Chapter 77

What a sentimental girl. Lauren glanced at Kelly, amused. Kelly stood, her slender body powerful and straight, yet humble and soft.

Kelly was captivated by Lauren's face, stunned until Lauren's cold voice cut through the silence: "I don't care. Nothing they do will change me."

"Will you attend the banquet in seven days?" Kelly asked.

"I have something more important that day," Lauren replied.

Before Kelly could recall what that was, she and Lauren were flying abroad. Lauren delivered speeches at prestigious universities. Witnessing Lauren's dedication to her research and career, Kelly felt Lauren's decision to ignore the Bennett family's troubles was right. Lauren had a vast world and much to accomplish. Kelly finally understood: money bought nothing; scientific contributions were invaluable to the world.

Seven days later, at the banquet:

This dinner party, even grander than the previous one held for Lauren, included prominent figures from the business, political, and entertainment worlds.

Erica stood beside Clara, who publicly announced she would leave all her property to Erica upon her death. The announcement caused an immediate uproar.

It was a vast fortune. Even Lauren had only received a small share in the company. Erica's luck was astounding; she received this inheritance despite having no blood relation to Clara.

Each guest harbored unspoken thoughts. Someone mentioned Lauren: "Why isn't she here on such an important day?"

At the mention of Lauren's name, Erica's face went pale. She would have collapsed had Clara not supported her. Though Clara deeply missed Lauren, lost for so many years, she valued Erica more—her constant companion for over a decade. Clara had been unaware of Erica's suicidal thoughts.

Now, Clara realized Erica's importance. Years of companionship had forged a mother-daughter bond.

Seeing Erica's pallor, Clara quickly said, "Lauren has other commitments today."

"More important than Erica?" the man pressed.

Clara's expression hardened, ready to rebuke him, when someone exclaimed, "Lauren won the Lasker Award!" The announcement shocked everyone; it was a momentous achievement for such a young woman.