Chapter 4

As everyone watched, Melissa approached me while clinging to Samuel's arm. They sure looked like a loving husband and wife.

The moment Samuel locked gazes with me, his eyes widened before he guiltily looked away. I could see the thin layer of cold sweat visibly forming on his forehead. He was clearly anxious and scared that I would reveal our relationship.

Not daring to look at me, he turned his attention to the crowd and asked, "What's going on here?"

The crowd was practically stumbling over themselves in their haste to explain. None wanted to miss out on an opportunity to curry favor with the country's wealthiest man.

"Mr. Fuller, this woman is a thief! The evidence is right there on the floor!"

Hearing that, Samuel glanced at the drug spilled across the ground. His expression turned stony, and he hurriedly addressed the crowd. "Today is my wedding day, so I'm in a good mood. Let's just end this here!"

When Melissa realized that Samuel intended to let me go, she started shrieking, "Samuel Fuller, what are you doing? Why are you letting this slide?"

As if it just dawned on her, she screamed, "Oh, I see how it is! You two are hooking up behind my back, aren't you? Why else would you let something so major slide easily? That's why Janet has the car key! She's your mistress, isn't she?"

While cursing at me, Melissa rushed forward to hit me.

Samuel stopped her before coming closer to me, whispering, "Melissa suffers from a serious illness, so her biggest wish in life is to have a grand and unforgettable wedding. That's why you shouldn't overthink this. Be good and head home now. I'll explain everything to you later."

For a moment, I couldn't help but be stunned by his words. Several beats later, I finally responded, asking, "And what if I refuse?"

A hint of displeasure flashed across his face before he threatened me, "If you don't do as I say, I'll stop funding your research!"

I stared at him, utterly shocked. Never would I have imagined that he would dare say such a thing.

"Samuel Fuller, did you just say that you're the one supporting my research?"

Honestly, I found this all so absurd. If I hadn't relentlessly researched new products for Samuel's company, how could he have possibly entered the market so swiftly? Or received the acknowledgment and approval of his family?

If I hadn't spent countless days and nights doing nothing but researching one new product after another, would Samuel really have made enough money to become a billionaire?

Yet I had somehow become the one needing his support.

A wave of exhaustion washed over me. I couldn't find the energy to respond to Samuel, but he didn't seem inclined to stop speaking anytime soon.

"Isn't that the truth? Who do you think you are? You're just a researcher with a PhD in biology—nothing more. There are loads of other people like you in the world, so you truly aren't that special."

I thought back to three years ago, when Samuel had proposed to me. At the time, he had said, "You're the best biologist in the world to me, and also the best partner I could ever ask for."

Now, I had become someone he could do without. I was easily replaceable.

I shut my eyes. Not a single tear fell, but I couldn't stop myself from scoffing. "Samuel Fuller, you'll pay for this."

When I opened my eyes again, there was a placid look in them that reflected my inner calm.

Upon hearing my words, Melissa mocked me. "What makes you think you have the power to do that? You're nothing but a bottom dweller. Do you seriously believe that you're a part of high society just because you've read a few books?

"Do you see those VIPs over there? They're all here to attend our wedding because they're showing respect to my husband.

"If it weren't for him, you likely wouldn't even get to see them in this lifetime! Pay the price? Hah! As if you can even make him do it!"

Melissa let out a burst of disdainful laughter after she finished speaking, and the crowd was quick to follow. After all, their main reason for attending the wedding was to butter up Samuel. They were more than eager to join in on the bullying if that would leave a good impression.

Samuel once again leaned close to say in a low voice, "That's enough! Be good and listen to me. That way, we can go back to how we were before, and you can focus on your research with peace of mind."

In response, I stated coolly, "You mean focus on my research so you can earn more money and cheat on me without any worries, right?

"To my knowledge, the share of the pharmaceutical market you currently hold is slowly being eaten away, right? In that case, you should be the one begging me now, not the other way around."

Samuel's expression turned icy. He took a deep breath before replying, "Yes, I admit that you're at the top of your field worldwide, but don't assume that nobody can surpass you.

"I've already gathered a team consisting of top researchers from all over the world. Among them is this year's Helios Award winner, Susan Boatman!

"You must have seen her earlier. And this is why I don't need to have you specifically. You're not irreplaceable."

A loud bubble of laughter escaped my lips. "Have Susan come see me now! I'm her mentor!"

Melissa sneered scornfully. "She's your student? Really? Didn't she pass by here earlier? How come she didn't recognize you?

"I bet you're just delusional! Susan Boatman is a well-known biologist. As if you'd have the right to become her mentor!"

However, Samuel frowned when he heard my words, his eyes gleaming with a scheming glint.

Seeing that, I recalled how he courted me for three whole years before his unwavering devotion finally claimed my heart. Back then, I never would have dreamed that all of that was nothing but an act.

What I was seeing now was the true Samuel Fuller. In his beautiful eyes lurked nothing but disgusting scheming and self-interest.

At the time, his family needed a successor, yet how could he stand out when he had no notable achievements?

On the contrary, I had already developed several effective anti-cancer drugs. However, due to safety concerns, the government didn't release my name so it wouldn't spread in the scientific research world.

Samuel managed to learn of me from his family, and that was when he started courting me fervently. Yet, I had genuinely thought that I had met my one true love.

Suddenly, Samuel's phone rang.

Samuel answered his phone but hung up after a few sentences. Then, he sneered, "Didn't you say that Susan's your student? Well, she's coming over here with my team. Your lie will be exposed very soon."

I scoffed. "Sure. I'll be waiting."

I had barely finished speaking when Susan Boatman's voice drifted over. "You said that my mentor was here, right?"