Chapter 192 The Medical Exchange Conference Begins!
Everyone in the room gasped.
That was the main seat, the one Victoria was chilling in.
Someone whispered, "Who's this chick? She looks so young, but she's in the big chair."
Another chimed in, "Who cares who she is? She's a total knockout."
Someone else added, "Anyone sitting there has gotta be a top dog in the research game."
Those who knew Victoria were floored.
"Why's Victoria here? And why's she in the main seat?" Caleb asked, totally baffled.
Garrett and Owen looked just as confused.
What the heck was going on?
The three of them glanced at Alexander, who was cool as a cucumber. His eyes were locked on Victoria's slender back, gleaming with some kind of secret knowledge.
It seemed like Alexander knew Victoria would be here all along.
The three of them had an "aha" moment and got it instantly.
Alexander, who usually dodged these events like the plague, insisted on coming today. They could all see Alexander had a thing for Victoria.
Caleb snorted and said, "I knew it. Alexander skips his own company's anniversary, but he's all in for this snooze-fest of a research conference. Turns out it's 'cause Victoria's here. This is getting good."
Caleb was just here for kicks; medical research wasn't his jam.
Out of the four, only Owen was here for the academic stuff; the rest were just tagging along for the ride.
Alexander didn't even bother to respond.
Garrett gave Victoria's back a meaningful look, smirking, and said softly, "Victoria's something else. Owner of Horizon Group, famous composer, and now she's into medical research? That's a wild jump. I'm dying to know what she's up to now."
Not just him, Alexander was curious too. He still had no clue what role she was playing.
She didn't spill, and he didn't pry.
But getting an invite to speak as a mystery guest from someone like Leonard in the research world? She had to be a big deal.
At that moment, Lucas and the Kennedys were wide-eyed, totally stunned seeing Victoria. They were kinda dazed.
When Lucas saw her in the middle of the front row, his brows knitted. So he hadn't been seeing things earlier; that quick glimpse was really her.
Besides being surprised, he was puzzled.
Even the top research brains were stuck on the sides, but she was front and center, and everyone was treating her like royalty. She looked totally at home, like she knew them all.
Oliver and Simon were so shocked they were speechless, just staring at the back of Victoria's head.
On the other side, Adrian was just as stunned.
Ruth shot a look at Bryan next to her and asked, "Did you know all along?"
She had a hunch yesterday that Bryan and Victoria were tight.
Even though she hadn't known him long, she got a feel for his rebellious streak. But yesterday, he was holding back, especially after Victoria started talking. He was on his best behavior.
So, she figured they knew each other.
And when Victoria showed up just now, he was grinning like a kid in a candy store. That genuine smile lit up his chiseled face.
Bryan turned his head slightly, gave her a devilish grin, and said, "Take a wild guess."
She rolled her eyes, thinking, 'What's there to guess!'
Thanks to her upbringing, she held back this time.
She shot him a glare and turned her attention back to the stage.
Right then, the host announced the start of the medical research conference.
First up was the big shot Alvin Wolf, a sixty-eight-year-old legend who looked surprisingly spry, with a rosy face and a booming voice.
The jargon Alvin used was like Greek to anyone not in the field.
Even though Ruth had been in the pharmaceutical game for years, she didn't get most of it. But Bryan next to her seemed to be all ears.
"Do you get any of this?" she whispered.
She regretted it the second she asked.
Bryan turned to her, seeing her raise her hand to slap her mouth, muttering something he couldn't catch. Her actions and expressions were kinda cute.
For once, he didn't snap back and said slowly, "Yeah, I work in this industry, remember?"
"You're in research too?" Ruth squinted her almond eyes, looking skeptical. With his laid-back vibe, who'd believe he was into research?
Bryan rolled his eyes and said, "I'm not telling you. Stay curious."
Ruth's mouth twitched a few times.
Bryan was really stingy; he couldn't even handle a bit of doubt.
She scoffed and turned back to the stage, mimicking his tone, "Whatever. Not interested anyway."
Bryan's mouth curved into a smile, but she didn't catch it.
After Alvin wrapped up, the next speaker was Alan.
Alan was a genius in the research world, highly respected by the big shots present.
Plus, he was tall, handsome, and had a refined vibe. If he didn't say he was in research, people would think he was in the entertainment biz, 'cause his looks beat most celebs.
Everyone admired Alan, except for Alexander, whose eyes were cold. He was not a fan of Alan.
Caleb suddenly felt a chill and glanced at Garrett, saying, "Garrett, don't you feel it's cold?"
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