Erik felt his anxiety building beneath the surface, but he couldn't let Annie see any weakness. The Cross family's reputation was at stake.
He gave a firm nod. "Annie's absolutely right. We still carry weight in Hillview. The Eclipse Alliance won't crush us that easily. Darius, you need to keep your head on straight."
Annie continued stroking Erik's ego. "Exactly, Grandpa Erik. You run this town. You own half the hospitals in Hillview. What's there to worry about?"
Darius's shoulders relaxed slightly. "You're right, Dad. Annie makes a good point. Our hospital network is rock-solid. And we've got the Refreshing Pill formula locked down tight.
"The Shaw and Gallagher families were ready to tear each other apart for it at last night's auction.
"Once we create another Refreshing Pill and offer it to Mr. Shaw, we'll have our moment. The Shaw family matches the Eclipse Alliance's power."
