Beckett's expression finally softened. "Should we try to placate Christine?""No need. I know Chris well; she's not one for power struggles or internal conflicts. She's one of the rare few who are deeply committed to academia," said Hendrix."What about her three students and the lab everyone's talk
"How's that possible?" Beckett was in disbelief.Not only were Miranda and the other students at Bedford College, but their advisor, Christine, was still officially a faculty member."If it's not credited to the college, then where?"Aileen replied, "Infinity Lab."A thought flashed through Beckett'
"You…" Hendrix was tongue-tied.Christine spoke slowly and firmly, "My students deserve my protection. I'd rather forfeit any superficial recognition than let those who've hurt them benefit. That's all there is to it."I didn't put my name on this one, and I won't in the future. The college had bett
The Landon estate wasn't the typical modern-style mansion but rather a traditional courtyard-style home. The front and back courtyards were interconnected, with the walls a faded gray, and some sections even peeling.The front yard was paved with blue-gray stone, giving the place an old-fashioned lo
Out of politeness, Miranda lightly shook his hand but quickly pulled hers back. Kai thought for a moment and extended his hand toward Madison.Madison had just eaten a tart and hadn't brushed off the crumbs on her hands. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she apologized, "Uh… I'll skip the handshake. Sorry
Miranda calmly withdrew her gaze and focused on her meal. The dishes prepared by the Landons for their guests were, of course, exceptional.Word had it that they had even invited a national banquet chef for the occasion; the food was exquisite, pleasing in both taste and presentation. Even a simple
Scott wondered why did it suddenly feel so chilly?Paul's presence was entirely unexpected. His grandfather, Bradley Jefferson, and Samuel had been close friends in their youth. They had built their fortunes side by side before ultimately choosing separate paths—one in business, the other in politic
"That's not quite right, is it? If I remember correctly, the Coopers and the Landons are distantly related. By that logic, Seb should be calling you… 'Uncle Sam,' right?" Paul remarked with a subtle smirk.This was precisely why Sam, despite being a businessman, had been invited to the Landons' gath
By force? Sam chuckled. "Well, that's if you actually managed to grab hold of it."Timothy retorted, "How would you know you can't if you haven't tried?""What? Are you going to pursue Aunt Minnie? Heh… First of all, there's no way you'll get past my grandparents."Timothy made no comment on that.
"No way… Are you a big shot? You even brought your bodyguards to get drunk at a bar?" "Who knows?" Sam retorted.…Sam asked his bodyguards to stand closer deliberately so that he could finally have some peace and quiet. He poured himself another drink, but unlike last night, he didn't chug it down
Now, Timothy and Mindy were no longer the childhood sweethearts they once were. Their lives had diverged, with separate marriages and entirely different paths."Do you remember when we were kids, the promises we made about what we wanted to be when we grew up?" Timothy was the first to break the sil
Timothy waved his hand dismissively. "No need, I'll serve myself…""Nonsense! We're all family here." Before Timothy could finish, Lionel had already added two heaping servings of ribs to his plate.Timothy froze, momentarily at a loss for words.Nelly smiled sweetly, but her gaze toward Timothy was
The moment seemed to pull Timothy back in time, to when they were just young adults in their 20s. Their world revolved solely around each other, yet held back by the unspoken.His heart stirred. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Mindy stood up and broke the spell. "I sh
Nelly's smile became slightly strained. "Is that so? Lionel is truly a family man…"As everyone enjoyed their meal, the doorbell suddenly rang. Sam put down his cutlery. "I'll get it," he said, heading to the entryway.A few seconds later, his surprised voice echoed through the house. "Dad? What are
Mindy only asked Miranda to contact Sam because the two of them already knew each other.Back when Lionel's wallet was stolen at the train station, Miranda had introduced Sam to them. She called him "Mr. Cooper" and explained that he was a friend. Later, Sam had even thoughtfully dropped them off at
Fortunately, for now, Fiona was satisfied with Lionel as a son-in-law. He was gentle, attentive, and thoughtful, with decent looks and a respectable height.Having graduated from Queenstone College and now working as a physics teacher at a prestigious high school, he might not be wealthy, but he was
"A family reunion is always a good thing," Aren said with a heartfelt sigh, while Lionel nodded immediately in agreement.It was then that Mindy realized she hadn't introduced Lionel to Nelly."This is my husband," she said."Hello," Nelly responded with a faint smile. "My brother-in-law certainly l