The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 197

Inside the auditorium, Quentin's lecture was drawing to a close as a polite smattering of applause broke out.

Claire had hung onto every word, feeling utterly captivated. The trip had been more than worth it.

"It is an absolute honor to be here at Queenshaven University today, sharing these concepts with all you brilliant design students."

"I'm also wonderfully surprised to see a former student of mine in the audience, someone I taught back in Empire City."

"Claire, it's been five years since you graduated. As an experienced professional, why don't you come up and share a few insights with the underclassmen?"

Quentin beamed warmly at his favorite student.

Caught off guard, Claire had no choice but to oblige. She walked up to the stage and took the microphone.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Claire Jenner. I wouldn't really call myself an authority, just an independent designer with a few more years under her belt."

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, immediately drawing their focus.

"I currently run a boutique in Empire City called Luna Atelier, specializing in custom Artisanal Silk Embroidery gowns. If anyone is interested in this niche, I'd love to connect."

As soon as she finished, a male student stood up from the back rows, his tone dripping with skepticism.

"Professor Reed, Ms. Jenner, I actually have a question I've been holding in this whole time."

"This whole 'artisanal heritage' thing is basically just an outdated relic. Not only does the aesthetic fail to meet modern standards, but the commercial market rejects it too."

"Half the people here just came for the extra credit. Heritage arts, silk embroidery... their extinction is simply an inevitable byproduct of a progressive society."

His demeanor was obnoxiously arrogant.

"Is it possible that neither of you can design anything competitively modern, so you stubbornly cling to this heritage gimmick just to pad your resumes?"

The entire hall turned to stare at the student, with quite a few people nodding in agreement.

"Nati? You're Nati from OCHH Luxury?"

"Oh my god, can I get your autograph!"

Outside the hall, Miles's gaze remained firmly planted on Claire.

He watched her take the stage with effortless grace, facing heavy scrutiny without an ounce of hesitation. Standing up there, she absolutely radiated brilliance.

Miles parted his lips, a rare, undeniable note of sheer pride slipping into his tone as he addressed the lingering university officials beside him.

"That's her."

"The top graduate of Empire University's design program, the lead architect behind The Nova Series, the founder of Luna Atelier, and my wife—Claire Jenner."

The administrators exchanged stunned looks. In all the years they had known the stoic surgeon, they had never heard him speak so many words in a single breath.