Geline expected nothing. She knew Adam would never sleep with her; Carly wouldn't allow it. But did he really have to humiliate her like that?

"Adam, do you hate me that much? Fine. I'll make sure you never have to see me again!" With that, she turned on her heel and walked away. The two parted on bad terms.

Adam's sharp features hardened, his expression turning icy as he stepped into his office and began working through urgent files. It wasn't long before Carly burst in. "Adam, when are we heading to Yoshine University? Dr. C is giving a lecture there today, and we'll finally get to see her!"

Carly had a congenital bone condition, and Dr. C was her only hope. Twice before, Dr. C had failed to appear at scheduled events, and today Carly could barely contain her anticipation. The legendary doctor had finally arrived. Of course, Adam hadn't forgotten about Dr. C. He was curious too. Who was this brilliant yet elusive doctor whose reputation seemed larger than life? Signing the last document on his desk, Adam rose to his feet. "Let's go to Yoshine University."

Celine arrived at Yoshine University to find the campus alive with excitement. Everywhere she looked, banners fluttered in the breeze, boldly declaring, "Welcome, Dr. C!" Television crews from several major city stations had set up cameras, eager to capture the event and land an exclusive interview with the mysterious Dr. C. The lecture was already shaping up to be the most talked-about event of the year.

Celine glanced at her watch. It was almost time, and she needed to head backstage. Before she could get there, Tracy and Melody spotted her from across the crowd.

Tracy's sneer was instant. "Celine, what are you doing wandering around like this? Do you have any idea how important today is? Dr. C is here! We couldn't even sleep last night; we were so excited, and we'd been waiting here for hours. Are you trying to ruin everything and embarrass Yoshine University?"

Melody let out a sharp laugh, her mocking tone cutting through the air. "Oh, Tracy, why waste your time talking to her? Celine's probably planning to sleep through Dr. C's lecture anyway. Isn't that what she's best at?"

Celine didn't feel like arguing. What would be the point?

Just then, Carly's voice rang out. "What are you all doing here!"

Celine looked up, startled. Carly had arrived, and beside her stood a tall, striking figure—Adam.

Melody's face lit up instantly. "Adam! Carly! You're here too!" she greeted cheerfully.

Carly returned the smile, her tone warm. "Adam and I came to attend Dr. C's lecture."

Adam and Carly were here for the lecture too. It seemed everyone had gathered for Dr. C.

The moment Adam appeared, Tracy's bright, striking eyes immediately locked onto him. She took the initiative to greet him. "Hello, Mr. Alvarez." Adam gave her a curt nod, but his cold, detached gaze quickly shifted to Celine. Feeling the weight of his eyes, Celine turned her face away, refusing to meet his gaze.

Carly's serious voice broke the silence. "What were you all talking about?"

Melody eagerly jumped in. "Carly, we were just talking about Celine—"

But before she could finish, James's voice boomed from inside the large lecture hall. "Dr. C is about to arrive. The lecture is starting. Everyone, please take your seats."

They quickly said, "Let's not waste any more time on her. Let's go see Dr. C."

Carly cast a disdainful glance in Celine's direction before turning her attention to Adam. Looping her arm through his, she said, "Adam, let's go see Dr. C." Adam's expression didn't shift. His face remained unreadable as he began walking toward the lecture hall with Carly on his arm, Tracy and Melody trailing closely behind.

Celine was left alone where they had gathered. The message was clear: they didn't think she was worth another second of their time.

She remained silent. Her phone buzzed in her hand, and a WhatsApp notification popped up. It was from James.

"Doctor, have you arrived?"

Celine's lips curved into a faint smile. She quickly typed back her reply.