"She doesn''t even have the guts to check. What do you think?" Lillian added with augh.


    Noreen was no longer looking at her phone. She had taken out a file and was reading through it.


    It was hard to tell if she was handling business or just trying to lookposed.


    "Pay less attention to others," Bianca reminded Lillian before checking the time.


    It was almost time for her meeting with Academician Joyner.


    Lillian noticed this too. "Cousin, do you think Academician Joyner called you here today to officially ept you as his student?"


    "I doubt it would happen like that," Bianca said cautiously.


    "Why not? Don''t sell yourself short!" Jude chimed in, even more dramatically than Lillian. "A genius like you is in high demand. Academician Joyner is probably worried another professor will snatch you up, so he wants to lock you in early!"


    Biancaughed at their antics. "You two are being ridiculous!"


    As they were chatting, Henry, who had been quiet, suddenly called out, "Dad, over here."


    It was Sanford.


    Although Bianca had never met Sanford, she knew who he was: the current chairman of the Brooke Group.


    She immediately straightened her posture.


    Henry led Sanford directly toward Bianca, about to make introductions.


    But Sanford spotted Noreen first, and a broad smile spread across his face. "Well, look at you, son! You''ve finally seen the light and decided to learn from Ms. Gilmore?"


    Henry''s expression froze for a second.


    Before he could speak, Sanford called out to Noreen, "Ms. Gilmore, it''s been too long!"


    Noreen looked up from her file at Sanford. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she regained herposure. "Mr. Brooke."


    Sanford had already walked over and started a conversation with her.


    Henry was left standing next to Bianca in an indescribably awkward position.


    "I was going to introduce you to my dad," he mumbled.


    Bianca''s expression faltered for a moment, her fingers tightening.


    around her purse Shema


    weak smile. "It''s okay." >


    "I''ll introduce youter," Henry said, seeing no other option.


    Sanford and Noreen were now deep in conversation.


    Bianca was frustrated, though she maintained a calm exterior. For some reason Noreen always managed to charm the older generation. Seymour, Wade, and now Sanford. She had no idea how she did it.


    ?


    But she wasn''t as anxious as she used to be. Once she officially became Academician Joyner''s student, she was confident she.


    could win over Wade. An intel


    highly educated woman was always the ideal choice for a


    daughter-inw in a wealthy family. That was one of the main reasons she was so determined to get into this program.


    It was just a shame Wade wasn''t here today.


    As if on cue, Halley arrived. And to Bianca''s surprise, Wade was with him.


    Lillian noticed too, excitedly gripping Bianca''s arm. "Sis, it''s Mr. Harcourt! Do you think your fiancé invited him?"


    Bianca wasn''t sure, but her heart leaped with joy.


    "Your fiancé really treasures you!" At least, that''s what Lillian believed. Who else could have persuaded Wade toe?


    But why was Dn with Halley too? Bianca had thought he wouldn''t show up today.


    Wade was talking with Halley, who had intentionally slowed his pace to match Wade''s.


    Bianca watched them approach, took a deep breath, and said, "Academician Joyner. Mr. Harcourt."


    Halley paused his conversation and nced at her.


    Wade was even more direct. He didn''t look at her at all.


    Halley didn''t respond or even nod. He just gave her a brief look before walking past.