His Belated Love for the Abandoned Ex-Wife Chapter 79: A Grand Gathering

Julian got in the driver's seat and started the car.

The whole way there, Iris sorted through product files and company materials. Her nerves grew worse by the minute.

Iris thought they'd be meeting some director privately. Turns out, it was a big panel talk.

Hundreds of people were there, including top hospital elites and leaders from all over the country. There were medical professors, hospital directors, department heads, and pharmaceutical researchers from major state institutions.

Without Julian, she never would've gotten a ticket to this event. Let alone heard such amazing medical exchanges.

For two hours, great medical professors talked about pathology research and treatment directions in different fields. Several directors gave passionate speeches. Even some famous pharmacology professors explained new drug research directions.

Even if they didn't talk business today, she'd gained so much.

After the event, Julian took her to a restaurant.

Iris was scared to miss such a good chance. "Shouldn't we go say hi to those directors?"

"Let's eat first," Julian said, walking into the restaurant with her side by side.

"But..." Iris was still thinking about business.

Julian took her hand. "They're all in the private room."

Warmth spread through her palm. She felt much more at ease.

They walked into the private room.

There was a huge rotating round table. The lounge sofas were full of people. Small groups stood chatting in the corners. Some sat by the table.

Everyone was mingling before dinner.

When Julian and Iris walked in, everyone smiled and greeted them.

Julian shook hands with them politely, never letting go of Iris's hand. He greeted them warmly and introduced Iris to everyone.

"This is my wife, Iris. She's a pharmaceutical research expert in rare diseases." Julian added a little extra, mentioning Iris's two special drug patents and her company, Health Bio.

Everyone was shocked. They didn't expect such a young woman to have so many achievements in special medicines.

Iris was so nervous her palms were sweating. Afraid she'd get his hand dirty, she pulled away quickly and shook hands with them politely.

The private room had over twenty people—big hospital directors, chief physicians, pharmacy professors, and leaders from the medical committee.

Once everyone sat down, the waiter brought food and wine. There were plenty of delicious dishes.

An older director sighed. "Mr. Everhart, you're too generous. We could've eaten something simple. No need for such a big fuss."

Julian took off his suit jacket and draped it over his chair, calm and relaxed. "My wife is obsessed with medical research. She's always wanted a chance to have deeper academic discussions with experts in this field. You're all pioneers on the clinical front. Today's exchange benefited us a lot. This meal is the least we can do to show our respect and gratitude."

"Mr. Everhart, you're too kind."

"We're all here to contribute to medicine. Normal academic exchanges don't need such extravagance. Let's split the bill. We can't..."

Julian cut them off quickly. "No. Don't be polite with me."

Iris forced a smile, sitting stiffly. Julian was a natural at networking, calm and steady. She learned a lot just watching him.

He was poised, calm, and experienced.

He knew exactly what to say and do in every situation; he was always in control.

But these were all top hospital executives. With so many people around, there was no way to talk business privately.

After all, using connections to get drugs into hospitals is against the rules and unethical.

Once the polite small talk died down, everyone started enjoying the food and wine.

During the meal, people came up to chat with Julian. He replied to everyone with ease, his words gracious and well-judged.

Iris wasn't used to such big events. She didn't know how to network, so she just ate quietly.

When the waiter poured wine for everyone, he handed Iris a glass of liquor.

Before Iris could react, Julian took the wine glass from her hand. He told the waiter, "Give her a glass of fresh orange juice instead."

"Yes, sir," the waiter replied.

Iris turned to look at him, her heart warm.

He was talking to the director in front of him, but he still noticed the wine the waiter gave her.

He looked utterly charming as he chatted and laughed at the table—mature, composed, with a warm, handsome smile. He carried himself with such grace.

Julian noticed her staring out of the corner of his eye. He turned to her, leaning closer. "Is there something on my face?"

Iris's cheeks got hot. She quickly looked away, hung her head, picked up a piece of meat with her fork, and shook her head. "No," she whispered.

Julian leaned in even closer. His warm breath fanned her cheek. He murmured in his soft, deep voice, "Relax a little. Eat more."

Iris nodded. "Okay."

Just then, an older director walked over to Julian with a wine glass. Julian stood up at once, lifted his glass, and spoke to him politely. They joked lightly, but he never brought up business.

Iris finished eating, put down her fork, and wiped her mouth.

Then, the middle-aged woman sitting next to her started talking to her. "Ms. Whitlow, I heard Mr. Everhart mention Health Bio a lot. You're the legal person of Health Bio, and you also handle the research and development?"