A Caged Songbird's Escape: Into the Arms of a Predator novel Chapter 216

“She didn’t lie to you.”

Zachary Jones’s tone was calm, almost indifferent. “The new drug that reduces side effects by fifty percent is already in clinical trials. But based on Elissa’s previous track record in research and development, there’s no room for failure—she always succeeds.”

Reducing side effects wasn’t the kind of breakthrough you achieved overnight. Every single time, Elissa had to rack her brain to make adjustments—incremental, painstaking improvements, one after another.

But she was talented, and more than that, she had the rare ability to pull it off. Each tweak she made worked out. Zachary saw it all firsthand and couldn’t help but be impressed.

Noticing James and Raymond exchanging incredulous glances, Zachary decided to twist the knife: “Originally, Ms. Drummond credited the entire team with this success. But clearly, you two weren’t involved at all. So, I’ll just list Ms. Drummond and Cliff as the researchers of record.”

James and Raymond stared in shock, too stunned to even protest. Their earlier denials had been far too absolute—now they’d backed themselves into a corner with no way out.

Marcia’s face darkened as well, but after a moment’s thought, she turned to Elissa. “Since our teams will be collaborating from now on, why don’t you tell us more about this drug you’re already testing, Ms. Drummond?”

Everyone in the room was floored. Marcia’s intent couldn’t have been more transparent—she wanted to claim a share of the credit with zero effort.

Elissa arched a brow and fixed her with a cold stare. “You’re right, it’s a joint research project. But I never said you’d get all the rewards without putting in the work. When you can contribute something truly valuable, I’ll be happy to share.”

It was crystal clear what Marcia was up to. She wanted the prestige and the benefits, but without putting in the sweat, all she could do was resort to scheming.

Her glare was furious, but she sneered, “So you think four years in college is enough to master everything Dr. Aaron knows?”

Everyone in medicine knew that, especially in the more traditional branches, mastery took both talent and, above all, time. Four years was barely enough to bluff your way through a clinic, let alone lead real research.

Besides, rumor had it Dr. Aaron had only ever passed down his full knowledge to a single, secret apprentice. Everyone else, at best, had only scratched the surface.

Elissa looked at her and suddenly smiled. “But did it ever cross your mind that maybe I’ve been learning for more than just four years?”