Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 422

"Oh? You came back specifically for me?" Vivienne repeated, her gaze narrowing with profound interest.

She didn't know what Jayden's angle was yet, but it was obvious he wasn't here to play the same tune as his boss. If he were, he wouldn't have bothered sneaking back.

Jayden didn't explain immediately. He offered a faint smile, closed the door behind him, and gestured to the empty chair across from her. "Mind if I take a seat?"

Vivienne mirrored his smile. "Not at all."

With elegant precision, she pinched the handle of the white porcelain teapot. The steaming liquid cascaded smoothly into a celadon cup. "This is premium Dragon Well Tea. It has a fantastic flavor profile. Try it."

"Thanks," Jayden said, taking a sip. "It really is excellent."

They raised their cups in a silent toast, exchanging polite, meaningless pleasantries. Yet beneath the surface, their eyes gleamed with calculated ambition. The tea was nothing but a prop; the real psychological warfare had already begun.

"Actually, I quite like the place you picked today," Jayden said, breaking the ice.

Vivienne lifted her gaze, a hint of playful scrutiny in her cold eyes. "Such a shame Professor Smith didn't share your taste."

Jayden let out a sudden scoff, a flash of hidden mockery crossing his face. "He is far too pedantic. The man has spent his entire life rigidly adhering to the rules."

The phrase "over a decade" acted like a trigger. Jayden's expression darkened instantly.

He downed the rest of his tea in one gulp, the last traces of his nonchalance vanishing, replaced by naked, unbridled ambition. "I wouldn't call it helping you. Let's just say I'm paving a way for myself."

Vivienne stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

Jayden's eyes grew tense, as if dragged into a bitter memory. "For over ten years, because of institutional gatekeeping and academic bias, I've been barred from reaching the top. No matter how brilliant my work is, I'm forever forced to hide in another man's shadow."

Resentment burned in his eyes as his fingers traced the rim of his empty cup. "Besides, burying my head in research pays pennies. Even if I work until my hair turns gray, I'll still be a nobody. I don't give a damn about dry academic papers or hollow titles. I want real, tangible wealth. I want the power to control my own life."