A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 306

Every stage of this project had been a challenge—there was never an easy round.

But Zachary Jones grinned. “Ms. Drummond, we all believe in you. You’ve got to believe in yourself, too!”

After all, since Elissa had joined the team, every experiment had been a success—except that one time James and his crew tried to sabotage her. This time, the final data had been checked and rechecked. There was no way anything could go wrong.

Zachary waved her over. “Come on, hero—slice the cake for everyone. We’re all dying to share a bit of your good luck.”

Even though it was Elissa and Cliff who had developed the drug, once it hit the market, every member of the research department would benefit from its success.

“Alright,” Elissa said, curving her lips into a smile as she stepped over to cut the cake, dividing it into generous pieces and setting them onto plates.

She was still busy serving when a sudden knock sounded at the conference room door. Lorraine stood in the doorway, grinning. “Didn’t expect you all to start celebrating so soon!”

Zachary rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “Well, who could wait for something like this?”

Lorraine strolled over to Elissa, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder. “You’re really going to throw Ms. Drummond a party with just cake?”

“There’s only so much our budget can handle...”

“No need for the research department to foot the bill this time,” Lorraine declared with a grand wave. “The company’s hosting a banquet for the whole R&D team tomorrow night. Attendance is absolutely mandatory.”

“Seriously?” someone blurted out in surprise. “Aren’t the company parties usually after the drug officially launches?”

Lorraine gave Elissa a knowing look before replying, “This project is different. This drug is a real milestone for the company.”

The room erupted with excitement.

A corporate banquet meant a lavish affair, and everyone in R&D could expect a generous bonus. The only question was what special reward the company had in store for Ms. Drummond—the star of the hour. Even if she got a check for fifty thousand dollars right then and there, no one would bat an eye. She’d more than earned it.

After the cake was gone and the room emptied, Cliff caught up to Elissa as they headed back to the lab. He chuckled. “Has your mentor heard the news?”

“He has,” Elissa replied, unable to hold back a laugh. “He calls almost every day to check on the project. Honestly, he probably knows more about our progress than Zachary does.”

He knew her too well. With Elissa’s skills, she could easily make a fortune treating the wealthy families her mentor knew. Yet, she chose to spend years working diligent hours at the clinic, never chasing a quick payday. He could offer her a break, but she’d never take it.

The next morning, Elissa indulged herself and slept in until late. As she stepped out to catch the elevator, she almost instinctively glanced across the hall.

Ever since their last incident, Rowan had been on his best behavior. Every time he invited her over, it was just dinner and conversation—nothing more than the occasional breathless kiss on the sofa. He hadn’t pushed for anything further. Lately, knowing how busy she was, Rowan had only reminded her to get enough sleep. He never used their arrangement as an excuse to demand her time.

Elissa drove out, stopping to pick up some health supplements before heading to her mentor’s house.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Rowan right at the doorstep.

He didn’t look the least bit surprised to see her. His brows lifted slightly. “Here to visit Mr. and Mrs. Blaine?”

“I am.” Elissa couldn’t help but be caught off guard. “And you?”

“Dropping off an invitation for Mr. Blaine,” Rowan replied. He’d already invited them by phone, but made a point to come in person that morning. “It’s a big day for you. I wanted to make sure it was special.”