A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 396

Elissa did a quick calculation of the timing and added enticingly, "I heard the catering is being done by the chefs from The Black Pearl Restaurant. I know you'll love it."

Tanya's eyes widened. "The Murphy Group is really splashing out, huh?" That meant the cost per person would be at least five hundred dollars.

Elissa nodded, taking a sip of soy milk. "It's their most important project in years." Then she changed the subject. "By the way, is Asher planning on staying in the country for good?"

"Yes." Tanya hadn't asked; Asher had told her himself. He had also been dropping hints about rekindling their past romance.

Elissa glanced at her friend. "Asher is a really good guy," she said sincerely. "More reliable than Rex, at least." They were from similar backgrounds, so there wouldn't be any class friction. Life with him would be much simpler. Most importantly, Elissa had always seen how much Asher cared for Tanya.

"What are you thinking?" Tanya shot her a look. "Asher and I agreed we're better off as friends, just like before. As for Rex, he can go to hell." She had no interest in being seen as someone who would drag him down, nor did she want to be constantly on guard against that suspicion. The Wilkinsons' world was not one she could ever belong to.

"As long as you've thought it through," Elissa said. "I support you no matter what." Even if it was Rex, it wasn't impossible. The Wilkinsons she'd met were good people. The only real obstacle was figuring out what to do about Tanya's troublemaking brother.

After breakfast, Elissa had a brief video call with the Wilkinson Philanthropy Initiative, then changed for the press conference.

"You should wear flats," Tanya advised, seeing her reach for a pair of high heels. "It's going to be crowded today. It'll be safer for you."

Elissa agreed it was a good idea and swapped them for a pair of comfortable flats.

When she arrived at the venue, the press was already in place, and the room was filled with leading figures from the medical industry—faces she usually only saw on financial news channels.

As she entered, Lorraine Lynn, who was already there managing the event, strode toward her, expertly shielding her from reporters trying to get an early word. "You're finally here," she said in a low voice. "Your mentor arrived a while ago and was asking for you." Lorraine had expected the star of the show to be early, but it seemed she took after Rowan, who was also nowhere to be seen.

"…" The man's expression was cool, his voice low, as if he were discussing a confidential project detail with her. In reality, he was just venting his displeasure.

Elissa's fingers, resting on her lap, curled slightly. Thankfully, the host's voice boomed through the speakers just then. "Good morning, colleagues and members of the press. Welcome to…"

"…this drug was developed by our project's lead researchers, Elissa Drummond and Cliff Riley. The data from our clinical trials has been outstanding, far exceeding our initial expectations…"

"Are you certain it achieved the results the Murphy Group has been advertising?"

Before the host could finish, a sharp, accusatory voice cut through the room from the entrance.

"Elissa, do you have any idea what falsifying cancer drug data means? It means you're profiteering off human suffering for your own fame!"