Alaina gave him a thumbs up. "Perfect. You can do my hair and makeup for the gala then."
"You got it."
...
The night of the institute's anniversary gala.
The most extravagant event in the institute's history was held in the grand ballroom of a mega-luxury hotel in Capital City.
Ethan had spent weeks meticulously preparing to escort Lily to the massive event.
He knew the guest list was incredibly exclusive. It wasn't just academic titans; government officials, business tycoons, and foreign dignitaries stationed in Capital City would all be in attendance.
Every guest was dressed in immaculate couture, a testament to the prestige of the evening.
Ethan wore a sharply tailored light tuxedo that perfectly complemented Lily's glittering gold gown.
Lily's gown featured a dramatic, sweeping train, and the strapless neckline perfectly highlighted her stunning curves.
Draped in millions of dollars worth of matching high-end jewelry, she was absolutely dazzling under the brilliant crystal chandeliers.
Riding high on the massive success of Apex's new lithography machine, the rising tech star linked arms lightly with Ethan. A confident, triumphant smile played on her lips as she bathed in the admiring gazes of the crowd.
Ethan played the role of the devoted protector flawlessly, attentively catering to her every need.
Before arriving, Ethan had received a vital piece of insider information.
Tonight, Professor Franklin Foster was set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Following the presentation, there would be a special ceremony where Professor Foster would hand over a symbolic olive branch—representing the passing of the torch—to the brightest, most promising talent of the next generation.
As was tradition, the recipient of the olive branch was entirely up to the lifetime achievement honoree.
Decades ago, a young Franklin Foster had been the one to receive that very same honor.
The moment the news broke, several industry veterans had called Ethan, all confirming that Lily was the absolute undisputed choice for the award.
Rumor had it that even the institute's director had heavily nudged Professor Foster in her direction.

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