Chapter 38. Sharp
Jason stood in the heart of the formulation suite, the quiet hum of air filtration systems and the occasional clink of glass the only sounds in the room. Bright, surgical lighting gleamed off metal trays filled with cream samples—each one slightly different in hue, thickness, and scent.
This was the twenty-third iteration of the product.
He scooped a dab from the latest jar and spread it over the back of his hand. Smooth texture. Immediate absorption. No oily sheen. The herbal base left behind a clean, natural scent that was subtle but present.
A small smile tugged at his mouth.
Close.
"Test group feedback?" he asked without looking up.
Daisy, ever calm, stood nearby with a digital tablet. "Batch 23A showed a 96% satisfaction rate. No allergic reactions reported. Five testers noted smoother skin after four hours. One said it reminded her of luxury spa-grade product lines."
Jason nodded. "Tell the lab to log this one as a control. Have them prep long-term stability tests—heat, light, and time."
"Already in motion," Daisy replied. "Also, the packaging mockups arrived this morning. Would you like to review them now?"
"In a minute," he said, setting the jar down with care. "What about the delivery confirmation from Bellpharma?"
There was a pause.
"...They’ve withdrawn."