Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 134

Let alone personally introduce her to VIPs.

It was only at this exact moment that a harsh realization hit her: He had saved all these networking connections exclusively for Lily.

She, Summer, was just a mere stand-in. She didn't deserve it.

But luckily, Summer didn't need it anyway. She had the ultimate connection of her own, and he would be arriving shortly.

The industry leaders all gave Xavier face, politely and amicably exchanging contact info with Lily.

Just then, a ripple of excitement swept through the entrance.

Everyone turned to see Harrison Banks entering the venue, flanked by a security detail.

He was here!

A smile sparked in Summer's eyes. Her mentor, her ultimate connection!

In the front row, Lily's eyes lit up as she looked at Xavier.

That was Harrison Banks!

He was a titan of the national research community. Rumor had it his standards for taking on a student were absurdly strict, but if anyone managed to join his inner circle, their net worth would skyrocket. Their future would be paved with roses and open roads.

The Sterling family would never be able to look down on her again.

Lily was fully confident. After all, she was an outstanding graduate of Empire State University, and Harrison was an honorary principal there.

Moreover, she was incredibly young, already held a patent, and her professional skills were rock solid.

Looking across the entire country, apart from Pax—who had stunned the entire research world years ago—how many people could actually match her achievements?

But Pax had been a flash in the pan. There hadn't been any news of him for years; all anyone knew was that he was from this country.

Xavier gave Lily a reassuring look. After Harrison finished exchanging pleasantries with his academic peers, Xavier escorted Lily over to him.

"Mr. Banks, it is an honor," Xavier greeted respectfully.

The smile on Harrison's face faded noticeably when he saw him. "Mr. Sterling."

Xavier stepped slightly to the side, bringing Lily forward to introduce her. "This is Lily Sutton. She's the head of the R&D department at Sterling Group and the holder of the SSPKI patent."

Harrison had been locked in a closed-door lab experiment recently, so he had zero idea what was happening in the outside world.

He eyed Lily without betraying a hint of emotion, while internally roaring in fury: Was the head of the Sterling R&D department not my rebellious student, Summer?

Where the hell is my Summer?

What kind of garbage did Xavier drag over here?

If she caught their eye, getting some direct mentorship and backing was highly probable.

So why was it completely different with Harrison?

Had she somehow offended him?

This was their very first time meeting, and she felt her performance from start to finish had been absolutely flawless.

It just didn't make sense. Lily racked her brain, utterly baffled.

But Summer knew exactly why.

Harrison naturally knew all about Summer marrying Xavier and having a child.

So even if the old man was annoyed with Summer, he was still relentlessly protective of her. With his sharp eyes, he had definitely figured something out—which was precisely why he had treated Lily that way.

It felt incredibly good to have someone in her corner.

The corners of Summer's lips curled up slightly.

This exact moment was captured by Lily, and her face instantly darkened.

Who did she think she was, daring to mock her?