A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 288

That old witch.

This was supposed to be a partnership, but instead, she sent people to watch her every move, as if she needed to be guarded against.

All right, then.

Once she secured the rights to this drug, she’d turn around and sell it to another pharmaceutical company. Let’s see if that old witch could handle the shock.

Either way, no matter who ended up being the business partner, she’d still be the sole developer behind this new medication.

When that time came, even the old witch wouldn’t dare to mess with her so easily.

And as for Elissa…

Ha.

When she finally made a name for herself, putting a failure like Elissa in her place would be child’s play.

Meanwhile, Elissa was so busy in the lab she could barely straighten her back, completely unaware that even as her project was still in development, someone was already plotting behind her back.

At five o’clock, Cliff washed his hands and glanced at Elissa with a smile. “Let’s call it a day. The rest will have to wait for the new data anyway.”

“Sounds good.”

Elissa beamed and peeled off her gloves, heading to the sink.

Nearby, Xavier couldn’t help but remark, “Dr. Drummond, Dr. Cliff—watching you two work together is like watching a well-oiled machine.”

They almost looked like comrades who’d fought alongside each other for years.

Cliff grinned, making light of it. “You should ask her how many years I’ve been her assistant. I’ve picked up a thing or two over time.”

Elissa arched an eyebrow, thinking for a moment. “Four years?”

They’d met thanks to their mentor.

From the very first day, their professor decided Cliff should shadow Elissa and learn from her.

Everything else was off-limits.

Frank could sense her dislike, his lips pressed thin. “It’s your birthday today. I made a reservation—I thought maybe we could have dinner together.”

“I already have plans with a friend,” Elissa replied, curt and resolute. She glanced at Cliff. “Let’s go.”

“Of course.”

Cliff smiled, subtly stepping between her and Frank, blocking Frank’s path without making a scene.

If she liked Frank, he’d respect that.

If she couldn’t stand Frank, he’d support her just the same.

As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.

They’d barely taken two steps when Frank caught up and blocked their way, struggling to suppress the urge to drag Elissa away then and there. He kept his voice steady. “Elissa, please. Just this once. I’ve never celebrated your birthday with you before. Give me a chance, will you?”