Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever novel Chapter 262

Chapter 262: Chapter 263 Starting Rumors

THIRD PERSON POV

The dinner hall was filled with all sorts of medical experts.

Round tables covered with white tablecloths filled the hall,. The guests attending tonight were not ordinary people. Most of them were respected doctors, medical researchers, hospital directors, and influential figures from the medical world.

Conversations filled the room as people exchanged greetings and discussed recent medical achievements.

Sophia felt slightly out of place.

She sat quietly beside Lance as people kept coming to their table. The closer she looked, the more familiar some faces became. Many of them were individuals whose names appeared in medical journals and research papers she had studied for years.

Meanwhile, Lance appeared completely at ease.

People greeted him the moment they entered the ballroom. Senior doctors shook his hand warmly. Researchers approached to ask for his opinions. Several hospital directors personally came over to welcome him.

"Doctor Lance"

"It’s been too long."

"We’ve been trying to get you to join our research project."

Lance smiled politely at everyone while answering. "I appreciate the offer." "Let’s discuss it later." "You flatter me."

Sophia watched quietly.

For the first time, she truly understood how respected Lance was in the medical community. Everyone seemed eager to speak with him. Everyone treated him as someone important.

"You look nervous." Lance said to her.

She smiled weakly "Is it that obvious?"

"A little." His expression softened "You belong here, Sophia."

His words made her chest warm up.

Across the ballroom, Damien stood beside Tiffany.

Tiffany was speaking about a recent charity event. Several business partners surrounded them, laughing and complimenting her. She looked elegant in her red dress.

Normally, Damien would have paid attention. Tonight, however, his focus was somewhere else.

His eyes landed on Sophia. Instantly, everything around him seemed to disappear. For several long seconds, he simply stared.

She looked way better than she had the last time he saw her in the hospital. Her complexion still looked slightly pale, but she looked healthier.

He felt relief as he looked at her..

His wolf immediately relaxed “She’s healing”.

The thought repeated itself inside his mind “She’s okay”

Then his eyes moved toward Lance. The relief immediately became mixed with something darker.

Jealousy.

Sophia sat beside Lance. Lance leaned toward her occasionally. Sophia smiled during their conversations. The sight bothered Damien more than he wanted to admit.

"Damien?" Tiffany’s voice broke through his thoughts.

He blinked "What?"

Her smile remained in place, but her eyes had narrowed slightly. "I asked if you were listening."

"I am."

He wasn’t. Tiffany followed his line of sight. The moment she saw Sophia, her smile tightened.

Immediately, she felt irritated. Even here, Sophia was somehow drawing Damien’s attention.

Tiffany hated it. Before either of them could speak again, movement near the entrance captured everyone’s attention.

Professor Archer had arrived. The atmosphere instantly changed.

Conversations quieted. People stood from their seats. Several respected doctors walked forward to greet him personally.

The elderly professor smiled warmly as he entered the ballroom. His reputation alone commanded respect.

Sophia straightened slightly in her chair.

Lance smiled "Professor Archer is finally here."

A few moments later, everyone returned to their seats.

Waiters began moving throughout the ballroom carrying trays filled with crystal glasses. Soon, a glass was placed in front of every guest.

Sophia looked down. Her stomach dropped as she looked at the glass. It was filled with strong liquor. The smell alone made her nervous.

Her recent surgery flashed through her mind. Her doctor had specifically forbidden alcohol.

Panic slowly began building inside her. She looked around the room. Everyone was receiving the same drink. Everyone was expected to participate in the toast. Refusing could attract attention. Drinking could affect her recovery.

Neither option felt good.

Sophia tightened her fingers around the glass. What was she supposed to do?

Across the ballroom, Damien noticed immediately. His eyes narrowed. He recognized the hesitation on her face. He knew she couldn’t drink.

At the same table, Lance noticed as well. Unlike Damien, however, Lance was close enough to act.

He leaned slightly toward Sophia "What’s wrong?"

Sophia lowered her voice "I can’t drink this."

At that exact moment, Professor Archer stood. Everyone began raising their glasses.

Sophia’s anxiety increased. Suddenly, Lance reached over. Before anyone could react, he calmly picked up Sophia’s glass.

Sophia stared "Lance-"

"It’s fine."

Without hesitation, he drank his own liquor first, then he drank Sophia’s as well.

The movement happened so naturally that many guests simply laughed.

Someone nearby joked loudly "Doctor Lance is drinking for two tonight."

Several people chuckled. The tension disappeared. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Sophia released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She felt so relieved.

"Thank you," she whispered.

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