Chapter 142
Under the weight of countless eyes and a wave of applause, Stellar stepped onto the stage, her movements slightly stiff.
In the audience, Percy finally snapped out of his daze.
Seeing the slight nervousness in Stellar’s posture, a sneer tugged at his lips.
“Hah, there’s no way she’ll do well. As if she could possibly measure up to Professor Song.”
To be honest, despite Stellar being hailed as a genius back in school, Percy had always thought that title was exaggerated.
Back then, she was always so meek around him–where was the brilliance everyone spoke of?
Two years had passed, and he still didn’t believe she was as capable as people claimed.
On stage, Stellar took the microphone from Sean, his kind and encouraging gaze steady on her.
Hundreds of scholars and professors watched her expectantly.
Her heartbeat pounded in her chest, and her throat felt dry.
She could even hear whispers from the crowd.
“Why hasn’t she started yet?”
“Did she freeze up?”
She really was nervous.
The last thing she wanted was to embarrass her alma mater, her mentor, or her classmates with a mistake.
Then, her gaze landed on Stephen.
He sat calmly in the audience, his deep eyes unwavering, like a serene valley untouched by storms–a quiet, steady presence.
Just like that, the frantic beat of her heart slowed and steadied.
Her breathing evened out, and her expression smoothed into composure.
She finally leaned into the microphone and spoke.
“Thank you, Professor Song, for this opportunity. Today, I’d like to share…”
Her voice was clear and crisp, carrying a natural rhythm–almost like a professional broadcaster.
She guided the audience through her topic with smooth transitions, making even the most technical aspects engaging and compelling.
At first, the scholars in the audience had been listening with mild curiosity.
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But as she continued, they found themselves drawn in, completely immersed in her words.
By the time she finished, the entire hall was silent for several seconds, as if the weight of her speech was still settling in.
Then, thunderous applause erupted, genuine and overwhelming.
“Incredible! She’s so young, yet she spoke with such depth and clarity—truly a genius.”
“She has an extraordinary future ahead of her!”
The only ones whose expressions were anything but pleased were Percy and Dawn.
Dawn’s hands clenched at her sides, jealousy flashing through her eyes.
But in the next moment, Dawn quickly adjusted her expression, letting out an admiring sigh.
“So, Miss Rivers really is as incredible as they say. I could never compare–calling it a world of difference wouldn’t even be an
exaggeration.”
The more dazzling and exceptional Stellar appeared, the more unease crept into Percy’s heart.
Dawn watched him closely, and in a flash of realization, a knowing look crossed her face.
“I get it now, Mr. Moore, I’ve heard before that you used to date Miss Rivers. Do you still have feelings for her? Are you thinking
about winning her back?”
Percy stiffened, as if she had struck a nerve.
Before he could deny it, Dawn giggled and continued.
“You’re charming, thoughtful, and devoted–you and Miss Rivers actually make a great match.
“If you really want to get back together with her, I can help you. After all, you’ve been so generous to me… Consider it my way of
repaying you. What do you think?”
Her voice carried a playful lilt, yet the suggestion was clear.
Percy hesitated, his resolve wavering.
Stellar stepped off the stage after her speech, her eyes bright as she walked up to Stephen, as if waiting for his verdict.
He let out a soft chuckle, not disappointing her.
“You did great. I knew you would.”
She had received plenty of praise before, but for some reason, hearing it from Stephen made it sound even sweeter–like warm
honey spreading through her chest.
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By the time the lecture ended, it was already four in the afternoon.
The audience reluctantly dispersed, still absorbed in the discussions sparked by the event.
Since Stephen had some things to discuss with Sean, Stellar decided to wait for him so they could leave together.
But just as she lingered near the exit, a familiar figure appeared in front of her once again.
“Miss Rivers.”
