I didn’t expect this young woman to be so beautiful. She looks like a fairy. She possesses both talent and looks!

“Oh no, my heart just skipped a beat,” Carly whispered. Her hands, clenched into tight fists at her sides, betrayed her inner turmoil. She couldn’t accept this. Celine, the girl she’d always looked down on, was the genius she’d been so jealous of.

Lucy was equally stunned, her mind reeling in disbelief. How could Celine be standing on the podium? Hadn’t she sent her to live in the countryside?

Behind them, the murmurs of discontent grew louder.

“Hey, you two! Sit down! You’re blocking our view of the genius girl!”

“If you don’t sit down, we’ll call security!”

Lucy’s cheeks flushed crimson. Flustered, she quickly sat down and tugged Carly’s sleeve. “Carly, sit down.”

Carly eventually sat, her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms, though she barely noticed the pain.

On stage, Celine stood tall and composed. After a poised introduction, the room erupted in thunderous applause. The crowd welcomed her warmly. The dazzling overhead lights bathed her in a radiant glow, highlighting her flawless features. Her beauty was so striking it was almost impossible to look away.

Celine’s lips curved into a graceful smile as she began to speak. “It’s an honor to be here today. Now, I’ll begin my presentation on…”

Her voice rang out, clear and confident. Her delivery was captivating, brimming with fresh ideas that resonated deeply with the audience. When she finished, the applause swelled to a deafening roar, seemingly unending.

After the speech, Adam finally spotted Celine. She was standing beside Samuel, who was proudly introducing her to top scholars and industry elites, his demeanor brimming with pride. As Samuel turned and saw Adam, his face lit up. “Mr. Alvarez, you’re here.”

Celine shifted slightly, her gaze lingering on his elegant, handsome face.

Samuel gestured toward her with a grin. “Mr. Alvarez, allow me to introduce you to your genius junior, Celine Tate.”

Adam’s eyes fell to the blue badge around Celine’s neck, a small photo clipped to it. A sixteen-year-old Celine, radiant and extraordinary in her Haffard University graduation gown and cap.

Adam’s gaze returned to the woman before him. Under the dazzling lights and the lively buzz of the crowd, Celine stepped forward with calm confidence, stopping beside him. Her rosy lips curved into a brilliant smile as she extended her hand.

“Mr. Alvarez, let’s get reacquainted. My name is Celine Tate.”

She told him her name and that she wanted a fresh start.

Adam stared deeply at her delicate features. Slowly, the corners of his lips lifted into a faint smile, and a low chuckle escaped him. It really was her. The person who had once rejected his friend request, the one who had inexplicably claimed to hate him. The one who stood beside him now, building a legacy together, his equal. His genius junior.

Adam extended his hand, clasping hers firmly. His voice dropped to a low murmur. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Celine’s bright eyes held his, shimmering with something deep. “Mr. Alvarez, I knew who you were, but you didn’t know who I was.”

She had walked a long, lonely road to stand beside him. But how bittersweet it was; he hadn’t even recognized her.