Chapter 831
“To that end, I even had my staff reach out to Mr. Ferguson specifically to ensure Charlene would be in attendance tonight.”
Dr. Lucas paused, glancing pointedly at Vesta and Thorne before continuing. “As for Ms. Hawkins, I only learned of her desire to study under me after chatting with her earlier this evening. However, after having an in-depth conversation with Charlene later on, my choice for a student became absolutely clear.”
“Prior to making that decision, I had never given Ms. Hawkins any concrete promises or definitive answers. Once I made up my mind, I immediately informed Ms. Hawkins that I would not be accepting her.”
“Therefore, there is absolutely zero truth to the notion that Charlene deliberately stole the opportunity from Ms. Hawkins.”
Another wave of derisive scoffs echoed through the banquet hall the moment Dr. Lucas finished his clarification.
“First, Dr. Wagner rejects her, and she blames Charlene for sabotaging her. Now, Dr. Lucas literally chooses Charlene over her, and she still thinks Charlene is playing dirty tricks. The delusion is unreal!”
“She’s probably done so many shady things herself that she constantly projects her own guilt onto everyone else.”
Amid the gossiping, Dr. Lucas looked at Charlene, appearing as though he still had more to say to her. Charlene noticed and was about to speak when her phone
suddenly rang.
She answered it, listening intently for a moment. “Okay, I understand. I’ll be right there.”
Just as she hung up, Stewart’s phone buzzed with an incoming call as well.
By then, Dr. Lucas had stepped off the stage and approached them.
Stewart spoke up first. “I’m so sorry, Dr. Lucas, but an emergency came up at the company. We need to leave immediately. Apologies again for tonight…”
“…It’s alright,” Dr. Lucas replied gently.
He looked at Charlene.
Knowing she was Kenton Wagner’s prized pupil meant a mentorship between them was never meant to be.
Still, the regret was palpable. “I really wish you could have been my student,” he couldn’t help but sigh.
He had come to realize that Charlene possessed an incredibly serene and grounded
aura.
The more he interacted with her, the more he liked her.
Charlene offered a polite smile. “…I’m sorry. I might not be a student worthy of boasting about just yet but I’d still like to entrust mj academic future to my current mentor.”
Her humility left Dr. Lucas with nothing to do but nod gracefully and offer his hand. “Let’s make sure we collaborate and exchange ideas in the future.”
“It would be my absolute honor.”
After shaking his hand, Charlene checked the time. She paused, looking down at Jasmine, who was standing quietly beside her, tightly gripping the hem of her dress.
So much had unraveled tonight, and Charlene wasn’t sure how much of it the little girl had actually understood.
But she did notice that Jasmine hadn’t made a single peep throughout the entire confrontation.
Now, the little girl’s eyes were red. Seeing Charlene looking at her, Jasmine quickly averted her gaze, staring at the floor as tears welled up even faster.
Charlene’s heart ached. She leaned down and gently rubbed the girl’s head. “Minnie, Mommy has some urgent business to take care of. Tha little while, you should find your Dad-“
For once, Jasmine was startlingly
obedient. She understood before et
Charlene even finished the sentence. Okay, Mommy, I know I
head
home by myself. Go do your work.’
Charlene watched her, wanting to offer more comfort, but Jasmine was already waving goodbye and darting off.
However, she didn’t run toward Thorne like Charlene had suggested. She ran
straight past him, heading directly for Latonia, who had been waiting anxiously on the sidelines.
Charlene froze, watching the scene unfold in surprise.
Stewart caught it too.
As the realization settled in, he shifted his gaze over to Thorne.