When Elara was admitted to Hawke University, Desmond was still the secretary of the university's administrative department.She had been his most promising student. She had enrolled at Hawke University at just 14. To lessen the financial burden on her foster parents, she would attend classes during the day and take on part-time jobs in the evenings under a false age.Desmond had found out and brought her back, giving her a stern lecture. He urged her to focus on her studies, telling her that with her abilities, she could use knowledge to gain a future far beyond anything she could imagine at the time.The year Elara pursued her doctorate at Capitol University, Desmond had also been promoted.He waved her off as he stood at the gates of Hawke University."Elara Lloyd, this is where I see you off. I know you'll reach heights I could never dream of. And when you stand at the peak, looking down at the world, you'll see me cheering for you."Six years later, their paths crossed again—
Elara turned to her daughter and asked, "Merida, do you still want to study at Summit Academy?"Merida looked toward the crowd, spotting Shirley and Paisley gazing at her with eager eyes.They had already entered the school, but with all the commotion at the entrance—James being taken away, the Office of Compliance and Ethics launching an investigation, and several school administrators and teachers being called in for questioning—the younger students, in particular, had lost all focus in class.The kindergarteners stood near the gate, craning their necks. They were more interested in the spectacle than in their lessons, even if they didn't quite understand what was happening.Merida turned to the parents and said, "You need to offer a formal apology to me and my mommy. Only then will I consider returning to Summit Academy."She was only five years old, but she had already sensed the hostility from teachers, classmates, and parents ever since she became Merida Jones.When these v
Merida wrapped one arm around Paisley and the other around Shirley, lifting both of her best friends as she spun in circles with them.Seeing the scene unfold, Rosalie shrieked like a startled hen. "Bambi! What are you doing? Put my daughter down right now!"But her only response was the sound of three girls laughing happily.Elara worried that Merida might actually toss Shirley and Paisley into the air like shot puts, so she gently patted her daughter's back."Go on, head to school now."Merida set Shirley and Paisley down. The two girls were sweating from excitement, but Merida herself showed no signs of exhaustion—no heavy breathing, no flushed cheeks. Her round, dark eyes locked onto the academic file in Elara's hands."My student records were already taken out. Can they be put back in?"Elara reassured her, "You've changed your name, and Mommy came to school today to officially update your academic records."She crouched down and spoke seriously to her daughter. "Merida, I
The employee's voice quickly drew everyone's attention."Is that for real? Let me see!""The people ranked below this unemployed housewife are students from Ashford University, Redmont University, and Westbridge Institute of Technology!"A collective gasp filled the elevator.Even Harvey's secretary, Cyrus, was intrigued by the conversation. However, unlike the other employees, he remained composed.With a faint smile, Cyrus turned to Harvey and said, "It must be a mistake in the ALI Math Competition records. In previous years, the gold medalists in ALI were either top-tier professionals returning from elite institutions abroad or renowned scholars from prestigious universities in the country."There's no way a housewife could enter such a competition, let alone take first place. If that were true, ALI Group would be ruining its own reputation!"Before he even finished speaking, one of the employees read aloud while staring at their phone, "The contestant ranked first is… Elara
"If Elara had continued her PhD and pursued a career in research, she would have achieved far more than I have today," Jasper stated."What a top-tier case of throwing away a brilliant future for love!""She might as well have written 'foraging wild vegetables for seven years' on her résumé.""The heavens gifted her an extraordinary mind, and she used it to be a housewife and raise kids.""But why did Ms. Jones suddenly decide to compete in a math competition?"Jasper couldn't quite figure it out either. He could only sigh and say, "I hope that one day, I'll have the chance to work alongside her."The elevator doors slid open, and Jasper stepped out. The employees continued their discussion."For Elara Jones to suddenly enter a math competition… Her marriage must have hit a rough patch.""It could also be that her husband is the one supporting her participation in ALI's competition?""If her husband really supported her from the start, why did he only let her study up to a bac
The interview continued, and the conference room fell into dead silence. Throughout the rest of the interview, Elara never once mentioned Fisher Corp or Harvey.On the large screen, the CEO of NGT Group pulled out a Euconian dictionary. He flipped through the pages until he found the explanation he was looking for.Reading aloud, he said, "Not worth mentioning—meaning something is insignificant or unimportant. Oh?"The NGT Group CEO let out a surprised exclamation. "Harvey, according to your wife, you are… insignificant."Spreading his hands, he leaned closer to the screen and looked directly at Harvey, who was standing in the conference room."Your wife called you her ex-husband. Did you really get divorced from the woman who just won first place in a national math competition?"The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. The shareholders could no longer stay calm."Mr. Fisher, how could you and your wife get divorced?""She publicly called you her ex-husband in front of
