"Who exactly is this Miss Genius C? We've never heard of anyone like her in Mercity," someone said.

"Mr. Alvarez and Miss Genius C will appear together at the upcoming Pinnacle of Academic Symposium. We're all looking forward to it!" another chimed in.

Carly sat on the sofa, her mood worsening by the second. Usually, she and Adam were the golden couple in their social circle. But now, all eyes were on Adam and Miss Genius C's first public appearance. The anticipation for this event had already eclipsed her.

Carly seethed with envy and hatred. She was overwhelmingly jealous of this mysterious genius.

Just then, Melody exclaimed, "Look! Celine is here!"

Adam, who had been nursing a glass of wine and looking disconsolate all evening, perked up at those words. His sharp, handsome eyes lifted.

He saw Celine. Tonight, she wore a sleeveless black mini-dress that hugged her slender waist. The flared skirt accentuated her long, straight legs. The moment she entered, she drew numerous admiring glances. Her silky, jet-black hair flowed down her back, and a cardigan draped over her delicate arms.

From his angle, he could only see her profile. Her face seemed smaller, her skin radiant and fair, exuding an ethereal, cold beauty. This aura was unparalleled in Mercity.

Carly also noticed Celine and her eyes gleamed. She had always considered Celine a rival, secretly competing with her and harboring jealousy. But Celine, a country girl, had never been worth her serious attention. Seeing her now, however, Carly felt a deep sense of superiority.

She smirked and commented, "I heard Celine was seriously ill a few days ago. Seems like she's recovered."

Melody sneered. "Adam's been wanting to divorce her for ages. Dragging it out was already a favor, and she still had the nerve to fall sick?"

Benjamin's gaze lingered on Celine. He had never liked her. "Well, it's all settled now. Adam has divorced her. Adam, when's the wedding with Carly?"

The others cheered. "From now on, she's no longer Ms. Tate, but Mrs. Alvarez!"

Carly beamed with pride and satisfaction.

Adam glanced at Celine before indifferently withdrawing his gaze. He tilted his head back and drained his red wine.

Celine and Hailey had gone to the bar. They sipped cocktails before Celine excused herself to use the restroom.

In the corridor, a figure blocked her path. Celine looked up to see Carly.

Carly smiled brightly. "Celine, I heard you fell seriously ill after your divorce from Adam. Are you feeling better now?"

Celine's gaze was icy. "Carly, our relationship isn't close enough for small talk. If you have something to say, just say it."

Carly held up a handbag. "This bag is a limited edition. Adam accompanied me to buy it."

Celine's lips curled. "And?"

"This bag wasn't for me. It's a gift for Allie, the youngest Lambert daughter."

Celine said nothing. She knew the Lamberts were Adam's maternal family, though he had never taken her to meet them. She waited silently.

Carly stared, unwilling to miss any reaction.

She continued, "I'll admit Mrs. Alvarez Senior likes you, but Adam is introducing me to Allie and the Lamberts. He wants me to meet them. Celine, Adam and I are planning to get married."

Carly and Adam were planning to get married.

Just then, a tall, handsome figure appeared. It was Adam. Carly immediately walked over and sweetly took his arm. "Adam, I just told Celine the news of our upcoming wedding."