Chapter 1009

The students immediately crowded together, gossiping in excitement.
“What kind of breaking news are we talking about?”
“Does our university even have news that big? How come I haven’t heard a thing?”
“Same here. I didn’t catch any rumors either.”
As one of the girls spoke up, her face lit with excitement. “Of course you haven’t heard. This was just confirmed, and I got it straight from the source. There’s no mistake about it!”
“Then stop keeping us in suspense! Tell us—what’s this big news?”
“Alright, listen up. Word is, a rising star in the business world is coming to our school this afternoon to give a lecture!”
A rising star was going to give a lecture at Aspenfield University?
The group instantly buzzed with chatter, especially the younger, prettier girls.
“A rising star? Is he good-looking?”
“Don’t tell me he’s both rich and handsome?”
“Give me a break. Most of the executives I’ve met are middle-aged, half bald, pot- bellied, and way too much cologne!”
The girl laughed. “You’re talking about those middle-aged CEOs. I’m talking about rising stars. That means he’s probably young. Who knows he might be young, rich, and handsome all at once!”
“Totally possible! I’m dying to see what he’s like. I’m definitely going to his lecture this afternoon.”
“Count me in!”
“Let’s all go together, then. If he really is good-looking and loaded, we’ll find out soon enough.”
The group of girls quickly made plans to attend the lecture together.
Hailey listened quietly as they chattered.
A rising star in the business world…
The words immediately conjured up an image of a face she knew well—Jonah.
Right now, Jonah was the name on everyone’s lips, the hottest young mogul around.
Could it be him? Was he coming to Aspenfield to give a lecture?
She almost laughed at herself for even thinking about it.
That was ridiculous. Jonah wouldn’t possibly show up at Aspenfield for something like this.
He was tied up at his company, running things nonstop. When would he ever have the time for a guest lecture?
Just then, one of the girls turned to her. “Hailey, you’re coming with us, right?”
“I heard this guy is talented and exceptional. We could actually learn something from him!”
Hailey had already planned on going, and with her friends all eager to drag her along, she had no reason to refuse.
“Sure. Let’s go together!” Hailey agreed.
“Perfect! Let’s grab lunch, hit the library for a bit, and then head straight to the lecture!”
“Sounds good!”
Hailey went along with the girls. They ate together, then made their way to the library.
After Hailey picked out a few books on fashion design, she found a seat and sat down. She then pulled out her phone, opened her WhatsApp, and texted Jonat. fo
“Mr. Pilsner, I just had lunch. Have you eaten?”
Soon, Hailey’s phone chimed with a notification.
His reply came almost instantly. “I have. What are you doing now?”
“I’m at the library, reading books. I’ve got a lecture this afternoon.”
Hailey decided to share the rumor she had overheard. “Mr. Pilsner, guess what? I just heard that a rising star in the business world is coming to our school this afternoon to give a lecture.”
Jonah asked, “Are you going?”
Hailey replied, “Of course, since all
my friends are going, But nét
worry, Falready
have my own star. There’s no way I’d ever be
interested in anyone else but you.”
“Is that so?” Jonah responded.
His reply carried the same calm authority he always had, yet beneath it lingered a
trace of indulgence.
Hailey replied, “I promise!”
After that, Jonah didn’t respond.
Hailey put her phone away and turned back to her books, studying quietly until it
was time for the afternoon lecture.