Chapter 3

My passion for pharmaceutical research had nothing to do with Julian.

In fact, the moment I read that suicide note and saw his live broadcast in our past life, my heart was already dead.

It was just that when I woke up after being reborn, I realized my past self had already spent my startup money on specialized lab gear.

Since I couldn't get a fair price reselling it on eBay, I decided to keep it and use it myself.

As it turned out, I fell deeply in love with drug formulation and biotech research.

In this life, I wasn't doing it to please a man. I was doing it entirely for myself.

Once again, I politely declined Julian with distant courtesy.

"My 'hobby' pays my bills just fine. Thank you for the concern."

Seeing me refuse his "benevolence," Julian's face darkened with irritation.

"I'm giving you a lifeline and you throw it back in my face? Don't come crawling back crying for help later!"

I remained silent. I didn't bother telling him the truth.

Today, my biotech patents and medical AI diagnostic frameworks were licensed to some of the biggest pharmaceutical conglomerates in the world.

My annual royalties weren't a dime less than what his entire company made.

Of course, if I said that out loud, he'd probably just accuse me of boasting.

After all, standing here in a wrinkled, dusty tracksuit didn't exactly scream "billion-dollar scientist."

I had my son to blame for that. He begged me to build sandcastles with him outside, and the second I turned my back, he sneaked down to the banquet floor.

I chased after him without even having time to change.

Just as I was about to walk away, the waiter suddenly shouted, pointing at my chest.

"A designer piece? Where the hell did you dig up a limited-edition top like that? Don't tell me you're a maid here who stole it from a guest's suite!"

I frowned. "Has it ever occurred to you that it's mine?"

Vivian burst into a mocking laugh.

"Yours? Can you even afford the sales tax on that? What wealthy person runs around dressed like a disheveled mess?"

She ostentatiously pinched her nose.

"It's so dirty! You probably stole it straight out of a laundry basket and put it on!"

Julian stared at me, his brow furrowed so tight you could crack a nut between his eyebrows.

"Chloe, have you really sunk this low? Are you still going to stubbornly lie?"

I was exhausted from their nonsense and turned directly to the waiter.

"If you truly believe I stole this, feel free to call the police right now."

I knew what he was doing—he was just trying to suck up to Vivian by kicking me while I was down.

Sure enough, his bravado instantly deflated, and he muttered under his breath, "If it weren't for the VIP guests staying at the hotel today, and the risk of disturbing them, I would've had you cuffed already."

Vivian's eyes lit up, and she eagerly jumped in.

"You mean the Hayes heir, right? I heard he's vacationing in Seattle with his family and staying right upstairs!"

Julian nodded, naked ambition gleaming in his eyes.

"If our current pipeline could secure backing from the Hayes family, our company would skyrocket."

The name "Hayes" was like tossing water into boiling oil, instantly sparking frantic whispers across the ballroom.

"Isn't that why we all came to this gala tonight? To get a glimpse of Mr. Hayes? His family literally owns this entire property."

"I heard he got married and had a son in his early twenties. Wonder which billionaire's daughter managed to land him."

While everyone was buzzing with gossip, the banquet manager burst through the double doors, dripping with sweat, followed by a frantic security team.

"Excuse me, everyone! Has anyone seen a seven-year-old boy around here? About this tall?"

The manager wiped his forehead anxiously, his eyes scanning every corner of the room.

Someone sharp-witted quickly connected the dots.

"Is that... Mr. Hayes's son? I heard the boy is turning seven this year!"

The room erupted with energy. Everyone started searching, desperate to find the kid.

After all, returning the lost heir was a one-way ticket to getting on the Hayes family's good side.

Julian and Vivian immediately joined the search, leaving me alone.

Looking across the chaotic hall, I walked straight over to the dessert table.

Sure enough, huddled underneath the white tablecloth was my son, his face completely smeared with white powdered sugar.

I crossed my arms and leveled him with a cold glare.

"Get out here."

Leo gasped, hugging the ornate table leg for dear life.

"No!"

Just as I reached down to yank him out, Vivian appeared out of nowhere, blocking me like a self-righteous crusader.

"Chloe! What do you think you're doing?!"

"Even if you're desperate to crawl into the Hayes family's good graces, you don't lay your filthy hands on a little kid!"

Julian rushed over, his eyes dripping with disgust and disappointment.

"Chloe, I never imagined you would sink so low for money and status."

The waiter grabbed the manager's arm, tattling loudly, "Sir, it's this woman! She sneaked into the party and even stole clothes from a guest!"

The manager's face turned pale with fury, and he signaled the guards.

"Grab this thief and haul her straight to the police station! If she scares Mr. Hayes's son, you're all fired!"

A triumphant smirk flashed across Vivian's lips. She bent down, putting on her sweetest, most angelic smile for the little boy under the table.

"Come here, sweetie. Come to Auntie Vivian. Auntie will protect you."

My son didn't even look at her. Under everyone's stunned gazes, he crawled out and carefully took my hand.

"Mommy... I'm sorry."