Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 188

Dr. Palmer glanced over at them and called out, “The ribbon-cutting is about to start. Caleb, go get ready.”

“Sure thing, Professor.”

Once Caleb walked off, everyone’s attention shifted straight to Rebecca.

Bruce stiffened, his brows drawn tight. He couldn’t figure out why Rebecca was here. His eyes darted to Stephen, who was surrounded by university leaders all trying to impress him, and Bruce’s mood took a nosedive. What was going on with Rebecca and Stephen? Why would Stephen bring her to something like this? Bruce’s hands curled into tight fists at his sides.

Sonja was thinking the exact same thing. At first, she’d assumed Rebecca was just tagging along as Stephen’s assistant, but that clearly wasn’t it. Stephen was busy introducing Rebecca to the university board, talking up her skills and accomplishments. Sonja would admit Rebecca was capable, but was she really as amazing as Stephen made her sound? Did Stephen have a thing for Rebecca?

She pressed her lips together, looking Rebecca up and down from a short distance away. What did Rebecca, with her ordinary background, have that could catch Stephen’s eye?

Paul almost walked over to say hi to Rebecca, but when he caught sight of Bruce’s icy glare, he stopped himself. Instead, he just gave Rebecca a small nod from across the room. Rebecca noticed, but this time her response was distant, colder than ever. Paul could guess why, and his eyes dimmed.

The ribbon-cutting began. Dr. Palmer stood in the center with three investors, flanked by university officials, all of them beaming as they sliced through the ribbon. Rebecca joined in with the applause.

At some point, Sonja slipped in beside her.

“Ms. Harper, fancy seeing you here. I didn’t expect to run into you at an event like this. It’s kind of a big deal, you know.”

The university president was up on stage delivering his speech.

Rebecca lifted an eyebrow and turned to face Sonja. “I’m surprised too. I never thought I’d see Miss Campbell at such a high-class event.”

Sonja took a steadying breath. She realized now that she’d underestimated Rebecca all along. She’d thought Rebecca was just some lovesick, quiet pushover, but she was dead wrong.

“Oh, and Bruce and I are getting engaged in April after the New Year. Since you’re an old employee, Bruce will send you an invitation. Make sure you come, okay?”

Rebecca pressed her lips together. She’d known they would get engaged eventually, but this was sooner than she expected. Clearly Bruce couldn’t wait.

“Don’t bother. You aren’t worth the price of a wedding gift from me.” With that, Rebecca turned and walked away, heading in Caleb’s direction.

Sonja, left fuming, looked after her, even more shocked. Rebecca seemed awfully close with Dr. Palmer’s star student.