Chapter 8
After a few days of brewing, the online rumors exploded with new details.
While I was completely absorbed in my studies, unable to focus on anything else, a massive twist was unfolding back in
Eldoria.
First, it was revealed that Lily West had scored barely over 600 on her SATS and had paid to attend a mediocre foreign university. At the same time, my own exam results were exposed: a solid 1500, an undeniable academic achievement. But for some reason, I only attended the University of Tokyo for one year before dropping out.
The public was shocked. That was the University of Tokyo! Why would anyone leave such a prestigious institution?
Netizens speculated that it was because I married Mr. Hawthorne, and once I “hooked” a wealthy husband, I no longer cared about studying. Words like “gold-digger” and “social climber” were thrown my way.
But then, a group of senior students from the University of Tokyo spoke up. “You fools,” one of them said in disdain. “Evelyn only attended for one year, but she’s already published countless papers. Academically, she’s incredible. She helped us with senior projects; several of them were completed by her when she was just a freshman. Her abilities are terrifyingly impressive. And most importantly, do you know where she is now?”
Everyone suddenly remembered that I had canceled my contract with Silver Star Entertainment. They assumed it was
because I’d offended Lily, and they tried to silence me.
The senior student smirked, “You only think about love and entertainment. My direct junior, Evelyn, is now a genius at Yale. Even my advisor says that at Yale, Evelyn is still the academic powerhouse she was in Tokyo. She’s currently pursuing computer engineering, and she’s already reached a critical stage.”
The internet went wild. “Wait, seriously? Are you talking about that nobody actress Evelyn, the Yale genius?”
“Isn’t that the Evelyn who got popular for playing a role in that short drama?”
“Right, I remember now. The character she played was a straight-A student. She’s just playing herself!”
“Wait, if she’s Mr. Hawthorne’s secret wife, why hasn’t he supported her? Why is he backing Lily instead? He clearly
doesn’t love her!”
“Exactly! The love and indifference are so obvious. I heard during the variety show, when Lily and Evelyn fell into the water, Mr. Hawthorne only saved Lily and completely ignored Evelyn.”
“No way, poor Evelyn.”
“Yeah, family marriages and childhood sweethearts are just on different levels.”
“I feel a little sorry for Evelyn. She married a man who doesn’t love her, while her husband is in love with his
non-blood-related sister.”
The gossip online kept growing, and Lily, terrified that her own secrets would be exposed, rushed to find Mr. Hawthorne.
But he refused to meet with her, instead focusing on clearing up the rumors about me.
He had his assistant tell her not to get involved in public gossip about relationships and instead focus on her acting and
abilities.
Since learning that I had gone to Yale, Mr. Hawthorne couldn’t stop thinking about me. Ever since the divorce, he regretted his decision. Countless nights, he’d think back on the tender moments when I’d massage his leg. He regretted agreeing
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to the divorce, but could I ever understand his feelings? He and Lily only shared childhood memories.
He didn’t waste any time and flew to the Valoria. He was desperate to see me.
But he never got the chance, because I had already entered a secret phase of my research. This stage of the project would take a month, and it was completely closed off.
Mr. Hawthorne returned empty-handed.
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