?Chapter 345:


    Dillen nodded. “Absolutely. Even before that, Mr. Tucker was already a professor—brilliant and respected. Most people thought he had reached his peak. But after learning from River, his skills soared. He always says that being her protégé is the proudest moment of his life.”


    Elliana let out a small sigh. She remembered when Hutton had pestered her nonstop just to be her protégé. It had been equal parts funny and frustrating. It reminded her of her childhood, when Donovan had forced her to be his sessor to the Star Society. Bing Hutton’s mentor wasn’t her choice either. She’d been pushed into it.


    Back then, Hutton had been relentless. When he couldn’t find her, he bombarded the director with calls, day and night, interrupting meals and ruining his sleep. Eventually, the director begged her to take Hutton on. Worn out, she had finally said yes. Luckily, Hutton had turned out to be serious and hardworking. He made real progress under her guidance. At least her effort hadn’t gone to waste.


    While she was grumbling to herself, Hutton entered the room with his assistant.


    Elliana quickly dropped her head onto her arms, pretending to sleep so he wouldn’t recognize her. No one noticed her actions. They were all too busy rushing over to greet Hutton.


    Compared to Dillen and Alonso, Hutton was much more direct. He didn’t care for pleasantries. After a brief nod in response to everyone’s greetings, he got straight to the point.


    Seeing that, Lance didn’t waste a second. He led Hutton straight to theputer.


    Elliana lifted her head slightly, peeking at Hutton as he focused on the screen.


    At this point, night had already fallen.


    Elliana’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Cole. “Honey, are you still dealing with Lance?” She texted back, “Yep.”


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    “It’s way past working hours. Aren’t you hungry?”


    “I am,” she replied.


    “What about I have someone bring you food?”


    “Sure.”


    A little whileter, Myles arrived carrying a container box from an upscale restaurant.


    Without caring what others thought, Elliana opened the container. The rich aroma quickly filled the air.


    Hutton didn’t even notice—he was too absorbed in his work. But Lance did. His stomach growled loud enough to turn heads. He looked over and saw Elliana happily biting into a drumstick. Irritation red in his eyes. He stood up, walked to her table, and questioned in a low voice, “What the hell are you doing?”


    Elliana lifted her gaze from the drumstick, her bright eyes connecting squarely with Lance’s. She paused mid-chew, arching an eyebrow at him. “Am I really bothering you that much just by eating?”


    The rity in her expression made Lance pause, and a flicker of self-doubt crossed his mind. Was he actually being too harsh?


    After swallowing deliberately, Elliana continued with a dramatic sigh, “Honestly, Lance, it feels like you’re just picking fights for the sake of it. You nitpick everything I do. First, I’m not attractive enough, and now even my chewing irritates you. What’s next? Should I hold my breath around you?”


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