All Chapters of Betrayed, I Become The CEO'S Contracted Bride: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

‘’He simply got lucky by associating with the right institutions. Every legitimate researcher in the field knows he lacks original vision.”This statement echoed loudly In her headElara blinked, her eyes burning slightly, and set her pen down on the leather notebook."I apologize," she said. "I am not usually emotional regarding professional discussions.""You are completely allowed to be emotional," Dr. Park said. "A man stole your life's work and subsequently destroyed your public reputation. That reality is worth an emotional response."He set his tablet flat on the desk."But that chapter is over now," he continued. "You are sitting here today possessing financial resources most scientists would kill to obtain. You are about to perform work that could actually save a human life."He opened a new document on his screen."Let us discuss the construction timeline. The ph

Elara stood completely alone in the center of the massive laboratory. Bright morning sunlight streamed through the expansive windows, warming the floor tiles. The heavy machinery hummed softly around her while the climate control system maintained perfect environmental equilibrium. Walking back to the main workspace, she took a seat at the primary bench. The black, chemical-resistant surface was pristine and completely unmarked. It was simply waiting. The blind rage and crushing despair that had followed the Golden Gala faded, replaced entirely by cold, calculated purpose. This was the room where she would save Victoria's life. This was the exact space where she would engineer a highly illegal gene therapy capable of regenerating damaged human nerves. This facility would serve as the forge where she proved she was far more dangerous than the individuals who had tried to destroy her. Pulling a leather-bound notebook from her bag, Elara opened it to the first page of her documented r

The car ride to the hotel took exactly fifteen minutes. Alexander sat beside Elara in the spacious back seat, his attention focused entirely on the digital screen of his phone. His face remained completely neutral, wearing the same controlled, unreadable expression he utilized in the boardroom. Elara watched the glowing city pass through the tinted windows. She kept her hands folded loosely in her lap, her posture steady and calm, ensuring absolutely nothing betrayed the sharp tension currently coiling in her chest. She had anticipated this specific moment for days. She had mentally rehearsed her physical reactions, preparing herself for the inevitable moment she would see Marcus and Isabella again. Yet, as the reality of the evening approached, her meticulous preparation felt suddenly inadequate. Theoretical models never perfectly predicted live variables. "When we arrive," Alexander said, his eyes never leaving his screen, "stay close to me. Do not answer questions from the pres

Dinner was served precisely at eight. Elara sat beside Alexander at table three. The six other guests were impeccably polite and strictly professional, keeping the conversation restricted to safe industry topics. They discussed research funding, recent FDA approvals, and late-stage clinical trial results. No one explicitly mentioned the Golden Gala. No one referenced the public scandal. But everyone at the table knew. The knowledge hung in the air, a heavy, unspoken weight pressing down on the white linen. The catered food was exceptional. Waiters served seared scallops, filet mignon, and roasted winter vegetables, providing a specific wine pairing with each successive course. Elara ate mechanically, her palate registering absolutely nothing. Her mind was entirely elsewhere. Marcus and Isabella sat exactly three tables away. Elara could see them clearly in her peripheral vision. Marcus laughed easily at a joke, his posture relaxed. Isabella's hand rested high on his arm, her finge

​Elara and Alexander returned to table three. ​The gala continued around them. The classical music played steadily while guests clustered in tight groups, networking and making lucrative corporate connections. The massive ballroom was alive with calculated, high-stakes activity. ​Alexander pulled out Elara's chair. She sat down, keeping her posture rigid. He remained standing for a long moment, his gray eyes scanning the crowded room, taking in tactical positions and tracking movements before finally taking the seat directly beside her. ​A waiter appeared instantly, replacing their glasses with fresh champagne. Alexander took both flutes from the silver tray and handed one to Elara. ​She took a slow sip. The cold liquid fizzed sharply against her tongue, the expensive alcohol providing a slight, necessary warmth. ​"He is coming over," Alexander said quietly. ​Elara's fingers tightened instantly around the stem of her crystal glass, but her facial expression did not change.