Chapter 44
Chapter 44:
“Ms. Sullivan!” A familiar baritone rang out above the chatter, and Gracie turned toward the sound. Jeffrey was weaving through the crowd, his face bright with enthusiasm. “It worked after all? That’s incredible! This breakthrough will change lives—it’ll be remembered for decades p>
Gracie’s lips curved into a courteous smile. “We couldn’t have made it this far without your backing. Without your support, the project might have been left to gather dust p>
Her tone was graceful but measured. After all, the man before her was no ordinary guest—he was a key investor.
Jeffrey’s gaze shifted to Brayden, who stood a short distance away, composed as always. Leaning slightly closer, he dropped his voice. “I was just about to introduce you to a few of my old associates, but since your husband came with you, I suppose my help isn’t needed anymore p>
Before Gracie could respond, the sound of firm footsteps joined them.
“It’s been far too long, Mr. Lawson,” Theo greeted smoothly, extending his hand with practiced charm. “Have you had a chance to consider the collaboration I proposed last time? I’m eager to get something in motion p>
Jeffrey’s smile stiffened. Though he accepted the handshake, the warmth was missing. “I’ve never doubted your sincerity. But when you went off the radar for a week, I assumed you’d already found a new investor, so I put my money into other ventures p>
He gave a polite pause before adding, “Still, there’ll be plenty of chances in the future p>
The tremor in his tone betrayed lingering unease. Ever since the attack incident, suspicion had hovered like smoke between them. No one had proven Theo’s involvement, but the damage was done nonetheless.
“You’ve invested elsewhere?” Theo asked, his expression briefly tightening before his gaze slid toward Gracie, a trace of irony flickering in his eyes. “Let me guess—you decided to back Gracie’s research instead? Well, her nerve regeneration project is certainly ambitious p>
Gracie interjected before Jeffrey could respond, her voice light yet firm. “Don’t tease me, Theo. I’m hardly someone of Mr. Lawson’s caliber would notice. I only got the privilege of speaking with him because of Brayden’s reputation. He was kind enough to introduce me around p>
Fresh updates now on
The true financial details of Jeffrey and Brayden’s investment were still under wraps. Until the project’s official debut, discretion was essential.
Jeffrey caught her meaning instantly and played along, his eyes glinting with amusement.
“Your husband’s professionalism is widely admired. If he sees promise in your work, then you must have something special. Tell me, though—am I too late to get in on this nerve regeneration project p>
Gracie’s smile didn’t waver. “I’m afraid all available investment slots have already been filled p>
“What a shame,” Jeffrey said with a soft chuckle of regret. “Next time you start something with that much potential, make sure I’m the first to hear about it p>
“You have my word,” she replied smoothly, stealing a brief glance at Theo, who now wore an unreadable smirk.
After a few more pleasantries, Jeffrey excused himself and drifted toward another group.
Gracie’s pleasant expression dissolved the moment he was gone. Her eyes hardened to ice as she turned to Theo. “If there’s nothing else, you should go find Ellie. I’d hate to be accused of stealing another woman’s husband again p>
She started to walk off, but Theo’s voice stopped her. “Don’t leave just yet. The misunderstanding before—it’s over now. Ellie knows she overreacted. Besides, we haven’t finished our conversation about business p>
“What more do you want to discuss? Say it all now, so we can both move on,” she said coldly, her refined features devoid of warmth.
Her composure made him chuckle under his breath. “You’re still angry, I see. Fine, I deserve that. I just wanted an update. How far along is your research? Any idea when it’ll be ready for launch p>
He spoke lightly, as though his weeklong disappearance had been nothing more than a vacation—though Gracie knew he’d spent the entire time indulging Ellie’s tantrums.
Gracie pressed a weary hand to her temple. “You already know how complicated this work is. The team’s been working day and night. If nothing goes wrong, we might wrap up by the end of next month p>
“The end of next month?” he repeated thoughtfully. Ellie had mentioned the same timeline during their honeymoon—an odd coincidence that made his expression tighten for a moment.
“What is it p>