Chapter 84
Elodie finally looked up.
A thunderous round of applause broke out as a tall figure strode in briskly from the side entrance.
When she realized it was Dr. Charlie himself, Elodie immediately sat up straighter in her seat. Her palms grew damp with a nervousness she couldn’t quite put into words.
He actually showed up.
As Dr. Charlie passed by, he glanced in Elodie’s direction, then turned away with
a look of disappointment, saying nothing.
A bitter smile flickered across Elodie’s face.
She understood how he must feel.
With Dr. Charlie seated, Elodie couldn’t help but glance over-he’d chosen the seat right next to Jarrod.
Sylvie was there too, introducing herself with poise and shaking the doctor’s hand.noveldrama
Elodie was surprised.
All around her, people were whispering.
“I can’t believe Dr. Charlie actually came. Wasn’t there a rumor he wouldn’t show up?”
“That’s what I heard, too,” someone replied in a hushed voice. “But word is, Mr. Silverstein donated twenty million to the research project just to get Dr. Charlie to make an appearance!”
“Makes sense, though—Mr. Silverstein’s girlfriend works in this field. Of course he’d want her to meet the big names.”
“Ms. Fielding sure is lucky. Mr. Silverstein spends money on her like it’s nothing! Twenty million, just like that. I’ve never heard of him treating any woman so well, at least not publicly…”
A wave of envy and amazement rippled through the room.
Elodie heard every word.
She lowered her eyes, thinking it over.
So Jarrod had spent twenty million just to bring Dr. Charlie here for Sylvie.
Suddenly, she remembered how her grandmother once ran an upscale vintage hotel, which struggled for years with financial troubles. Back then, Jarrod had never offered to help, not once.
Eventually, her grandmother had no choice but to sell it off a couple of years ago.
Even though it shouldn’t have mattered anymore, the contrast now was painfully stark. Elodie gave a small, self-mocking laugh.
By seven, the symposium was winding down.
It was time to move the event to the evening reception.
Alexander, already restless, tugged Elodie to her feet. “Come on, let’s go meet my stubborn old man.”
Elodie’s breath caught. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous.
Alexander led her toward Dr. Charlie, stopping just a few steps away.
Elodie hesitated.
Alexander stepped forward, maintaining a formal tone as he addressed him, “Doctor, do you have a moment later to chat with me-well, with us?”
Dr. Charlie, hands behind his back, glanced sharply toward Elodie and snorted. “Is there anyone here who doesn’t want to talk to me? I’ve got to deal with half the crowd tonight. You think I have all the time in the world?”
With that, he strode off.
Elodie wasn’t surprised.
Dr. Charlie always valued talent and was willing to give young people a chance. Years ago, he’d had high hopes for her, even reserved a spot for her in his graduate program. But she’d turned it down for marriage. After everything that happened, it was no wonder he’d grown cold.
If her comeback didn’t live up to his expectations, he probably wouldn’t bother seeing her at all.
She felt a little disappointed, but even more determined.
Elodie quickly pulled herself together.
Alexander returned with a sigh. “Stubborn as ever. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him again. He’s just upset you gave up on grad school-he really went out of his way to save that place for you.”
Elodie felt a pang of guilt. “It’s okay. I’ll take things one step at a time. I think I’ll skip the reception tonight I’m tired and want to get some rest.”
She’d caught a chill the day before and was still feeling run-down. Alexander didn’t push her. “Sure, keep the dress on, though.”
She had no interest in the reception, and with the rest of the night dedicated to investors and business deals, she knew she wouldn’t enjoy it anyway. Alexander could handle things without her.
Back at the hotel, Elodie took a hot shower and started organizing all her research notes from the past few weeks.
She still wanted Dr. Charlie’s approval.
She wanted to show him she hadn’t stopped learning over the past three years.
Seeing him again actually left her in a pretty good mood. She snapped a photo of the city lights from her hotel window and posted it on her social feed.
Moments later, her grandmother called her on video.
“Sweetheart, why didn’t you tell Grandma you and Jarrod were off having fun at Fairview Crossing together?”