Chapter 139
Mary was momentarily stunned by the barrage of questions before finally processing them.
“Oh, you must be talking about Mr. Ward from next door. He’s Miss Stellar’s senior at school.
“She mentioned they’re attending an academic symposium together this afternoon at two.”
Hearing that it wasn’t a date, and that the guy was just a fellow student, Claude felt slightly more at ease.
But then he caught onto something.
“His last name is Ward…?”
He clicked his tongue in distaste. What bad luck.
Of all people, the guy had to share a last name with that insufferable Ward family.
That same family had recently called off an engagement with them.
Hah. It was t
their loss.
Stellar was exceptional–one day, they’d regret it.
Just as he was about to complain further, his phone rang with a call from a business associate.
Letting the matter go, he grabbed a quick bite before heading out.
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Meanwhile.
Stellar and Stephen arrived at the symposium precisely at two o’clock.
The venue was already filled with scholars, industry professionals, educators, and professors–many of whom were well-
respected figures in their fields.
This kind of intellectual gathering, with so many top minds in one place, was a rare sight.
Stellar couldn’t take it all in fast enough, her eyes darting around in excitement.
Beside her, Stephen calmly introduced each person to her.
His memory was astounding–he could recall every face he’d met, effortlessly listing their names and professions.
“The professor on stage with the silver hair is Professor Sean Song. He’s a titan in the academic world with forty years of
experience.
“One of the papers I sen
you yesterday–he wrote it when he was sixty.”
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His deep, smooth voice resonated in her ears.
A strange shiver ran down her spine, but her focus remained on the people before her, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
True knowledge had no limits.
No matter one’s age, as long as they had the will to learn, the possibilities were endless.
They stood close, speaking in hushed tones, lost in their conversation.
What they didn’t realize was that from the moment they entered, many eyes in the room had already shifted in their direction.
“Who are these two stunning people? They look so harmonious together–such a perfect match!”
“Wait, you guys don’t recognize them? That’s Stephen Ward and Stellar Rivers from the Aeronautics Research Institute!
“Both are absolute standouts in their fields, and they’re even senior and junior. Their minds must be on the same wavelength. I
heard they’re dating!”
“Everyone in the industry knows Stephen’s reputation–undeniably a genius, but also notoriously aloof and reserved.
“Yet look at how patient he is when talking to Stellar. If that doesn’t say something, I don’t know what does.”
“I remember Stellar used to chase after Percy Moore, but that guy, ugh, he acted so high and mighty, like the whole world owed
him millions.
“Now she’s finally wised up and chosen someone better–someone more handsome, who actually treats her like the center of his
world. Absolutely iconic.”
“Oh, I know all about that drama! The news broke that Percy dumped her to marry Yvonne Harlow, the so–called heiress, only for
her to turn out to be a complete fraud. Talk about karma! It’s poetic justice!”
standing r
Their gossip and laughter carried through the room, landing straight in the ears of a man too far away, his face dark
as thunder.
The person was none other than Percy himself.
His grip tightened around his glass, rage surging through him.
He nearly crushed it in his hand.
Stellar!
So, she really chose Stephen.
That was why she rejected him so decisively!
His expression twisted with frustration and disbelief.
as
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner, a girl dressed simply observed his reaction closely, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.
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Swirling the drink in her hand, she suddenly turned on her heel and walked toward a certain direction.
Stellar, engrossed in listening to Stephen’s introductions, suddenly noticed a petite figure appearing in front of her.
