Chapter 70
When Elara was admitted to Hawke University, Desmond was still the secretary of the university’s administrative department.
She had been his most promising student. She had enrolled at Hawke University at just 14. To lessen the financial burden on her foster parents, she would attend classes during the day and take on part–time jobs in the evenings under a false age.
Desmond had found out and brought her back, giving her a stern lecture. He urged her to focus on her studies, telling her that with her abilities, she could use knowledge to gain a future far beyond anything she could imagine at the time.
The year Elara pursued her doctorate at Capitol University, Desmond had also been promoted.
He waved her off as he stood at the gates of Hawke University.
“Elara Lloyd, this is where I see you off. I know you’ll reach heights I could never dream of. And when you stand at the peak, looking down at the world, you’ll see me cheering for you.”
Six years later, their paths crossed again–this time, Desmond was surrounded by officials on a school inspection.
At that time, Elara had just dropped the kids off at school and was rushing to the mall to pick up the suit Harvey needed for an evening banquet, making sure to select the right tie and lapel pin to match.
A message from the housekeeper had come in with the list of groceries for the day. She carefully reviewed and approved it. With Harvey’s parents coming over for dinner, she needed to prepare the appropriate tableware and decorations in advance.
Sitting in her car, she sipped her coffee and ate a sandwich while coordinating with the chef in a quick meeting. Only then did she remember that morning’s fleeting encounter at the school gate–her first in six years–with Desmond.
She never dared to revisit his parting words when she had left campus. Since then, whenever they had crossed paths, she had lacked the courage to greet Desmond.
The young girl he had once placed his hopes in–Elara Lloyd–was gone.
She was now Mrs. Fisher, a mother of two. The teacher–student relationship between them had long faded into the past.
Elara snapped out of her thoughts when she saw Desmond smiling at her.
“I heard you placed first in the ALI Math Competition,” he said.
Elara responded humbly, “It was just the preliminary round. The finals are still ahead.”
“Congratulations,” Desmond said with sincerity. Seeing her step out of the shadow of the Fisher family, even if just a small step, filled him with pride.
Turning to the gathered reporters, he added, “If you want to learn more about Elara, you can interview me as well. When she entered Hawke University at 14, I was her mentor”
The reporters were thrilled. It was rare to get a chance to interview Desmond.
Meanwhile, Theodore watched Elara through the car window from a distance.
He saw her surrounded by people and saw Desmond pointing at her as he spoke to the reporters. Theodore’s lips curled into a smile, the dimples on his cheeks deep and striking.
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Chapter 70
But he thought this wasn’t enough. He wanted to see the Little Moon hanging high in the sky, admired by the world, and worshipped like a deity.
“Ms. Jones.” A hesitant voice called out to Elara.
She turned and saw a few parents–the same ones who had earlier supported Merida’s expulsion–now smiling apologetically at her.
“Ms. Jones, we’re really sorry about earlier. We were misled by Mr. Osborne.”
As they spoke, their gazes flickered toward Desmond. “Whenever Mr. White visited the school before, we never saw you talk to him. You sure kept your relationship well hidden!”
“We never imagined you would win first place in the ALI Math Competition. That’s incredible! My husband always says that anyone who makes it to the top 20 in that competition becomes a highly sought–after talent by companies worldwide!”
“You’re more than just valuable to companies–you’re a star! Even the Capitol University News team came to ” interview you. I overheard one of their reporters say they want to invite you to give a lecture at Capitol University. “So, Ms. Jones… Why not let your daughter stay at Summit Academy?”
