Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 168

Grace’s expression remained neutral.

She took Damien’s arm and walked with him into the ballroom.

At first, everything was peaceful.

But halfway through the party, Damien was summoned by Old Mrs. Clarke to a private room.

Before he left, he squeezed Grace’s hand reassuringly.

“I’ll only be ten minutes. I’ll be right back. If anyone gives you trouble, you hit back. I’ll take care of the consequences.”

Grace smiled and gave him a gentle push.

“Go on, I can take care of myself.”

Damien left, glancing back every few steps.

The moment he was gone, Veronica approached with a wine glass in hand, followed by a few of her socialite friends.

They surrounded Grace, staring at her as if she were a rare animal in a zoo.

“Well, well, all alone?”

Veronica swirled the red wine in her glass, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“I told you, men are only interested in novelty. In a formal setting like this, the Clarke family would never truly let someone like you take center stage.”

“Exactly. I heard that back at the Ward family, even a snake like Lilian could walk all over you.”

“You’re a disgrace to women. If I were you, I’d have found a hole to crawl into and hide. How dare you show your face here to freeload?”

The socialites covered their mouths and snickered, their mockery palpable.

Grace held a glass of soda water, her expression indifferent.

She looked at them as if they were a bunch of clowns.

“Are you finished?”

Grace asked calmly.

“If you are, then move. You’re blocking the airflow.”

“You!”

Veronica was so angry she wanted to throw her drink.

Just then, a hearty laugh came from nearby.

“Well, isn’t that… the developer of that new medication?”

“Dr. Hart! It’s an honor to finally meet you in person!”

The chairman of a publicly traded pharmaceutical company pushed through the crowd and excitedly shook Grace’s hand.

“About that patent transfer we discussed… have you considered our offer? We’re willing to add another two hundred million dollars!”

“Don’t cut in line! Dr. Hart, I’m from XX Biotech. We’d like to hire you as our chief consultant—name your own salary!”

“Dr. Hart, I’m with the Department of Health… I’d like to talk to you about getting the new drug covered by national insurance…”

In the blink of an eye.

The once-quiet corner became the center of the entire banquet.

The top-tier tycoons Veronica had been dying to network with were now swarming Grace like crazed fans.

Their tones were full of respect, admiration, and even a hint of pleading.

Not because she was Damien’s woman.

But because she was Grace.

A top scientist who held key technology, could save lives, and could generate immense wealth.

Pushed to the fringes of the crowd, Veronica could only stare, dumbfounded.