Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 233

Inside the VIP room.

Professor Thorne stared at the check on the table, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he said dryly, "You certainly dote on Ms. Shaw, Mr. Lowell."

"It reminds me of a student of mine... She was brilliant, but she gave up a competition for a man and chose to stay and work at his company. But despite all her passion and sacrifices, the end result was nothing short of a tragedy."

"When I compare the two, it's truly a shame."

Hearing this, a strange, uncomfortable tightness seized Julian's chest.

But the sensation was fleeting, and he quickly brushed it off.

He offered a faint smile. "That is unfortunate. I wish her the best in finding the right man in the future."

Seraphina readily agreed.

"I'm sure she will."

Professor Thorne's tone was ice-cold.

Then, he slid the check right back across the table.

"I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Lowell. But I will handle the exhibition funding myself. As for the competition slot, I'm afraid I cannot compromise."

It was a flat-out rejection.

Seraphina bit her lip, fury and indignation warring in her eyes...

Julian's expression cooled. Knowing there was no point in pushing further, he adjusted his cuffs and stood up to leave.

"If that's your final answer, Professor Thorne, then we will see you at the organizers' office tomorrow morning. We'll find out who truly deserves the spot then."

Professor Thorne smiled faintly. "See you tomorrow morning. My student will be attending in my place."

Julian gave a stiff nod, turned on his heel, and walked out.

Seraphina was practically vibrating with rage, but her pride refused to let her pitch a fit in the room. She shot Professor Thorne a withering glare before chasing after Julian.

Without looking at her, Julian typed out a quick message to Clara with one hand:

[What are you up to? Is there any gift you want? I'll buy it for you when we go to the restaurant tonight.]

Only after hitting send did he finally give Seraphina a passing glance. Seeing her tearful, pathetic expression, his defenses ultimately crumbled.

He reached out and wiped away her tears. "Don't worry. The slot is definitely yours," he said softly.

Seraphina bit her lip and stayed quiet.

Her gaze drifted to the phone in his right hand.

She had noticed it perfectly—he had just been texting Clara!

Did he really care about her that much now?

He never used to pay any attention to her messages.