Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 805

A tidal wave of humiliation and despair crashed over Vesta, but she viciously forced it down, maintaining her poise.

She paused and looked at the stranger who had just interrupted them.

It was someone she didn't recognize.

Sensing Dr. Lucas's irritation, the man quickly backpedaled with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Lucas. I was just overly curious and completely ruined your conversation. My deepest apologies."

Since he was a guest, Dr. Lucas didn't want to cause a scene. "It's fine," he replied dismissively.

Noticing that everyone in the room was now staring, buzzing with curiosity about whether he was really taking Charlene as his student, Dr. Lucas smiled. He met Charlene's eyes across the room, then addressed the crowd before walking up to the stage with his assistant.

Standing under the spotlight, he beamed at the audience. "Thank you all so much for attending the anniversary gala of my institute. Regarding the selection of my personal student, I had originally intended to formally ask Ms. Ross later this evening. But since the cat is out of the bag, I suppose I'll ask all of you to bear witness right now."

He turned his gaze directly to Charlene. "Ms. Ross—I'll call you Ms. Ross for now, but I truly hope I earn the privilege of calling you Charlene soon, just as your friends do. Charlene, I would be honored to take you on as my personal student. Would you be willing to accept me as your mentor?"

The entire ballroom turned to stare at Charlene.

The vast majority of the guests looked at her with awe and burning envy.

Everyone assumed her current success was heavily reliant on Stewart's backing, likely supplemented by private tutoring from Kenton Wagner.

But Kenton hadn't officially claimed her as a student.

If she stayed at PrimeStar, she already had a career most people would kill for.

He knew Dr. Lucas liked her, but he never expected such a grandiose, public declaration.

Standing beside Thorne, Vesta watched her nightmare unfold. She gripped her champagne flute so violently her knuckles turned stark white, a faint, uncontrollable tremor shaking her hand.

But she had no choice but to stand there, wearing a mask of polite grace, as she watched the ultimate prize slip through her fingers.

Dalton looked murderous, but there was nothing he could do.

While the room was captivated, waiting with bated breath for Charlene's answer, no one noticed a figure quietly slipping toward the front of the room.

Just as the silence peaked, a harsh, mocking sneer echoed through the speakers. The man stepped onto the stage. "Dr. Lucas, may I ask your reason for choosing Charlene Ross as your student?"