Chapter 28 She's Done with This Man
"Which set are you thinking of releasing first?" Matthew stepped closer again, the distance between them shrinking in an instant.
Matthew's crisp, cedar-scented cologne drifted toward her, subtle yet unmistakable.
"It's primarily focused on lung cancer treatment," Emma continued. "And I'll open collaboration to all qualifying medical institutions."
Matthew's brow furrowed deeply.
"That means there'll be a feeding frenzy over this. This is your life's work, Bluebird Tech's core technology! This wasn't part of the original plan."
"Publishing the formulas is step one—it's also the bait. I'm fishing for the biggest catch of all."
"Using yourself as bait?" His voice dropped, clearly disapproving.
"I originally developed this formula to save one person," Emma's eyes softened with memory.
"Now, I want them to save as many people as possible. That's what being a doctor truly means."
Yes, she had initially created them to save Nicholas's grandfather.
The year before she married Nicholas, when Mary was still alive.
She'd learned from Mary that Robert was in late-stage lung cancer, with barely a year left to live.
When Nicholas was ten, there had been a terrible car accident. His father had died on the spot protecting him.
After that, his mother's personality completely changed. She saw him as nothing but a demon who brought misfortune, and never showed him warmth again.
She would beat and berate him constantly, so Nicholas's relationship with his mother was absolutely toxic.
Thank God for Robert's protection—he was the only reason Nicholas survived to adulthood. His grandfather was his lifeline.
When Robert was diagnosed with lung cancer, Nicholas had even taken a month off from university. When he returned to Novaria, he crammed three years of coursework into one, graduating with dual degrees.
Her first formula had targeted lung cancer treatment.
When Robert was on his deathbed, Mary visited him, and the two old lovers had wept in each other's arms.
They'd known each other since childhood, loved each other their whole lives, but were cruelly separated by class differences.
In the end, they arranged the engagement between Emma and Nicholas, hoping to fulfill their own lifelong regret.
Nicholas had agreed to marry her largely to honor Robert's dying wish.
A year after their wedding, Robert miraculously began recovering his strength.
His lung disease had inexplicably improved—Nicholas was completely baffled!
It made him throw himself even more seriously into smart medical research.
In reality, she had been secretly treating Robert all along. The medicinal herbs in Robert's garden were all planted by her own hands.
Unfortunately, Mary never lived to see such a beautiful outcome.
Thinking of Mary, Emma's eyes reddened.
She took a deep breath, steadying her emotions.
"If I just hoard this knowledge or use it for profit, how would I be any different from the Laurent family?"
Her words hit Matthew like a sledgehammer to the chest.
Looking at Emma before him, he seemed to see a radiant light emanating from her very being.
"Alright, whatever you decide. But the core data for phase three can only go to our partners." He spoke softly, his tone full of indulgence.
"Perfect, then it's settled."
Emma's lips curved in a faint smile.
"You'd better prepare well for your summit presentation." His eyes sparkled with barely concealed adoration.
"Don't worry, I won't embarrass you."
Matthew's gaze burned with intensity—she could never embarrass him.
Because in his heart, she was nothing short of divine.
"Will the Laurent family be sending representatives to this summit?" she asked.
"Yes, their delegate is Chris Laurent." Matthew handed her a dossier. "An extremely dangerous adversary."
Emma accepted the file, looking up with a sharp glint in her eyes.
"Then this should be even more interesting." She laughed softly, confidence curving her lips.
"Matthew, take me to see the laboratory."
"Of course!"
......
Night had fallen, and the newly opened restaurant buzzed with warmth and energy.
Emma, Evelyn, and Sheryl sat around a table, enjoying the evening's comfort food.
"Living the good life, right? Stick with us and you'll always eat well," Evelyn said smugly, raising an eyebrow.
"Evelyn, you get more gorgeous every day. Thanks for always helping me take care of Emma—let's toast to that."
Sheryl raised her wine glass.
When Emma was pursuing her doctorate in Novaria, Evelyn had visited several times, always bringing delicious treats.
"Cheers!" Evelyn immediately responded.
Emma picked up her fruit juice, her lips curving as she clinked glasses with them.
The crisp sound of glass against glass was particularly melodious in the bustling restaurant.
Emma suddenly pulled out an elegant small box from her purse, handing it to Evelyn as a gift for Rena, with strict instructions that she must wear it.
Evelyn nodded—she naturally knew what was inside. The Martinez family definitely owed Emma a huge favor now.
The three women chatted and ate, when suddenly Evelyn's phone on the table began lighting up frantically.
Several notification chimes fired off like machine guns.
"Who's so desperate to reach me?" Evelyn frowned, picking up her phone.
One glance was all it took for her expression to change. She slammed the phone back on the table.
"Damn it!"
The curse carried thick displeasure.
"What's wrong?" Sheryl leaned over curiously.
Evelyn turned the phone screen toward them, her voice dripping with fury, "That bitch Zoe is back on top! Look at these trending topics!"
#Nicholas and Zoe Dancing at Château Lumière#
#Mr. Harrison's First Official Romance Announcement#
#Harrison Group Statement Supporting Zoe#
#Zoe Promoted to Nicholas's Official Girlfriend#
#Zoe: Future Mrs. Harrison#
Five trending topics dominated the top of the charts.
Clicking the first one revealed high-definition photos: under amber, intimate lighting, Nicholas in a bespoke suit held Zoe in her white evening gown as they danced elegantly.
The backdrop was an opulently decorated French restaurant with massive crystal chandeliers and rose petals scattered across the floor.
The photos were breathtakingly artistic—every shot seemed carefully chosen to showcase the "deep affection" between the pair.
"Château Lumière? Isn't that the most exclusive restaurant in Emerald City? Members only—regular people don't even know where the entrance is, yet someone managed to get photos?" Sheryl clicked her tongue.
Evelyn snorted. "You bet! According to the news, Nicholas rented out the entire Château Lumière tonight just to have dinner and dance with Zoe."
"Tsk, they book the whole place but still manage to get expertly angled, perfectly lit photos from multiple positions? If this isn't a staged photo op, I'll eat my hat!"
Just like that, the narrative completely flipped!
All the messy online rumors about Zoe vanished without a trace, as if they'd never existed.
In their place came wave after wave of press releases praising Zoe's beauty, kindness, and exceptional acting talent, declaring her and Nicholas a perfect match.
The media outlets that had previously run exposés were now dead silent, frantically switching sides to champion Zoe, terrified of Harrison Group retaliation.
Emerald City's internet was boiling over this perfect couple again, servers nearly crashing from the traffic.
The media world had experienced a minor earthquake; everyone was walking on eggshells.
"Harrison Group's PR machine is working overtime," Evelyn said through gritted teeth. "Nicholas really has no bottom line when it comes to her!"
Sheryl glanced between the news and Emma cautiously.
But Emma acted as if she hadn't seen or heard anything.
She waved over a server. "Could we please add an order of mashed potatoes and a garden salad?"
Château Lumière was definitely off her bucket list now!
Nicholas—she was done with this man!