Chapter 12
Jaxon sat confused on his tiny dorm bed, heavy clouds blocking out the last traces of moonlight.[]
Everything around him was pitch black, not a hint of light anywhere.[]
But Riley felt like her life had completely transformed.]]
She stood at the podium, smoothly presenting her data analysis.[]
Below sat the professor and several upperclassmen, including Ethan, who was watching her intently.[]
“Based on the above model and case analysis, we can predict next quarter’s market fluctuation trends…” Riley’s voice was clear and confident, nothing like the quiet, withdrawn girl from a month ago.]]
After her presentation, the professor nodded approvingly: “Ms. Thompson’s analytical approach is very sound. Welcome to our research team officially.“[]
Team members applauded, and a girl came over with a smile: “Riley, you’re amazing! Want to partner up for the next project?“||
Riley paused, then smiled and nodded: “Sure.“]
Walking out of the meeting room, Ethan caught up and handed her a bottle of water: “Nervous?”
Riley took the water and shook her head: “It went smoother than I expected.“[]
“You were always outstanding,” Ethan said naturally, completely sincere in his praise.
Riley looked down and smiled, warmth spreading through her chest.[]
This past month, she’d gradually gotten used to life at Harvard, used to Ethan’s care, and used to… not thinking about Jaxon anymore.[
Apparently letting go of someone wasn’t as hard as she’d imagined.[]
Living for yourself was what mattered most.]
Everything was slowly getting better.[]
Harvard’s academic conference hall was packed, with representatives from various schools and several reporters taking notes.[]
Riley stood by her display board, fingers tensing slightly as her eyes swept the crowd and landed on the name placards at the right–side table.
Her heart sank.]]
She hadn’t expected Georgia Southern University students to attend this academic exchange.[]
“Isn’t that Riley?” a girl whispered to her friend in shock, “Jaxon’s ex–girlfriend…“[]
Chapter 12
“I heard she got dumped?” her friend curled her lip, “Isn’t Jaxon with Sophia Rain now?“]]
“Who knows? I heard she was always desperately chasing after Jaxon, so getting dumped was totally deserved!“[]
The harsh gossip drifted to her ears intermittently, and those painful memories flooded back uncontrollably. Riley’s heart ached, but her face remained calm.
She was used to this kind of trash talk, just hadn’t expected to be brought up again after all these months.]
“Ms. Thompson, your data model is very innovative.” A clear male voice suddenly interrupted.[]
Ethan appeared beside her with a conference program, his gaze focused on her display board.[]
His voice was just loud enough for everyone around to hear: “Especially this algorithm optimization section–even the professors are raving about it.“[]
The gossip stopped immediately.[]
Those girls awkwardly shut up and slunk away.[]
Riley’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly: “Thanks.“[]
Ethan adjusted his glasses, his eyes warm behind the lenses: “Don’t mention it, I’m just stating facts.“]
He naturally took the laser pointer from her hand: “The next presentation’s starting, want to go listen?“[]
Riley nodded and followed him toward the lecture hall.]
His tall, straight figure was like a silent barrier, shielding her from those malicious stares.
It also gave Riley a sense of security she’d never felt before.[]
