<b>Chapter </b><b>71 </b>


    Thomas was captivated by Briar’s smile, so he didn’t notice the fleeting coldness in her eyes.


    Briar’s demeanor and appearance were so striking that anyone who looked into her eyes would see her bright, pure gaze if she intended it. Theziness, nonchnce, and defiance in her eyes were easily overlooked.


    However, Frank, who was closest to Briar, caught that glint of coldness.


    Frank furrowed his brows slightly. He had been in the office yesterday and knew who had posted the defamatoryments about Briar on the forum. He also knew why Briar hadn’t asked for the posts to be removed.


    Although Frank was aware that Briar wasn’t the type to take out her frustrations on others, he was still anxious about her reaction upon seeing Thomas.


    He was worried that if she was in a bad mood, she might take it out on Thomas.


    Frank knew Thomas well. If Frank found out that his sister had caused such a big trouble behind the scenes, he would definitely distance himself from Abbie and force her to apologize to Briar in person.


    Frank had been warned by Ashton not to mention yesterday’s incident to Thomas, but since Thomas was his friend, he felt a bit guilty for not giving him a heads–up.


    As the time for the public lecture drew closer, everyone was on edge for her, but it seemed that only Briar herself showed no signs of


    nervousness.


    She had spent the past few days holed up in the office, seemingly busy and focused on studying the materials. But Frank had seen her achieve ten consecutive wins in a game whenever he came to check on her.


    It seemed that the big shot wasn’t nervous at all.


    Frank mentioned this to Ashton, but Ashton didn’t seem to react.


    ‘Well, the mental fortitude of the big shots is just different from, that of ordinary people. No need to worry anymore,<b>‘ </b>he wondered.


    Today at Shoneport University, the students had been unusually excited since early morning.


    Briar’s personal public lecture was set to begin at eight o’clock, and many had charged their phones andptops the night before, waiting to watch the live broadcast.


    Or rather, many were eagerly anticipating how Briar would end up embarrassing herself.


    It was the first public lecture in the history of Shoneport University’s Traditional Medicine Department.


    Unlike other specialties, even if they were difficult, there were always references and possibilities for challenges. But the Traditional Medicine Department was notoriously tough.


    Moreover, Briar was known as a cker. She had only gotten into Shoneport University through her family’s connections and money.


    ‘How dare she challenge a personal public lecture? Has she gone mad?‘ many people wondered.


    *****


    At Moonspring Estate, Briar returned from her morning, run to see Ashton standing in front of her house with his hand in his pocket seemingly walling for her.


    Ashton was wearing the simplest ck shirt today, and with his gold–rimmed sses and those captivating, cold eyes, he exited <b>an </b>air dis restrained desire. Briar had to admit, he looked perfect.


    She casually greeted him, “Ashton, good morning.”


    “Good morning. I had breakfast prepared. How about we eat together?” Ashton asked.


    Having breakfast with Ashton wasn’t a new experience for Briar, so she didn’t make a fuss and nodded. “Sure. Let me go home and change


    first.”


    She just ran for half an hour, and her clothes are soaked with sweat.


    Ashton’s gaze inadvertently swept over Briar’s graceful figure. She was at the peak of her youth and beauty, and after exercising, her beauty was in stark contrast to her usual cold demeanor, as passionate as the sweat on her forehead.


    “Alright,” Ashton said, turning away as if he hadn’t just so tantly looked her over.


    Today’s breakfast was delicious, too. The servant had even specially fried two perfectly shaped poached eggs and a baguette for Briar. <b>The </b>implication was clear, 100 points:


    Briar’s lips twitched, and she looked at Ashton questioningly.


    Ashton covered his mouth with his fist and coughed lightly, his tone serious. “I heard that parents often prepare this for their children before exams, to wish them good luck and good grades.”


    Briar, who hadn’t returned to the Jennings residence, naturally didn’t have anyone preparing such things for her.


    She was momentarily stunned. ‘Well, it’s Ashton’s kind gesture, even though I’m already a college student and far beyond that innocent age,


    she wondered.


    In the end, Briar did her best to finish everything. After putting down her fork, Briar received a satisfied smile from Ashton.


    It was almost time, so Briar slowly made her way to Shoneport University with her backpack, holding the materials that Joshua hadpiled for her. She had finished reading through them and nned to return them before the public lecture.


    Ashton didn’t go to Shoneport University with Briar. Instead, after she went in, he drove directly to Marvin’s office from the west gate.


    Ever since Marvin had taken on Briar as a promising student, he found himself drifting further and further away from hisid–back Shoneport University life. He came to the office early every day, working so diligently that even his wife found it incredible.


    “Ashton, you are here?” Marvin said as he had just arrived at the office and hadn’t even had time to brew his coffee. The door to his office was pushed open, and he turned <i>to </i>see Ashton entering with his bodyguard, not to bully anyone, but to observe the scene.


    Brandon was perceptive and took the coffee beans from Marvin’s hand. “Mr. Goodwin, let me do it.”


    Marvin didn’t mind. Ashton’s bodyguards were all versatile and had excellent coffee–brewing skills.


    Ashton and Marvin sat down <i>on </i>the sofa together. “Mr. Goodwin, are all the judges for the public lecture in ce?” Ashton asked.


    Marvin<b>, </b>who was able to rx in his office and enjoy tea, must have had everything arranged.


    Sure enough, he nodded. “Everything’s set. I’ve invited experts from the traditional medicine institute and <b>our </b>traditional <b>medicine </b>professors <i>from </i>Shoneport University to grade and oversee the lecture.


    <b>10.36 Tue</b>, 12 <b>Aug </b>


    “You can rest assured that Briar won’t be wronged.”


    If Marvin didn’t know that Briar was still just an 18 year–old, with Ashton’s enthusiasm, he would have thought Ashton loved her


    “Mr. Goodwin, you truly live up to your reputation as the head of Shoneport University. You are indeed impartial, Ashton praised insincerely.