The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 551

As the commotion finally dies down, the crowd scatters into small groups. Mr. Howard leads Julianna away to another section of the hall, while Jovani and Jade disappear into the crowd.

A steady stream of attendees attempts to strike up a conversation with Victor, eager to catch the prestigious academician's eye and expand their networks. Some even try to corner him with academic questions, but he politely and firmly declines them all. He is always swamped at the institute; the only reason he carved out time for tonight's gala is that he heard his favorite unofficial apprentice, Tara, would be here. He doesn't have a single second to waste on social climbers and brown-nosers.

"Tara, it is so good to finally see you," Victor says, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "How have you been?"

Though she isn't officially his student, he has always doted on her as if she were.

"I've been doing well," Tara replies with a soft smile.

"Joseph couldn't make it tonight, so I came in his place."

"It's probably for the best," she chuckles. "If he were here, I'm sure I'd be getting a lecture right about now."

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