"Who is that woman? Why is she going on stage?"
"Don't you know? She is Mr. Stephens's wife. I heard she can't do anything except spend Mr. Stephens's money."
"Mr. Stephens invited the heroes of this project onto the stage and that's supposed to be Miss Lake. Why is this old hag going up there?"
"Just trying to get some attention, I guess."
Judging by their seating, the company's middle and upper management were murmuring below the stage.
This was a company I had built with my own two hands, yet all the middle and upper management were strangers. I couldn't even spot a few familiar faces.
I didn't have the headspace to dwell on that. Instead, I took a deep breath, composed myself and asked, "My team and I spent five years on research and development. Why is someone else's name going on the patent?"
My voice was loud and the chatter below quickly died down.
"She led the research and development team?"
"Why is she trying to get attention? She'll say anything! Every meeting mentioned that Miss Lake had spearheaded the development of the new drug for the past few years. What does it have to do with this old woman?"
"Just because she's Mr. Stephens's wife, she thinks she can bully Miss Lake like this?"
"If you ask me, this old hag should know her place and just hurry up and get a divorce. Mr. Stephens and Miss Lake are such a perfect match."
I looked at the people gossiping. Their eyes were filled with utter disdain for me.
Those few sentences especially pierced my heart like needles.
Every meeting has mentioned that Caroline spearheaded the drug development for the past few years.
She should just get a divorce. Luke and Caroline are a perfect match.
It seemed Luke had long planned to give what belonged to me to Caroline.
But why?
I glared at Luke, waiting for his answer.
Luke frowned, his eyes filled with impatience and even resentment towards me. "Demi, do you have to make a scene in front of everyone? How old are you? Almost thirty, can't you be more sensible? This is such an important celebration party. Can't you just stop acting like a spoiled brat?"
He was seizing what was rightfully mine, yet he accused me of being immature?
I took another deep breath and questioned him in the calmest voice I could muster, "I'm asking you, Luke. The new drug that my team and I spent five years developing, why is it being given to someone else?"
Faced with my repeated question, a flicker of evasion appeared in Luke's eyes. He must have known he had to address this issue directly.
Because who developed this new drug wasn't something that could be denied with just a few words.
Luke glared at me fiercely, his tone filled with disgust and ice-coldness. "You want to know why? I didn't want to embarrass you in front of so many people, but since you insist on making a scene, I'll just say it!"
"He grabbed me roughly and dragged me up onto the stage.
Then he shoved me hard. I stumbled and fell onto the ground."
A few champagne glasses had shattered earlier and hadn't been cleaned up yet. My left hand was instantly pierced by shards and blood flowed freely.
"Get up! Don't pretend!"
Luke roared, grabbed my long hair and yanked me up like a stray cat or dog.
I felt pain and shook him off, staring at him coldly.
Luke glared at me, held Caroline's hand and stood beside me.
He composed himself before addressing the crowd below, "Everyone, my words might not be convincing enough. So, let's let everyone see who is more outstanding between these two people for themselves?"
"Of course, it's Miss Lake!"
"Haute couture dress is lucky to be worn by Miss Lake."
"That one next to her, ugh! Wearing haute couture but still looking like an old hag."
