Chapter 141

Celine entered the backstage area. As per her instructions to James, it had already been cleared. She was completely alone.

She sat in front of the vanity and began braiding her long, silky black hair into a low ponytail, revealing her slender, swan-like neck. Then, she applied a light, refined layer of makeup. A final touch of lipstick completed the look. Celine rarely wore makeup, as her natural features were already pure, delicate, and almost ethereal. But now, with just a subtle enhancement, her beauty seemed otherworldly.

From outside, James's voice echoed through the lecture hall. "Good morning, everyone."

Celine rose from her seat and walked to the stage curtain, lifting a corner to peek out. Her gaze swept across the massive hall. Every seat in the thousand-capacity auditorium was filled, a sea of faces buzzing with anticipation. Cameras clicked and whirred incessantly; several television stations were broadcasting the event live.

At the podium stood James, speaking into the microphone. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we are gathered here to welcome"

The crowd erupted as one. "Dr. C!"

James smiled. "That's right! It's an incredible honor to have Dr. Celine at Yochine University to deliver this lecture."

Celine's eyes scanned the crowd. Adam sat in the front row, dead center. His tall, elegant frame exuded an effortless authority, and his cold, chiseled features betrayed no emotion. To Adam's left were Carly and Tracy, the university's vice principal and head of academics, respectively. No matter where Adam went, he was always the center of attention, always in the spotlight.

James's voice rang with excitement. "And now, let's welcome Dr. C to the stage!"

It was time for Celine to step into the spotlight. For three years, she had been gone. For three years, her title had been Mrs. Alvarez. But today, she was reclaiming her identity—Dr. C.

She couldn't help but imagine Adam's reaction when he saw her. And Carly's. And Tracy's. And Melody's. It would be a sight to remember.

Celine prepared to make her entrance. She was ready.

But before she could take a step, a sudden sharp pain exploded at the back of her neck. The blow came fast, a blunt object striking her from behind. Her vision blurred, and before she could react, everything went black as her body crumpled to the floor.

Adam sat in the center seat as Carly leaned in close, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Adam, we're finally going to see Dr. C!"

The curtain began to draw back slowly. Adam's gaze followed, but the stage was empty. There was no Dr. C.

A ripple of confusion spread through the auditorium.

"What's going on? Where's Dr. C?" Tracy exclaimed.

James, standing stiffly at the podium, froze in disbelief. Just moments ago, Dr. C had confirmed via message that she was backstage. How could she simply…

"Everyone, please remain calm," James attempted, his voice strained as he struggled to regain control of the crowd. But his words did little to stem the chaos. Murmurs rose into panicked whispers, and the audience buzzed with speculation.

Amid the commotion, Adam's phone lit up. He glanced at the screen—it was Hailey. Excusing himself, he stood and walked briskly out of the lecture hall. The moment he answered, Hailey's panicked voice cut through the line.

"Adam! Something's wrong! Celine's in trouble!"

Adam's features darkened instantly; his thin lips pressed into a line. "What happened to her this time?"

"I just saw her! She was hurled into a car! Taken away! I couldn't catch up to the car, but it was Elijah's men. Elijah has taken her!"

What? Elijah had taken her? Not long ago, she had been abducted by Larry. And now, she was in the clutches of the notorious playboy, Elijah. How many men did she have chasing after her?

A wave of frustration agitated Adam's chest. Trouble seemed to follow Celine like a shadow, dragging him into chaos time and time again.

"Adam, you'd better find Celine fast! I swear, Elijah seems very interested in her. If you don't act quickly, she might get stolen from under your nose!" Hailey urged. She had seen Celine being lured into the car and hadn't wasted a second before calling Adam, desperate to warn him.

Adam didn't respond. Ending the call, he slipped the phone back into his pocket just as Len approached him.

"Mr. Alvarez, should we lock down the campus like we did last time?"