Bianca''s expression was frozen.


    She watched, stunned, as the three of them walked right past her.


    Then, they walked over to Noreen.


    And then, they stopped in front of Noreen, speaking to her with warm, friendly expressions.


    Halley even smiled and patted Noreen''s shoulder, nodding as if pleased with something.


    Then, Wade patted Noreen''s other shoulder. His usually stoic face softened with a hint of warmth.


    From a distance, Bianca watched as Noreen became the center of attention for these influential men.


    She unconsciously clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she didn''t even feel the pain.


    This was a level of recognition she had never received.


    Even Jude was bewildered. "What the hell? How does Noreen always win over the older generation? Aren''t they supposed to be wise and experienced? What''s wrong with their judgment?"


    Bianca''s mind was in chaos.


    Fortunately, Seth''s voice cut through her turmoil, steadying her.


    "Let''s go to Academician Joyner''s office."


    Right.


    Bianca quickly came to her senses.


    Academician Joyner was seeing her today to ept her as his student.


    Since Wade was here, he could witness this moment firsthand. It would change his


    biased opinion of her and, hopefully, his favorable view of Noreen.


    Just then, Halley finished his chat with Noreen. She handed him a folder, and he started walking toward his office.


    Noreen supported Wade as they followed.


    Bianca and her group fell in line behind Noreen.


    Normally, she would have pushed past Noreen to walk in front.


    But this time, she had to show deference to Wade.


    Even Jude, usually the loudest of the group, was silent, walking quietly at the back.


    Sanford, after a few steps, turned back to see Henrygging behind. "Henry, why are you walking so slowly? Come on up to the front."


    Henry remained sullen and didn''t answer.


    Halley''s office was a spacious, standalone room. Even with so many people, it didn''t feel crowded.


    He offered a simple greeting. "Make yourselvesfortable. I just need to review a document."


    Wade, Sanford, Dn, and Noreen sat on one side.


    Bianca and her group sat on the other.


    An unspoken line had been drawn.


    While they waited, Wade asked Noreen, "Have you checked your score?"


    Noreen answered honestly, "I haven''t had the chance yet."


    Lillian suppressed a smirk.


    Was it that she hadn''t had the chance, or that she didn''t dare to?


    Sanford said, "You should check now. I''m quite curious myself. It would be a good example for Henry and you could give him some pointers. He''ll have to take this exam eventually."


    Henry''s expression soured even more.


    But he couldn''t very well contradict his father in front of everyone.


    Just as Noreen took out her phone, there was a knock on the door.


    Someone said to Halley,


    "Academician Joyner, there''s


    reporte


    from the financial news


    channel here to interview you."


    Halley frowned. "I didn''t agree to an interview."


    "But they''re already here..."


    Halley thought for a moment. "Let them in."


    It was only then that Bianca


    understood Yvonne''s strategy in arranging for reporters from a major firfancial channel. Any other


    lesser-known media outlet would


    have been turned away at the door.


    As the two reporters entered, Noreen finally opened the score-checking website.


    When she saw the number, she frowned slightly.


    Wade noticed. "What is it? Did you not do well?"


    Noreen''s expression was serious. "It''s five points lower than I estimated."


    Jude couldn''t help but let out a smallugh.


    She acted like such an expert,ining about being five points off her estimate.


    Did someone who came inst ce even need to estimate?