Elara's adoptive father had leveraged a so-called past favor to pressure Harvey into marrying that woman. But now, that undeserving country girl had finally been kicked out by Harvey once and for all!Ethel's expression softened into a warm smile, as if she was basking in the glow of spring sunshine."You all should help me keep an eye out—find a few well-matched, respectable young ladies from Capitol."It's time to start arranging marriage meetings for Harvey. My precious grandson can't grow up without a mother's love."The socialite wives immediately became animated, eagerly inquiring about the kind of daughter-in-law Ethel preferred.Just then, someone suddenly gasped, "Oh! Elara was interviewed by Gingham TV! She's making waves—she actually placed first in the ALI Math Competition preliminaries!"The moment Elara's name was mentioned, Ethel's smile instantly dropped.Meanwhile, the other elite wives were buzzing with excitement."The ALI Math Competition carries an enormous
Harvey opened his eyes and picked up his phone. The "Capitol Brotherhood" group chat, created by Niamh, had 99+ unread messages.Although Niamh frequently filled the chat with endless banter alongside the other elite heirs of Capitol, Harvey had a strong feeling that today's heated discussion was mostly about him.He tapped into the chat. Someone had forwarded the ALI Math Competition preliminary rankings and tagged Niamh."The first-place winner… is your sister?""Niamh, your sister is this smart? Why have you never mentioned it?"Some, clearly just there to stir the pot, took the chance to joke."Fresh off a divorce and already winning the country's top math competition. Now, let's hear from our very own ex-husband, @Harvey, any comments?"At that moment, Niamh jumped in, tagging Harvey."Do you remember how Elara showed up with Theodore on the 7th? Well, the 7th was the same day as the ALI Math Competition prelims!"She added, acting confused, "Wasn't she supposed to have l
Rosalie's face twisted with fury. "I did no such thing! What apology letter? There was never any such arrangement!"Merida Jones! You've gone too far!" She glared in Elara's direction, stepping forward as if to confront her.Just then, Xavier pulled out his phone, opened an app, and tapped a button.Suddenly, the control screen at the event console switched to a music player interface, and a rousing march blared through the speakers. The children in the audience instinctively began clapping along to the rhythm.The entire auditorium erupted in lively energy as an AI voice announced through the sound system, "Let's give a warm welcome to Rosalie Fisher! Ms. Fisher, please come up to the stage!"Elara burst into laughter and gently ruffled Xavier's hair."Xav, good job!"Now, with all eyes on her, Rosalie had no choice—if she refused to apologize, there would be no graceful way out.Praise from Elara made Xavier turn to her, his bright eyes shimmering like a sky full of stars. He
The host was clearly more interested in Finnegan and asked, "So, Uncle Finn, have you considered finding a girlfriend?"Finnegan frowned slightly. He didn't want to remain the center of attention and gossip. His gaze swept past the audience and landed precisely on Elara. He saw her lips curve into a warm smile, as if she took pride in his popularity. "Yes, I have."Finnegan answered stiffly, his expression serious, as if delivering a formal report.The mothers in the audience immediately grew excited, many already mentally scanning through eligible unmarried women they knew, eager to introduce them to Finnegan.A flicker of surprise passed through Elara's eyes. Finnegan actually wanted a girlfriend? That was truly unexpected.The next second, Lesley tightly wrapped an arm around Elara's while her gaze toward Finnegan was full of wariness."What's wrong?" Elara asked, somewhat puzzled."I'm protecting our little moon!"Elara chuckled, assuming Lesley had noticed the eager in
"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Rosalie asked. She then shoved Harold's shoulder, displeased.She then added unhappily, "How can you side with outsiders instead of rooting for your daughter?"Harold pursed his lips and quickly changed his tune to appease Rosalie. "Paisley could probably win first place. Besides the judges' scores, there's also the audience votes. Paisley's performance had the most people present watching." Rosalie raised her chin proudly. "Paisley will definitely win first place!"She had already spoken to several parents in advance. From what she knew, more than half of the parents had already voted for Paisley.Elara looked down. She then took a pen and placed a check mark next to the title of Merida's performance. Xavier did the same and gave Elara a thumbs-up.Elara smiled in response.Seated behind them, Beau could clearly see the interaction between Elara and Xavier. His expression darkened with resentment.Harvey's voice could be heard. "Why a
