Chapter 412 No Time to Make Friends
Everyone in the room was from the pharmaceutical industry, and a lot of them depended on Zachary's tech to make a living. They all got why Zachary said what he did.
Right then, Zachary's words seemed like an apology to Riley, but really, he was putting the squeeze on the others.
Riley totally got what Zachary was hinting at, and her eyes were full of gratitude.
Clearly, Zachary's words hit home, and the others started chiming in.
"I've heard Mr. Benedict say Dr. Monroe is super talented. Now that Mr. Powell thinks so highly of her, we have no worries!"
"I didn't expect Dr. Monroe to be so young, yet leading a research institute. You're truly an iron woman!"
Compliments kept coming her way.
Riley knew these folks were buttering her up because of Dalton and Zachary, but hey, the deal was sealed.
Thinking this, Riley patiently responded to everyone's praise.
As the host of the dinner, Harold couldn't stick around the whole time. Before leaving, he invited Riley, "Dr. Monroe, care to join me? I can introduce you to some folks in S City's medical community."
Riley agreed, got up to say goodbye to Zachary, and followed Harold back to the banquet hall.
Adam stayed behind to keep Zachary company.
It was clear Harold had some clout in S City's pharmaceutical scene. As soon as he showed up, people flocked to greet him.
Harold greeted everyone and introduced Riley around.
After a bit of mingling, Riley felt tired and asked if she could take a break.
Harold smiled and nodded in agreement, then leading her to a sofa in the corner before heading back to the crowd.
Finally getting some peace, Riley instinctively scanned the room, but Donovan was nowhere to be seen.
After looking around, Riley realized she had been subconsciously searching for Donovan, feeling a weird sensation in her chest.
She didn't know why she had such a gut reaction.
Maybe she was just worried Donovan would come looking for her again.
Riley tried to calm herself with mixed feelings.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her.
Riley felt a jolt of anxiety, fearing her worries had come true. When she looked up, there was still a hint of panic on her face.
Seeing the person in front of her, she slowly calmed down and asked coolly, "Who are you?"
A tall man stood before her, his broad frame almost completely blocking her view.
Seeing her look at him, the man smiled, raised his glass, and introduced himself, "Hey, I'm Ralph Cook, the youngest son of the Cook family. Mind if I become friends with you, Ms. Monroe?"
The Cook family had some standing in S City, so Ralph didn't elaborate. After speaking, he confidently looked at Riley.
He had arrived a bit late and saw Riley just as Harold was introducing her around.
Ralph overheard some conversations and was really impressed by Riley's skills and looks.
Seeing her alone now, Ralph eagerly approached.
Riley wasn't too familiar with the power dynamics in S City, and having been startled by her own thoughts earlier, she really wasn't in the mood to socialize. Hearing Ralph's words, she just gave a distant smile, "Sorry, I'm just here for work and will be leaving soon, so I don't have time to make friends."
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