After divorce ch 8

Chapter 8 Exceptional
Evelyn turned to Reynold with a dismissive expression, her tone dripping with condescension. “Reynold, Catherine’s taken care of you for quite some time. Even if she’s just a nanny, you should at least find her a job.”
Reynold’s gaze shifted to Catherine, his expression unreadable.
Benedict interjected, “Evelyn, nowadays, you need proper qualifications to land a job. What’s Catherine’s educational background?”
Evelyn’s lips curved into an amused smirk, her chin tilting upward as if recalling something amusing. “Catherine dropped out of school when she was 16.”
“Sixteen?” Benedict was shocked.
In their social circles, Evelyn was admired not only for her beauty but also for her academic excellence. A graduate of a prestigious university, she was a standout even among Havendor’s elite socialites.
She was, without a doubt, a perfect match for Reynold.
To the upper echelons of society, beauty alone wasn’t enough. True status required a combination of looks and academic accomplishments, and the higher up the ladder one climbed, the more critical a woman’s education became.
Any favorable impression Benedict had of Catherine vanished instantly. His tone was now openly contemptuous. “Catherine, you stopped studying at 16?”
Catherine glanced at Evelyn’s proud expression and smiled faintly. “That’s right. I stopped school at 16.”
Benedict sneered. “Well, what a coincidence. Reynold also left school at 16. But unlike you, Reynold is a true prodigy. At 16, he earned dual master’s degrees from Harvard University, making history. And you? You didn’t even finish high school, did you? Ha!”
His mocking laughter filled the air.
Evelyn looked down on Catherine entirely, not even bothering to conceal it.
Reynold stood tall, the warm light of the hallway highlighting his sharp, refined features. His gaze landed on Catherine.
For the past three years, Catherine had been a homemaker, following him wherever he went. It wasn’t surprising she lacked formal qualifications.
However, Catherine didn’t show any sign of embarrassment or retreat. Instead, her clear, luminous eyes met Reynold’s, and she flashed him a serene smile. “It is quite the coincidence.”
Something about her words struck a chord in Reynold.
For the first time, he noticed just how captivating Catherine’s eyes were. They sparkled with a lively intelligence, as though they could speak.
“Cath!” A voice suddenly interrupted. Laura came rushing over, glaring at Evelyn. “Evelyn, are you picking on Cath again?”
Evelyn, ever the picture of self-assurance, replied smugly, “We’re not bullying Catherine. We’re trying to help her find a job.”
Laura froze. “You’re finding Cath a job?”
Evelyn nodded, her tone laced with condescension. “Of course. Even though Catherine doesn’t have a degree or any qualifications, we’ll do our best to help her find something decent.”
Laura almost laughed out of sheer frustration. “Do you even know who Cath is? She’s … ”
Before Laura could finish, Catherine gently tugged her arm. “Laura, let’s go.”
Though Laura didn’t say another word, she cast a disdainful look at Evelyn before leaving. “We’ll see about that.”
As Laura and Catherine walked away, Benedict scowled. “What’s with Catherine’s attitude? A girl who dropped out at 16 acting all high and mighty? If I were her, I wouldn’t even show my face in public.”
Evelyn wasn’t upset. She had never taken Catherine seriously. To her, Catherine wasn’t even worthy of being a rival.
Getting angry at Catherine would only lower her standards, Evelyn thought. With a smile, she turned to Benedict. “Let it go. Ignorance is bliss.”
Benedict sneered, “Reynold, you should divorce Catherine as soon as possible. She’s not worthy of you.”
Reynold’s striking features remained calm, his expression betraying no emotion. “Let’s go,” he said simply, turning to leave.
Evelyn nodded, satisfied. “Of course.”
She and Benedict followed Reynold out.
…
As they exited the bar, a voice called out, “Mr. Parker?”
Reynold looked up and recognized the speaker immediately. It was Samuel Everett, the president of Harvard University.
Reynold stepped forward, greeting him politely. “Mr. Everett, what brings you to Havendor?”
Evelyn’s demeanor shifted to one of reverence. Though she had excelled academically, she hadn’t been able to gain admission to an institution as prestigious as Harvard.
Samuel smiled warmly. “Mr. Parker, I’m here for a seminar. What a pleasant surprise to see you. And what a coincidence—I just found out your junior is in Havendor as well.”
Reynold raised an eyebrow. “My junior?”
Samuel nodded. “Yes, Harvard has two legends: the first is you, and the second is your junior. Like you, she earned dual master’s degrees at 16. She’s a brilliant prodigy, though you probably don’t know her since she enrolled a few years after you.”
Benedict’s curiosity was piqued. “Wow, Reynold has a junior that impressive? Who’s more remarkable, her or Reynold?”
Samuel chuckled, glancing at Reynold. “They’re equally exceptional.”
Reynold arched a brow. He’d never encountered a woman who could match him intellectually.
For Evelyn, hearing about this legendary junior was a complete shock. She had no animosity toward Catherine, but the mention of this genius young woman felt like a direct blow to her pride.
Who could this junior possibly be?