Sorry Ex, Your Dad Chose Me

Elyse arrived at the gala early the following evening because she had no intention of entering with Ian.

Her main reason for coming was to find someone from the Spencer family and withdraw from the partnership she had recently negotiated.

She had barely found a place to sit when an excited voice caught her attention. "I heard some huge news. Michael Wright is returning to the country for an arranged marriage!"

"So did I. His father is supposedly dying, and his mother forced him to agree."

Another guest chimed in, "Everyone in our circle is talking about it. Apparently, Michael's health has gotten so bad that he looks ancient. He isn't even forty, but people say he resembles a frail old man. I can't wait to see what he really looks like."

Hearing Michael's name made Elyse lower her gaze. None of the rumors were new to her.

Michael had created his own business empire at eighteen and later became the youngest person to reach the top of the world's rich list.

Despite his fame, no one in the highest levels of society had ever seen his face.

That was also the year he had adopted Ian, who had been five years old at the time.

People described Michael as ruthless, distant, and impossible to predict. Rumors also claimed he was obsessed with cleanliness and couldn't tolerate women. More than thirty years had passed without a single woman appearing beside him.

"Wait until you hear this part. Michael's father might not survive this time. His younger half-brother, the illegitimate son who was sent overseas, is coming back too."

"Of course he is. He probably wants his share of the Wright family fortune!"

Elyse lifted an eyebrow. Things were about to become much more complicated for the Wright family.

Aaron Spencer's assistant approached her moments later. "Ms. Miller, Mr. Aaron Spencer would like to discuss the partnership with you. He's waiting in the lounge upstairs."

"Understood." Elyse rose and followed the assistant to the second floor.

Aaron greeted her with a smile. "Ms. Miller, our last project succeeded because of you."

He invited her to sit on the nearby sofa and handed her a glass of wine. "The drug wouldn't have been nearly as effective if you hadn't discovered the error in the research data. You're still in college, yet your ability already matches that of leading medical professors. Ian has no idea how fortunate he is."

Elyse couldn't return his smile despite the lightness in his voice.

"I kept my promise. This is the five-year strategic partnership agreement between Spencer Pharmaceuticals and Wright Group." Aaron pushed the contract across the table.

After looking down at it, Elyse placed her palm on the document and slid it back. "I'm sorry, Mr. Spencer, but I won't be signing this," she remarked firmly.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem with the agreement?"

Elyse shook her head and looked directly at him. "I've decided to leave Wright Group. I won't be working for Ian anymore."

Ian's engagement had dominated the news yesterday. One look at Elyse's face was enough for Aaron to understand.

His fingertips tapped lightly against the sofa's armrest before a slow smile appeared. "Then perhaps you and I should discuss working together instead."

The offer surprised Elyse.

Aaron noticed her reaction and continued, "I've told you this before. We wouldn't have expanded our partnership with Wright Group without your contribution. Healthcare isn't their area of expertise."

Elyse pressed her lips together. "I'm not looking to join another company right now. I want to spend my final-year internship concentrating on pharmaceutical research."

Her hesitation didn't surprise Aaron. "If you reconsider, you can contact me whenever you like, Ms. Miller," he suggested with a warm smile. "There will always be a place for you at Spencer Pharmaceuticals."

His confidence in her touched Elyse. She lifted her glass. "Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Spencer."

Aaron raised his wine and touched the rim against hers. "Here's to putting Ian behind you and moving on to something better."

The mention of Ian caught Elyse off guard. Her hand slipped, spilling most of the red wine down her dress.

She grabbed several napkins and quickly pressed them against the stain.

Aaron placed his glass on the table. "There's a spare outfit in the room beside mine. My assistant can take you there."

"I'll find it myself. Thank you, Mr. Spencer." Elyse left the lounge and checked the doors on both sides of the hallway.

The door to her left stood slightly open, so she pushed it wider and entered without hesitation.

Elyse had no chance to take in the room. Someone grabbed her wrist and yanked her inside so hard that she stumbled.

Alarm raced through her. She spun toward the door, but a strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back.

"Help—" Her cry ended when someone covered her mouth with a forceful kiss.

Shock widened Elyse's eyes.