Chapter 62
Sophie's face wore a pleasant smile, her voice soft and gentle, yet hiding sharp barbs beneath.
Today's small gathering at Dean Percival Cross's place was exclusively for Bellevue Medical School's elite alumni.
By any measure, Emily had no right to be here.
After speaking, Sophie seemed to realize her words were inappropriate and gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Ward. I didn't mean it like that..."
"Ms. Laurent," Matthew suddenly interrupted, naturally guiding Emily to sit down. "She's here as my date."
His gaze swept over Alexander beside Sophie, his expression seemingly casual yet containing hidden mockery. "Just like Mr. Foster."
Those simple words made his position clear, sending a flash of dangerous anger through Alexander's eyes.
But it lasted only a moment.
Everyone present was accomplished and socially adept—they wouldn't create conflict over a few words.
Percival, unaware of their private entanglements, assumed the tension was merely professional rivalry between Matthew and Sophie's academic mentors.
He smiled and smoothed things over. "This is just a private gathering, not an academic discussion. Everyone, please relax."
Sophie was socially brilliant, and Matthew had known Percival since childhood. With the mediation of others, the table's atmosphere soon became cordial.
Emily, preoccupied with her thoughts and generally uninterested in social drinking, mostly kept her head down and focused on her food.
"Mr. Thompson," Sophie suddenly said with a smile, "you and Ms. Ward seem very close. You even offered her a position at your company."
Matthew's company wasn't large, but it had an excellent reputation in the industry.
Countless students and alumni had tried their hardest to secure positions there.
He was known for his strict standards—hiring based solely on merit, never allowing nepotism. This had only elevated his status among Bellevue's medical students.
Yet he had hired Emily, who hadn't even completed her graduate degree, and placed her in his research lab.
The other guests now looked at them with obvious knowing glances.
Alexander's eyes narrowed as he gripped his wine glass tighter, staring coldly at Matthew.
Matthew seemed oblivious to the undercurrents. He simply smiled. "I hired Emily because she deserves it."
He glanced at Emily. Their eyes met, and in that moment, they understood each other's intentions.
To others, it looked like they shared a special connection.
To Alexander, it was like a thorn piercing his heart, filling him with rage he couldn't express.
"Emily took a leave of absence under special circumstances, and she's now back to complete her studies. Her research abilities are exceptional—she's made new discoveries in her work with the fish herb."
Those last words were spoken softly, but they caused everyone at the table to react.
Especially Sophie.
She had built her career on Emily's research.
Even with her limited pharmaceutical knowledge, Sophie knew that the fish herb was Emily's primary research focus. Had there been a major breakthrough?
Sophie's mind raced as she tentatively asked, "What kind of discovery? Can you share a little?"
"What new discovery could she possibly have?" Alexander finally spoke, his voice cold and dismissive. "If she were truly that talented, she wouldn't have dropped out. Always doing attention-seeking things—who knows what she's really after."
After stealing her research and giving it to Sophie, he still had the nerve to wound her this way.
Emily's hand holding the fork tensed slightly. Remembering her plan with Matthew, she forced a smile. "Mr. Foster, as inadequate as I may be, at least I understand the relevant terminology. You're sitting here, probably not understanding a word we're saying. Between us, you're the ornamental one."
Her words caused several people at the table to gasp.
Alexander might not be part of their academic circle, but his name was universally recognized.
Had Emily lost her mind or grown too bold to call him ornamental?
Sophie noticed the tension between them and quickly intervened with a smile, though her eyes remained fixed on Emily. "Alexander is here to support me in case I'm pressured to drink. I didn't expect to see you here, Ms. Ward. Why don't you tell us about your new discovery? We'd all love to hear it."
Everyone present was a medical professional or expert, clearly interested in the topic. The earlier tension dissipated.
Emily obviously couldn't discuss unpublished experimental data in such a setting, but she spoke eloquently about related concepts.
Even so, everyone was impressed by her detailed data and unique perspectives, and they eagerly engaged her in conversation.
Midway through, Emily excused herself to use the restroom.
Since the one in their private room was occupied, she stepped out for some fresh air.
After finishing in the restroom, she was washing her hands at the sink when Alexander's cold voice came from behind her. "You're that eager for me to destroy Matthew?"
He appeared so quickly!
She'd thought if he didn't approach her first, there might be another explanation for the theft of her research.
But every time he came to her, it was for Sophie's sake—this time was no different, though his motives were more hidden, more unspeakable.
She suppressed the burning pain rising in her chest, methodically washed her hands, and pulled out a paper towel to dry them. Her eyes met his in the mirror.
"You came to threaten me? Aren't you worried Sophie will see and be upset?" Emily mocked.
'Hah, he is probably eager to confront me and get my research for Sophie.' She thought helplessly.
The thought made her expression cold. Strangely, Alexander's face seemed to soften slightly.
He stepped forward, placing his hands on the sink counter, trapping Emily between himself and the sink.
He didn't lean down, but his familiar scent immediately enveloped her, making her heart skip a beat and her eyes flash with momentary panic.
Then a thought struck her... had every intimate moment between them been a ploy to steal her research?
He was willing to sacrifice anything for Sophie!
The momentary flutter in her heart instantly died, becoming still as a stagnant pool.
She continued to watch him in the mirror, but the coldness in her eyes intensified.
"What? Afraid I'll go after Matthew?" He asked, lowering his gaze to Emily in his arms.
Emily's features remained as exquisite as ever, but her eyes had completely changed.
The expectation and joy that once filled those eyes as a woman in love—all gone.
Did she care that much about Matthew?
His arms involuntarily tightened as his lips brushed her ear. "Don't forget, you're still my wife. If you dare do anything that harms the Foster family's reputation, I won't hesitate to personally show you the consequences."
Each word only fueled Emily's anger, but remembering her plan with Matthew, she controlled herself.
Turning to face him within his arms, Emily looked up at his sharply defined jawline.
She thought that if he were willing to honestly trade on his looks, perhaps they wouldn't all have to face such humiliation.
"Alexander..." She began, but was cut off as his lips descended on hers in a deep, forceful kiss.