Benjamin stood beside Carly, easing her nerves slightly. After the press conference, Adam returned to his luxury Rolls-Royce. In his deep, magnetic voice, he instructed Leo in the front seat, “Inform the media that I don’t want any news about Celine leaking out.”

Leo replied in a hushed tone, “Don’t worry, Mr. Alvarez. Several female reporters already deleted all photos and videos of Mrs. Alvarez. They won’t be reporting anything about her.”

Adam smirked faintly. “She does have a way of winning people over.”

Leo added, with genuine admiration, “Mrs. Alvarez is truly courageous.”

Adam raised an eyebrow. She was indeed very brave. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Hello, James.”

His uncle, James Lambert, the renowned president of Vorhine University and a respected medical professor, answered. “Adam, this is rare. What’s on your mind?”

“James, I need a favor,” Adam said.

“Interesting. If it’s important enough for a personal call, I’m all ears,” James replied.

“I want to enroll a young woman at your university,” Adam said.

“A young woman? Who?” James asked curiously.

“Her name is Celine. Please arrange for her to join the medical program,” Adam said calmly.

“Celine? Isn’t she your stand-in bride? Alright, have her report to Vorhine University tomorrow. I’d like to meet this so-called stand-in bride myself,” James said.

Adam ended the call, and Leo’s surprise was evident. “Mr. Alvarez, you’re sending Mrs. Alvarez to Vorhine University?”

Looking out the window, Adam replied, “Celine is clever, but she never had a proper chance to study. She left school at sixteen. It wasn’t entirely her fault. With her adoptive father, education probably wasn’t an option. By sending her to Vorhine University, I hope she can build a better future for herself. Since she seems interested in medicine, that’s where she’ll go.”

Leo’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Alvarez, that’s brilliant foresight.”

“I don’t expect her to shine like Carly, basking in the spotlight. I just want her to improve herself. Finding a stable career is far better than…”

He trailed off. "Better than sitting still, thinking about which man to latch onto next."

Leo chimed in cheerfully, “Mrs. Alvarez will undoubtedly work hard; she won’t disappoint you.”

Adam’s gaze remained on the passing scenery. He hoped so. He just hoped she wouldn’t cause any trouble.

In a lavish private room of a five-star hotel, Hayden enjoyed dinner with David, Robert, and Harry. Since the debacle at Sonia’s birthday banquet, he’d been working hard to rebuild his reputation and secure this dinner with the three influential businessmen.

Raising his glass, Hayden grinned. “Mr. Weston, Mr. Lanning, Mr. Levine, I look forward to your guidance in future business endeavors.”

The three businessmen clinked glasses with him.

“You’re too modest, Mr. Tate. Everyone knows your daughter is romantically involved with Mr. Alvarez. It’s only a matter of time before you become his father-in-law.”

These men were only there because of Hayden’s connection to Adam, who had elevated the Tate family to great heights.

Hearing this, Hayden laughed heartily. He knew the press conference was ongoing and he could soon become Adam’s father-in-law. All that remained was a call from Lucy.

“Soon, I’ll treat you all to a drink,” he said.

The men downed their drinks.

Then, the TV in the private room caught their attention. A news anchor appeared on screen, holding a microphone.

“Today, authorities apprehended a man charged with child molestation and attempted rape. A suspected accomplice was also arrested.”

The screen showed Larry, his head covered, being escorted into a police vehicle. Moments later, Lucy appeared, handcuffed and flanked by officers.

The three businessmen froze. They didn’t recognize Larry, but Lucy’s face was unmistakable. “Mr. Tate, isn’t that Mrs. Tate?”

Puzzled, Hayden’s hand, which had been pouring his drink, stopped abruptly. He turned toward the TV.