Benjamin was astonished to learn that Celine dropped out of school at the age of sixteen.

People associated with Benjamin respected Carly not only for her beauty but also for her incredible intelligence. She graduated from a top-tier college, and in Mercity's high society, no one was more accomplished. She was the perfect match for Adam. Bare beauty hadn't gotten her far; it was brains that truly mattered. The higher one climbed the social ladder, the more value was placed on a woman's education.

Benjamin lost all goodwill he had toward Celine. His tone was full of disdain. "Celine, you seriously dropped out at sixteen?"

Ordine glanced at the proud Carly and smiled calmly. "Well, you're right."

Tegin scoffed. "Well, funny coincidence. Mom also dropped out at sixteen. But unlike you, he's the real deal. At sixteen, he earned his double master's degrees from Harvard University. He made history. On the other hand, you stopped studying and probably didn't even finish high school."

Carly acted superior, looking down on Celine.

Tall and handsome, Adam stood silently, the hallway lights casting a cool glow on his striking face as he looked at Celine. For the past three years, Celine had been a housewife, her life revolving around him. It made sense that she hadn't pursued much education.

Celine didn't seem embarrassed or back down. In fact, her clear, bright eyes met his as she smiled gracefully and said, "Yeah, such a coincidence."

Adam felt a strange flutter in his chest, though he couldn't quite explain why. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful Celine's eyes were—bright and full of life, drawing his attention in a way that made him feel connected to her.

"Celine!" Just then, Robin came running over, looking furious. "Carly, are you bullying Celine again?"

Carly held her head high. "We're not bullying Celine. We were actually trying to help her find a job."

Robin was stunned. "You're helping her find a job?"

Carly continued with an air of generosity, "Yeah, even though Celine doesn't have a degree or high school diploma, we'll do our best to find her a good job."

Robin laughed, clearly annoyed. "Do you even know who Celine really is? She's—"

Before she could finish, Celine grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Robin, let's go!"

Robin swallowed her words, but said to Carly disdainfully, "You'll get what's coming to you one day."

With that, Robin and Celine walked away.

Fuming, Benjamin said, "What's her deal? She dropped out at sixteen, and she's acting like this? Were I her, I'd be too embarrassed to show my face."

Carly didn't get angry. In fact, she had never even bothered to take Celine seriously. Celine didn't meet her standards.

She smiled at Benjamin. "Benjamin, forget it. Ignorance is bliss."

Benjamin then turned to Adam and said, "Adam, you need to divorce Celine. You deserve better."

Adam maintained the same cool demeanor while looking at Carly. "Let's go."

Carly nodded. Getting upset over Celine would only lower her standing, unworthy of being her rival.

Benjamin and Carly followed Adam out.

When Adam looked up, he saw a familiar face—the President of Holland University, Samuel Peyton. He approached him. "Mr. Peyton, what brings you to Mercity?"

Carly held a lot of respect for Samuel. Although she was academically gifted, she had never had the chance to enter a prestigious university like Harvard.

Samuel smiled. "I'm here for a seminar. Funny coincidence, your junior is also in Mercity."

Adam paused. "My junior?"

Samuel said, "We have big names at Harvard. First, there's Adam, and then there's your junior here. Just like you, she got her double degrees at sixteen. She's incredibly smart. Too bad you're a few years apart, so you don't know her."

Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "Wow, this junior of yours is that impressive? How does she compare to you?"

Samuel smiled and glanced at Adam. "They're equally matched."

Adam raised an eyebrow, not having met a girl who could match him before.

Carly was hearing about this genius junior for the first time. While she didn't have anything against Celine, this impressive junior immediately sparked her jealousy and curiosity. Samuel pulled out his phone. "Mr. Ahares, we sent you your junior's contact information. You should get in touch with her. She's also in Mercity, and as her senior, you should look out for her."

Adam nodded. "Got it, Mr. Peyton."

Samuel left, and Benjamin urged, "Adam, check out her WhatsApp now. I want to see what she looks like."

Adam pulled out his phone and searched for the number Samuel gave him on WhatsApp. The name was just a letter—C, with a white cover photo.

Benjamin frowned. "What does the 'C' mean?"

Adam wasn't sure. Still, he added the number to his contacts.

Carly, noticing their fascination with this junior, felt annoyed. Just then, a Rolls-Royce pulled up, and Adam's personal assistant, Leo Zimes, got out.

Carly quickly ended the discussion. "Adam, the car's here. Let's go."

Benjamin waved. "Adam, Carly, see you later."

The Rolls-Royce glided smoothly down the road. Inside the quiet, luxurious cabin, Leo, who was behind the wheel, looked into the rearview mirror and asked, "Where to, Mr. Ahares?"

Adam simply said, "The Ice."

Carly looked at Adam, the city's neon lights spilling through the window and lighting up his handsome, mysterious face. Her eyes softened with affection. "Adam, what's going on between you and Celine? Don't tell me you're starting to find her pretty and want something to happen between you two."

Adam glared at her, his voice nonchalant, almost lazy. "She's my wife. Anything between us is normal. Didn't you push her onto me?"

Carly knew he was still mad at her for what happened three years ago. Back then, Celine had to marry Adam in her place because she had left him.

She tried to explain. "Adam, Celine insisted on marrying you; I couldn't just stand in her way—"

Adam looked at her coldly. "Do you think you sound convincing?"

Carly bit her lip, upset. "Fine, I left you three years ago. If you couldn't look past it, then let's break up. You don't have to be with me."

Carly turned to Leo and said, "Leo, stop the car!"

She was about to get out, but Adam's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist with surprising strength and pulling her into his chest. With a mix of exasperation and affection, he said, "Carly, you're just taking advantage of me because you know I spoil you too much."