Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 80

Rebecca turned her attention back to the stage, tuning out everything else. A city official stepped up to the podium and started his speech.

On the other side of the room, Bruce leaned back in his chair, his focus slipping almost right away. He glanced over at Rebecca, who sat two seats away. It had been a while since they’d last seen each other, and he’d half-expected her to freak out or at least look upset when she saw him with Sonja. But she didn’t. She just gave them a quick, casual glance and looked away, like it didn’t bother her at all. Was she really that indifferent, though?

A burst of applause snapped Bruce out of his thoughts. The speech was over, and the real highlight was about to begin. The special guest—someone everyone had been buzzing about—was next. Dr. Palmer walked on stage to a wave of applause that filled the room.

Sonja shot Bruce a grin. “Told you it’d be Dr. Palmer. Once this session ends, let’s go talk to him about the patent.”

Bruce nodded. “Yeah.”

They’d tried everything to get a meeting with Dr. Palmer about the patent but kept coming up empty. This forum was their big chance. The government had been secretive about the special guest, but Sonja had pulled some strings through the Campbell family to find out who it was.

Down the row, Rebecca’s eyes lit up the moment Dr. Palmer appeared. She clapped harder than anyone around her.

Dr. Palmer took center stage, pressed a button on his remote, and the big screen lit up with his presentation. Half an hour later, he wrapped up, bowed, and took a seat in the front row.

Next were the company presentations. Three representatives from leading firms were scheduled to speak. Although, to be honest, Sunforge Tech didn’t quite belong in that lineup. Stephen was only there because of Duncan Corporation’s massive influence. It was obvious. Duncan Corporation was one of the city’s biggest taxpayers, so the government really had no choice but to play along. When money talks, people listen.

Bruce stood up and glanced at Rebecca. She was watching the crowd at the front, her eyes full of longing. She probably wanted nothing more than to talk to Dr. Palmer or Stephen. Too bad she’d already left her job—otherwise, Bruce might’ve brought her along.

Dr. Palmer was almost impossible to reach, with people crowding all around. Those who couldn’t get close settled for chatting with his star student, Caleb. Sonja and Bruce joined that group.

Caleb spotted them and immediately remembered the birthday party. He adjusted his glasses, smiling. “Good to see you again.”

“Hi, Caleb,” Sonja replied, glancing at the crowd around Dr. Palmer. “Will you and Dr. Palmer be free later? We’d love to invite you for dinner.”