Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 120

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The next evening, Rebecca and Stephen pulled up outside the banquet hall. The place was already buzzing with Coralbridge’s most powerful business leaders. As soon as Stephen stepped out, people swarmed around him, eager to shake his hand and say hello.

Rebecca had seen this scene before. At the last forum event, she’d barely managed to stay by his side before the crowd swept her away. She braced herself, expecting to be sidelined again, but this time Stephen reached out and slipped an arm around her waist. His voice was low and close as he murmured, “Careful.”

Only then did the crowd really look at Rebecca. Who was this girl Stephen was bringing? Everyone knew Stephen had a reputation for keeping his distance from girls. He never brought female assistants to these events. But tonight, he had a lady by his side. Was this a date? Or something more?

Nobody said anything out loud, but there was no mistaking the way they looked at her. The glances were full of meaning, and Rebecca felt a flush of humiliation rising in her chest. Why did it always feel like a lady at these parties was just an accessory to a man?

She gently moved Stephen’s hand away. “Thank you, Mr. Duncan. I can manage on my own.”

Stephen stepped back, giving her space, then turned to the others. “Let me introduce you. This is Rebecca Harper, the new CEO of Sunforge Tech.”

The reaction was instant. Sunforge Tech’s new CEO? She looked so young. If Stephen was introducing her personally, she must be really impressive. A few people looked embarrassed about their earlier assumptions.

“Sorry for the misunderstanding, Ms. Harper. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m...” one man said, quickly offering his hand.

Another chimed in, “Ms. Harper, you’re not just accomplished, you’re also stunning. Here’s to our talented new CEO.”

Rebecca took it all in stride, smiling politely as she mingled with the group. She used the opportunity to introduce Sunforge Tech’s latest products. This was what business banquets were really about—networking, small talk, and a lot of carefully crafted compliments.