Yes, even acquiring a small amount costs a fortune. A pound fetches billions of dollars.”

“If the required quantity is too vast, it becomes impractical.”

After a brief pause for reflection, Nathan asked, “Roughly how much do we need?”

“Initial calculations point to about a hundred pounds,” Joe replied.

A procurement minister from the military base rose incredulously. “A hundred pounds? That’s over 40billion dollars! The treasury doesn’t have such a budget. Are you joking?”

Fenna smirked with a hint of mockery. “In that case, Ms. York’s proposal seems unfeasible.”

Joe hurriedly interjected, “Mr. Morrison, this concerns the health of tens of thousands of people. Wecan’t delay clearing the pollutants. Using traditional methods not only takes longer but is also lesseffective.”

“Besides Azurium, are there any other chemicals that could be used as substitutes?” Nathancountered.

Joe shook his head.

Nathan continued, “The treasury has allocated 10 billion dollars, but after deducting for civilian andmedical aid, the remaining funds are far from sufficient. This plan is not feasible.”

Joe grew agitated. “General Morrison, this is the best solution. Let’s negotiate with other countries tolower the price.”

Fenna retorted, “Dr. Lawrence, do you think this is a market?”

Joe, feeling restless, sighed helplessly. Just then, Mila entered with Phoebe. Joe looked at her as if shewas his savior. “Ms. York, you’ve arrived just in time. Please, speak to General Morrison.”

She handed Nathan a stack of freshly printed documents. Nathan was taken aback. He frowned as heexamined the papers, then slowly accepted them.

Mila, composed and unruffled, said, “Get the Armaments Division to work overtime to produce thismachine. Try to have it ready by tomorrow morning.

“The last page contains the raw materials needed. They’re stored in the Norvania and are reasonablypriced. We’ll need about two tons. Prepare all these items, and leave the rest to me.

She added, “It will only cost around two billion dollars to produce a hundred pounds of Azurium.”

The room fell into stunned silence, with every face reflecting disbelief as they murmured amongthemselves.

“Is this some of joke? Producing Azurium on our own?”

sort

“Who does she think she is? Can just anyone create Azurium manufacturing machines?”

Nathan studied the blueprints intently, his features darkening with each passing moment.

Meanwhile, Fenna, overhearing nearby conversations, grasped the daunting challenge at hand. Risingfrom her seat, she approached Nathan, intent on examining the documents.” Nate, may I have a look?”

But before Nathan could respond, the ever–vigilant Phoebe swiftly snatched the blueprints away andfixed a stern gaze on Fenna. “This isn’t something you have the right to see.”

Fenna let out an exasperated snort. “What’s with the secrecy? In times like these, disaster relief takesprecedence. What could possibly be so confidential?”

Mila’s expression darkened, but she remained silent.

Phoebe shot Nathan a disapproving look. “As the general of the military base, you should know betterthan anyone else. There are only three countries in the world capable of producing this machine. It’sclassified technology.

“And as for the Azurium production methods, even fewer scientists possess that expertise. These arepriceless technologies beyond monetary value.”

Fenna added sarcastically, “Given the global scale of this top–secret technology, may I ask where yougot these blueprints? And how did you acquire such advanced technology?”

Mila’s expression soured further while Phoebe seethed with frustration, her clenched fists betraying herinner turmoil.