Chapter 373
“Of course!” Grace said.
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Moving to my side, she linked her arm with mine in a friendly gesture. It was as though we were on very good terms
She continued, “Not only is she an incredibly skilled researcher, but she’s also my sister–in–law–which means she’s also a member of the Hardwell family. So, Mr. Slate, any accusations of her being an academic fraud must be a misunderstanding!”
Upon hearing how solemn Grace was, Mitchell couldn’t help but look at me.
“If you aren’t an academic fraud, then why would Ms. Calder say that about you?” he asked.
I coolly returned his gaze. “That’s a question for Ms. Calder, not me.”
Mitchell frowned and looked displeased. He clearly hadn’t expected that answer.
Grace turned to me and said, “Alright, Emi. Let’s go inside together!”
Her expression read, “Come on. I’ll bring you in.”
Irvin didn’t understand why I hadn’t been allowed in despite having an invitation. He also didn’t know why I had been mistaken for an academic fraud and was being barred from entry.
However, with so many people watching, he knew this wasn’t the place for conversation. Thus, he silently urged me with his gaze to follow Grace into the hall.
Emma tugged gently at my sleeve, urging me to do the same. Otherwise, it would be a waste to come all this way and not even make it into the hall.
Flashing me a smile, Grace said again, “Let’s go, Emi.”
Her smile looked genuine, and I returned it. But instead of going with her, I pulled my arm from her grasp.
“Apologies, Mrs. Hardwell, but I’m waiting for someone,” I replied. “You go ahead!”
Hearing this, Emma anxiously tugged on my sleeve again. She didn’t understand why I wasn’t going along with Grace. From her perspective, since we couldn’t get in, following Grace in as her sister–in–law was a no–brainer.
With his gaze still on me, Irvin stepped forward. Just as he was about to speak, Grace returned to his side. Linking her arm with his, she called him “Tim“-once again reminding him to be mindful of his current identity.
To protect my reputation and avoid anyone accusing me of being a homewrecker, Irvin knew he shouldn’t behave too affectionately toward me in public. That being said, he also knew how much I wanted to attend this conference.
Hence, Irvin still said, “Follow us inside, Emi.”
Smiling at him, I replied, “No, thank you. You two go ahead.”
Irvin knew I was being this way because I despised Grace and didn’t want her help. So, he took another step forward and wanted to say I wouldn’t be entering the hall because of her.
However, Grace stepped forward too and softly said, “I know you dislike me because of what’s happened between us in the past, Ms. Quill. And I admit I’m in the wrong, and you have every right not to be fond of me.
“However, the people attending this conference are all big names in the research world, I know this conference is the most significant event for researchers like yourself and that attending it is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity.
“You flew ten hours just to be here. So please, Ms. Quill, don’t miss this great opportunity because you holdige against me,
she implored.
Irvin nodded, clearly agreeing with Grace’s words. Besides, I wouldn’t be entering with Grace but with him.
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I stared back at frvin as he gazed at me
How should I put it?
Like I said before, Irvin had a knack for business and a sharp mind for it. But when it came to relationships especially with women or people he felt indebted to he could be painfully naive)
Taking a step back, I put some distance between us, “Sorry,” I said “But I really am waiting for someone.”
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