Chapter 15

Chapter 15:

“I’ll wait here,” she said evenly, her tone calm but resolute.

There was no point in giving the receptionist a hard time—Jeffrey owed her nothing, and no investor of his caliber would grant a meeting to an unfamiliar woman on a whim.

Watching Gracie remain by the desk instead of leaving, Ellie let out a scornful laugh. “Pathetic. You’re really going to stand here all day for nothing p>

She folded her arms with smug satisfaction. In her mind, Jeffrey’s investment had always been meant for Theo, and Gracie’s persistence was nothing but a ridiculous waste of effort. She chose silence over sympathy, leaving Gracie in the dark.

Half an hour later, the elevator chimed open.

A man in his fifties stepped out, laughing easily as he exchanged a few words with Theo.

Several assistants followed close behind, clutching folders. Gracie’s pulse quickened. That face—she recognized it instantly. Jeffrey Lawson.

Clutching her neatly bound documents, she strode forward. “Mr. Lawson, I’m from Radiant Technologies,” she said, her tone respectful yet steady. “We’re conducting research on neural regeneration. The project’s shown promising results so far, but our funding has run dry. I’d be grateful if you’d take a moment to review it—I believe you’ll find it worth investing in p>

Jeffrey hesitated for a moment. Normally, he welcomed new entrepreneurs with curiosity, and his hand was already reaching toward the documents when Ellie’s sharp voice cut in.

“Honestly, Gracie, have some dignity.” She cast a condescending look Gracie’s way. “Everyone knows you’re hopeless at research. You can’t even get the basics right. Neural regeneration? Don’t make me laugh. If this little act of yours is just to play the genius and get Brayden’s attention, you should stop wasting your time p>

Jeffrey’s expression darkened.

The mention of Brayden caught his ear—he had, after all, heard a few rumors about that marriage. Brayden had little room to maneuver under his family’s pressure, so for now, he bowed to their demands and agreed to marry a Sullivan daughter.

“I heard Brayden and Lia had dinner last night and even checked into a hotel afterward,” Ellie said with a sharp little laugh. “And now here you are, staging this pitiful act just to make him notice you. How shameless p>

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Jeffrey’s gaze toward Gracie hardened, disappointment shadowing his features. He’d always loathed women who hid ambition behind the mask of research, chasing status instead of discovery.

With her background and talent, why couldn’t she dedicate herself to science rather than scheming for men’s approval?

Theo, however, didn’t share his reaction. His gaze lingered on Gracie’s face, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Neural regeneration? That was no small topic—certainly not one for someone merely pretending. But he doubted her competence.

Without sparing her a glance, Jeffrey turned to Theo. “Your proposal’s on the right track, but it’s missing something crucial. Think it through again p>

Theo nodded obediently. “Thanks for the advice p>

Then he left with Ellie.

Before Jeffrey could walk away, Gracie stepped in front of him, clutching her documents. “Mr. Lawson, please at least review my project files before making a judgment p>

Jeffrey’s expression iced over. “Out of courtesy, I’ll refrain from forcing you out,” he said flatly. “But I suggest you leave on your own. Research isn’t a stage prop for crafting an image—or pretending to be something you’re not p>