I Stopped Waiting and Started Loving novel Chapter 269

"I heard she's a brilliant young researcher. She published a paper that sent shockwaves through The Council and the Federal Health Authority. Everyone fought over the formula in it, but Vance Global ultimately snatched it up."

"Really? She's that talented at her age?"

"It has to be true. Why else would President Graves throw such a massive gala if not to hype her up?"

"Now that is a true prodigy. Nothing like what we've got going on here..."

The rest of the sentence trailed off, but the implication hung heavy in the air.

Someone else chimed in regretfully, "Why couldn't Master Thorne have found her first? Old Graves beat him to it."

Another person stared at the screen and clicked their tongue. "Look at her Apprenticeship Gifts. Eight of them! A century-old ginseng, wild snow lotus, and a rare medieval medical manuscript... Now that is a serious fortune."

A low laugh echoed nearby. "Then look at what we got. Ten strips of cured meat. I guess Master Thorne's taste retired when he did. Who still gifts cured meats in this day and age?"

Bonnie stood rooted to the spot, completely silent.

Quentin's brow furrowed. He looked down at her. "I'll take these to the car. Then, I'll show you around The Botanical Conservatory."

She looked up at him and offered a faint smile. "Okay."

Once the two left the main hall, the gossip didn't die down; it only grew bolder.

Ultimately, it wasn't that they were desperate to bully a new peer. It was simply that Bonnie hadn't shown them a single reason to respect her.

She had no advanced degrees, no active license, and no dazzling resume. Yet she was young, beautiful, and had instantly secured their master's heavy favoritism.

That kind of obvious bias was bound to stir up bitter resentment.

Especially when juxtaposed against Gideon Graves's new disciple, whose resume was flawless and whose ceremony was the event of the year.

Side by side, Bonnie simply didn't measure up.

...

Meanwhile, at the Tianxi International Hotel.

Seraphina Miller had executed every flawless step of her rehearsed ceremony, basking in the overwhelming glamour.

Gideon Graves was clearly thrilled. Taking the tea she offered, he smiled warmly in front of the packed ballroom and the rolling cameras.

"From this day forward, Seraphina Miller is my final disciple. I will personally guide her, and I expect her to honor her immense talent and the path of healing."

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

Seraphina knelt gracefully on the stage, her eyes glistening. "I will remember your teachings, Master."

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