ching the crowd. Doctors, pharmaceutical representatives, and students moved

ke passionately about patient care and medical ethics. Julian was instantly captivated, just as he'd always be

d admirers. Julian took a deep breath, steeling himself as he app

prise. "Julian," she replied evenly, ma

sincerely, attempting to bridge years

r gaze sharp and assessing. She knew why he

softly, feeling every bit of vulnera

rner away from the conference's buzz. She crossed her

medication-a revolutionary approach to heart disease," he began

ou know my stance on endorsemen

. "This medication could save lives. I

vident in her eyes. "It might be. But what a

ard by her directness. "It's not like that,

inded him quietly, her tone tinged with a trace of

oint. "Can we at least discuss it

etween suspicion and curiosity. Eventually, s

accompanied by something deeper-ho

he'd have to adjust his usual methods, and Sophie found herself wondering if profe