Chapter 287

“Give it back!” Freya instinctively stood up, aiming to snatch the essay from Preston’s grasp, but he had swiveled around, wine glass in hand, sinking into the couch to peruse her work. With her leg making it challenging to move swiftly, Freya had to approach Preston to retrieve her paper.

Eventually, Freya plopped down on the sofa, disregarding Preston’s actions. But Preston seemed genuinely engrossed in Freya’s essay, his face occasionally breaking into a smile. Seeing Preston’s amusement, Freya couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was mocking her limited understanding.

“I just threw it together. No need to make a big deal,” Freya remarked.

“Who taught you this? Your professor?” Preston looked at Freya with evident curiosity.

“No, it’s all my ramblings, just scribbles!” Freya responded, feeling a tad embarrassed under Preston’s gaze. She couldn’t sit still anymore. She rose to stand before him, determined to take back the paper from his hands.

Preston allowed Freya to take the essay, commenting, “It’s quite good. If you submit this for your final project, I bet you’ll graduate with flying colors.”

“Oh? You’ve studied at Summit University?”

“Nope.”

“Then how do you know I’d graduate?”

Freya knew Preston hadn’t pursued higher education. She folded the essay and shoved it into her pocket, saying, “Summit University is all the offspring of tycoons, moguls, and politicians. Their insights are leagues beyond mine. My humble contributions are hardly worth showcasing.”

“So that’s what you think,” Preston observed.

“Shouldn’t I? I’m only stating the facts.”

Preston wanted to tell her she had no idea how brilliant she was. But seeing Freya’s lack of confidence, Preston smiled. “After reading your essay, which is rich in detailed arguments and packed with technical terms, it’s clear you have a solid grasp of economics. It presents a fresh academic perspective, so I think it would work well as your thesis.”

“Really?” Freya looked at Preston skeptically. “You’re trying to flatter me, aren’t you? After all, you’ve never even been to college.” She immediately regretted her words. People of influence typically didn’t appreciate reminders of their shortcomings.

Preston, however, seemed unfazed, replying, “True. I didn’t go to college. But those who did are now working for me. Education is important, but having a sharp mind is crucial. I don’t have a college degree, but those with diplomas are part of my enterprise. Does that make sense?”

“You’re bragging about yourself, aren’t you?”

Freya never considered herself particularly smart. Her father had modest expectations for her, not even aspiring to attend college, just wishing for her happiness. So, she had never applied herself in school, and even getting into Summit University felt to Freya like a result of her father’s influence rather than her merit. Once at Summit University, she had devoted herself to Kieran, neglecting her studies even more.

Freya was uncertain of her academic standing. She only knew that Eloise excelled, so Kieran was drawn to her. Imitating Eloise, Freya felt utterly insignificant.

Preston caught the self-deprecation in Freya’s eyes. “Your writing’s good. Keep at it. Why don’t you stay here tonight? No need to rush back,” he suggested lightly.

Chapter 288