Chapter 298 "Let me take you back."
At 8 PM, Riley hit up Gourmet Haven with her colleagues from the research institute.
In the private room, everyone raised their glasses to toast Riley.
"Since Dr. Monroe joined us, she's not only solved major issues with medicinal materials but also led us through so many projects. Our success today is all thanks to her!"
"I thought this project was doomed, but Dr. Monroe's skills and courage saved the day! She's not just smart but also stunning. Truly enviable!"
Compliments kept coming Riley's way.
Riley smiled and stood up to return the toast. "It's my job. Honestly, I should be thanking you all for trusting and working with me."
When she first came back to the country, she had braced herself for potential challenges at the institute.
But things went smoother than she expected.
After she spoke, someone joked, "When we heard you were coming, Dr. Stone had nothing but praise for you. After meeting you, who wouldn't be impressed?"
Hearing this, Deacon's expression shifted slightly but he quickly recovered. He casually raised his glass to Riley. "I was just being honest."
Then he downed his drink in one go.
Riley sensed something was off but couldn't put her finger on it. With everyone joking around, she quickly brushed it off.
Deacon watched her out of the corner of his eye. Seeing she hadn't noticed anything, he felt relieved.
He liked Riley but knew he wasn't on her level yet.
So, he planned to keep his feelings hidden.
One day, when he could surpass her and protect her, he'd confess.
The dinner wrapped up around 10 PM.
Everyone was in high spirits, and Riley got along well with them. The meal was fun, and even Riley felt a bit tipsy.
She hadn't refused many drinks and lost track of how much she had.
When Riley left the private room, she still felt a bit dizzy.
"I'll take you home," Deacon offered, uneasy seeing her like this.
Riley, feeling a headache from the alcohol, frowned. "No need, it's late. Everyone should head home."
She didn't wait for Deacon's response and loudly bid everyone farewell before heading to the door.
Outside, it was pouring, and many people were standing at the entrance to avoid the rain.
Riley didn't have an umbrella and couldn't drive, so she stayed at the entrance and called for a designated driver online.
It seemed everyone had the same idea, all calling for drivers at the same time, and Riley waited a long time without anyone accepting her request.
Just as she was about to cancel and call Harper, she heard a familiar voice.
"Mr. Wilder, it's raining. I brought an umbrella and am waiting at the hotel entrance," Paxton said into the phone, holding a black umbrella.
When Riley looked over, Paxton glanced her way and greeted her. "Ms. Monroe."
At that moment, there was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone.
Riley's expression changed slightly, knowing that this greeting must have reached the ears of the person on the other end.