Beau was teary-eyed as he shrank back, showing a timid expression."The final performance of this year's gala is a tap dance piece, Spring Awakens, performed by a student from the preschool division's Class 1B—Merida Jones."Elara heard the announcer introduce Merida's performance. She and Xavier immediately sat up straight. The crimson curtain was drawn open, revealing Finnegan as the first to step into the audience's view. He was too eye-catching. Tall and broad-shouldered, he wore black trousers and a black vest, which was left unbuttoned, exposing his tanned chest. The stage lights spilled over his muscles, contouring them.The parents who had been sleepily sitting in the auditorium inadvertently glanced at the stage. Their gazes were fixed in place. They all gasped.Finnegan struck the drum. The audience's eyes were fixed on the lines of Finnegan's arms and pectoral muscles.Many audience members pulled out their phones to record the scene of Finnegan drumming."Wow! Whose
Harvey knitted his brows together tightly. "Beau is your son. How can you be so cold-blooded that you won't even hold him?"Elara retorted, "Do you still remember how you responded when I told you that Beau didn't want to be close to me?"Harvey froze in place. There was a hint of confusion in his eyes.A cold, faint chuckle escaped Elara's throat. It seemed he had long forgotten. The ever-busy president of Fisher Corp had never truly regarded his own family as something that mattered."You said that a son shouldn't rely on his mother, especially since Beau is the heir of Fisher Corp. Instead, I should restrain my emotions and make myself his teacher, not his mother! "I once told you that Ethel always spoke ill of me in front of our son. You said it was the truth, so it wasn't bad-mouthing. You said your mother wasn't wrong, that I was just a country girl with knowledge. "You also said I was extremely lucky to have married into the Fisher family. Otherwise, even if your family
A small whirlwind swept past Lesley as Theodore went ahead and dashed forward. A vein bulged on Harvey's temple upon seeing Theodore suddenly pull six and a half feet before them. Just as he wanted to yell at her, Lesley yelled, "Elara!"She raised her arm high and waved at Elara.Elara looked up at her, her bright eyes curving as she smiled. When Theodore noticed that Elara only had eyes for Lesley, his steps faltered.At that moment, Lesley overtook him, jogging toward Elara. She yelled, "Make way! Everyone make way!"Harvey suddenly appeared with a wheelchair. On it sat Beau. He used the wheelchair to block Theodore's path and even tried to ram into Lesley with it.Theodore stood in the aisle, blocking Harvey's way."This aisle is too small. How could you possibly push a wheelchair through? Take your son and sit at the side."Harvey's face darkened. "Sit at the side? My son won't be able to see the stage! I want to sit with him in the center!"With that, Harvey picked
Paisley stood at the center of the stage and bowed, thanking the audience. Meanwhile, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause. Several parents who knew Rosalie turned to praise her."Ms. Fisher, you've done such a wonderful job raising her.""Paisley's dancing was beautiful. With her on stage, the whole performance became so pleasing to watch."Parents from the same class chimed in as well. "Rosalie made the right call by having Merida step down from the rehearsals. If Merida had performed, it definitely wouldn't have turned out this well.""Exactly. Rosalie really has great foresight."As they spoke, their glances drifted—intentionally or not—toward Elara.In the microcosm of the school community, parents were sorted by social circles. Even if they acknowledged Elara's competence, to them, she still had no real backing.And without that, she might as well have had nothing. In the world of elite parents at one of Capitol's top schools, Elara stood on shaky ground. Those ho
Rosalie let out a disdainful snort. "Does someone like Elara even deserve to step into the Fisher family's circle?"Her voice turned icy and shrill. "She's only dragging me down!"Luxury brands existed precisely to distinguish those who could afford them from those who couldn't. If commoners could easily buy Louis Vuitton or Hermès, how would the wealthy flaunt their status?Ever since Elara married into the Fisher family, Rosalie felt her own standing had been diminished. Now that Elara had been kicked out, Rosalie wouldn't give her another chance to mingle with high society.Harold lowered his voice. "Put in a good word for me with the Fisher family. Help me become Xavier's tutor."Though Beau had resumed his elite homeschooling, Xavier still attended the same classes—and far outperformed him. Harold had a strong premonition that the Fisher family would focus on cultivating Xavier.Though not Leonard's biological son, Xavier was his sole heir since Leonard had no children of hi
Rosalie took her seat beside Harold and immediately noticed him repeatedly glancing in Elara's direction."What are you looking at?" Her voice turned dangerous.Harold instantly trembled, quickly straightening his posture. "Nothing! I wasn't looking at anything!"Rosalie wouldn't let it go. "You kept staring at Elara! Why were you looking at her?"Flames burned in Rosalie's eyes as Harold hurriedly explained, "I just saw Xavier sitting in her lap and got curious! I never expected that child to be so close with her."He then gossiped with Rosalie, "Do you think if Elara dotes on Xavier like this, she might end up becoming Harvey's aunt?"A mischievous smirk spread across Harold's face."Only vulgar minds would come up with such vulgar thoughts!" Rosalie snapped.As a Fisher family member, her first reaction was utter disgust at such disgraceful speculation. How could she ever hold her head high in Capitol's elite circles if this happened?"How could Leonard possibly do such a t