Substitute Wife, Genius CEO novel Chapter 346

Professor Banks couldn't help but chuckle. "Probably because it's just a normal lapel pin."

Hedges froze for a second before bursting into laughter. Leo had completely bluffed Hunter.

Summer naturally knew it was just a pin, which was why she had deliberately stirred the pot.

Lilith and Xavier hadn't been sure if it was a hidden camera, so they couldn't confidently reassure Hunter. That uncertainty had gnawed at Hunter's mind, amplifying his terror.

It was the perfect psychological trap that triggered Hunter's complete breakdown.

Hedges laughed heartily. "That kid is something else. Truly brilliant," he said, beaming with pride.

Meanwhile, Archie left the children's play area right after Leo departed and returned to a private dining room.

The moment he walked in, he threw himself into a young man's arms. "Dad, a really, really mean kid bullied me just now."

The man affectionately ruffled his hair. "I saw, buddy."

His bodyguards had sent him a live feed of the incident. Even if Hunter hadn't cracked under Leo's bluff, he still possessed the actual video evidence.

Archie sniffled, pouting. "If you saw it, why didn't you come help me?"

The man gently wiped away his son's tears. "Wasn't there another boy standing up for you? He had a strong sense of justice and was incredibly smart. You should be friends with him."

"Yeah!" Archie nodded eagerly. "His name is Leo Vance. We exchanged contacts. He's my buddy now!"

The man smiled and affectionately patted his head again.

Out in the parking lot, Hedges handed Leo's suitcase over to Summer.

Summer thanked him and saved his contact information. Hedges promised to call her in advance whenever Leo needed to return to the academy so she could arrange a pickup.

Thanks to Leo, Summer had the golden opportunity to network with the elite inner circle. Before the academics departed, they showered Leo with New Year's gifts.

There were fountain pens, expensive notebooks, pocket watches, a jade pendant, and even a bag of premium candies. The gifts were diverse, each representing their immense adoration for the young genius.

Not too far away, Xavier's trio emerged from the restaurant. They froze in their tracks, watching the scene unfold with complex expressions.

Xavier was deeply bewildered. How on earth was Summer so intimately connected with these titans of scientific research?

Lilith and Hunter were consumed by burning envy, though their targets were entirely different.

Lilith was painfully jealous of Summer's effortless networking with such powerful academic figures.

Hunter glared with furious envy at Leo, frustrated that those intimidating old people loved him so much and showered him with lavish gifts.

After bidding farewell to the academics one by one, Silas opened his car door. "Hop in. I'll drop you two off."

Xavier suddenly stepped forward. "Leo."

Leo looked at him with chilling apathy. "What do you want?"

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