Mary paused, then smiled quickly and said, "Alright, Celine. You go ahead and accompany your friend. Come back for dinner when you have time."

"Okay, Grandina."

They ended the call.

Mary turned to Adam, who was still reading the business newspaper with an impassive expression. She asked, "Adam, did you have a fight with Celine?"

He kept his eyes on the paper and answered, "No."

She chuckled. "Do you know this friend of hers? Is it a man or a woman?"

He didn't respond. She snatched the newspaper from his hands. "Do you even realize you're holding the paper upside down?"

Only then did Adam notice. He pressed his lips together.

Mary sighed and stood up. "I know you've always been tangled up with Carly, but no one will wait for you forever. When Celine has had enough of being disappointed, she'll leave. A woman as good as her won't lack admirers. Once she walks away with someone else, don't come crying about it."

Alfred walked over. "Mrs. Alvarez Senior, is Mrs. Alvarez back? Dinner is ready."

"Celine isn't coming. I'm not eating," Mary replied, heading upstairs.

Sensing the odd atmosphere, Alfred turned to Adam. "Mr. Alvarez, why isn't Mrs. Alvarez coming? Ever since she started school, she hasn't visited. Mrs. Alvarez Senior talks about her every day. Without her here, the house feels so lifeless. Mrs. Alvarez Senior hasn't smiled in a long time."

He sighed and left.

Adam sat alone, loosening his tie. His face was clouded and dark. He opened Celine's WhatsApp and typed, "Why aren't you coming?" After some thought, he deleted the message. He was the one who had driven her from the Alvarez Residence. Of course, she wouldn't return. After slapping him, she had been staying with Nathan ever since.

Forget it.

Nathan's injuries were nearly healed, and he would soon be discharged.

That day, Celine returned to the women's hostel at Yorhine University. A new student, Nikki Barnett, had joined the dorm. She came from a poor family. Her father was an alcoholic and gambler; her younger brother was still in school. Their family struggled financially.

Nikki was pretty and pure-looking. A performing arts student, she dreamed of becoming a star and earning enough money to change her family's circumstances. She brought a bag of homemade snacks and offered them to Celine and Hailey. "These are some cookies my mom made. We don't have much money, so all I can share are these homemade cookies. I hope you don't mind."

Celine and Hailey, of course, didn't mind. Hailey took a bite. "Nikki, it's so crunchy! This is delicious!"

Nikki looked at Celine expectantly, her smile bright but reserved.

Celine tasted one and nodded. "Nikki, your mom's baking is really good."

Nikki grinned. "I'm glad you like it. I'm heading to the Atlas Hotel tonight; I'm working as a waitress. I'll see you all later."

She left. Hailey also had class and left shortly after.

Celine sat alone when her phone rang. It was Tracy. Tracy's cheerful voice filled the phone. "Celine, I have great news! I met Dr. C—"

Celine was speechless.

Tracy, brimming with excitement, continued, "Turns out, the legendary Dr. C, with unparalleled medical skills, is a man! Celine, he fell in love with me at first sight, and I'm dating him now!"