Chapter 309
In the end, Elissa’s achievements left everyone speechless, their earlier skepticism swept away.
The days when seniority alone decided victory were long gone.
Aaron glanced around at the astonished faces now directed at his protégé, pride stretching his smile until his cheeks ached.
“This drug wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of my mentor and every member of our research team,” Elissa said, unfazed by the waves of surprise, her voice calm and clear. “When the medication launches, I hope you’ll all join us for the press conference p>
“Absolutely, we wouldn’t miss it for the world p>
“Ms. Drummond, you’re truly impressive–so young and already accomplished p>
“Ms. Drummond, I’m the CEO of Aevum Biosciences. Here, let me give you my card p>
Before she could say another word, a crowd pressed in, eager to introduce themselves.
In that moment, she was simply Elissa.
People who’d never spared a glance for anyone outside their exclusive circles–political heavyweights, captains of industry–now focused all their attention on her.
Being a lead developer for a major cancer treatment would be enough to secure her a place among these elites.
And she was only twenty–five.
Her future stretched out, long and full of promise. No one could guess just how far she might go.
If there was ever a time to get on her good side, it was now.
From a distance, Rowan watched her handle the crowd with unflappable composure–fielding flattery, probing questions, and overtures of friendship as if she’d been born for it.
She never showed the slightest hint of nerves.
Standing beside him, lan glanced over at his employer’s expression and couldn’t help but say, “Sir, she’s walked the path you laid out for her beautifully p>
Rowan smiled faintly. “She made her own way p>
He knew better than a
nyone: Elissa’s success was hard–won, her own determination carrying her further than any help he’d offered.
Elissa lingered in the ballroom, fielding greetings and conversations until her head spun. At last, she excused herself for a moment of respite.
She’d always admired how effortlessly Rowan navigated these gatherings, but now she realized just how exhausting it was.
It was more draining than hours spent in the lab or clinic–everyone wanted something, everyone wore a mask.
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18:35
Chapter 310
By the time she stepped away, her hand was full of business cards, and her phone buzzed with new messages from people she’d only seen on the news before tonight.
“Ms. Drummond, finally catching a break p>
She had just reached the corridor when someone caught her wrist. The emergency stairwell lights flickered on as she was gently pressed against the wall.
The heavy fire door closed, shutting out the noise and music.
All around her, she breathed in Rowan’s familiar scent–rich and grounding.
She was still in high spirits, and as she looked up into Rowan’s dark eyes, her lips curved into a playful smile. “So, Mr. Murphy, did you really wait for me out here p>
The implication was clear: the infamous Mr. Murphy, lurking by the ladies‘ room like a common
rogue.
Rowan didn’t seem offended. He lowered his gaze, taking in her bright eyes and dazzling smile, his voice low and smooth. “Of course. How could I not, with Ms. Drummond being the star of the night p>
“Rowan…” Elissa smiled, holding his gaze for a long, silent moment before saying softly, “I think I owe you a thank you p>
There were things she still resented him for.
But for this, she needed to say it.
Rowan understood. His eyes traced the delicate lines of her face, his tone gentle and inviting. “How do you plan to thank me p>
Elissa had only sipped her wine out of politeness, so her mind was clear. Knowing Rowan, she suspected he was setting a trap.
She didn’t take the bait. “I’ll keep pushing ahead–and develop a version of this medicine that’s actually affordable p>
The cost was still too high. For now, she hadn’t found a better solution.
But Rowan was always a step ahead. He leaned in, his body pressing close to hers, his voice a quiet murmur. “That’s a thank you to Murphy Group. I asked–how will you thank me p>
Even through two layers of fabric, she could feel the heat radiating from him,
It burned through her, throwing her heart and mind into chaos.