Chapter 107

Morning sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains.

Evelyn Roland stood before the full-length mirror, tucking the last strand of hair behind her ear. The pale blue dress hugged her slender waist, making her skin glow like porcelain.

She grabbed her backpack and hurried out the door.

The Stanford University campus buzzed with activity.

Evelyn glanced at her phone's navigation, brows slightly furrowed. Getting lost on the first day of class wasn't a good sign.

Whispers floated around her.

"Which department is she from?"

"She's gorgeous, like a celebrity."

"Seems so aloof..."

She ignored them, quickening her pace through the crowd. Her watch showed she was already five minutes late, deepening her frown.

The moment she pushed open the classroom door, dozens of eyes turned toward her.

The man at the lectern turned, closing his book with long, elegant fingers.

Evelyn's pupils contracted slightly.

Sebastian Valdemar.

He wore a charcoal-gray suit, his tie perfectly knotted just below his Adam's apple. Sunlight slanted through the window, casting a golden halo around him.

"Sorry, Professor." Her voice was cool. "I'm late."

Gasps rippled through the classroom.

Sebastian's lips curved. "Come in."

Evelyn strode to an empty seat. Her bare desk stood out conspicuously among the sea of textbooks, drawing more curious glances.

"Marketing strategies for niche products..." Sebastian's voice suddenly paused. "The latecomer."

She looked up.

"Care to share your thoughts on target customer segmentation?"

The room erupted in murmurs. It was the first time Professor Valdemar had ever called on a tardy student.

A girl beside her slid a textbook over. Evelyn glanced at it and shook her head.

"First, establish an accurate user persona." She rose, her tone measured. "Then analyze consumption scenarios..."

As she articulated her points with precision, the classroom gradually fell silent.

When she finished, applause broke out.

A flicker of surprise crossed Sebastian's eyes. He hadn't expected such sharp business acumen from this seemingly ornamental girl.

"Well answered." His fingers tapped the lectern. "Now, what solutions would you propose for stagnant inventory?"

Each question grew more challenging.

Evelyn met his probing gaze, her red lips parting.