A shadow crossed Kaden’s eyes, and his voice was a little hoarse as he said, "Thank you... for today."

Wren’s words were clearly drawing a line between them.

A heavy frustration grew in Kaden’s chest, yet he couldn’t find the right words to break down the barrier between them. Finally, he said in a low voice, "I’ll take you back to View Gardens."

"Okay." Wren didn’t refuse.

’It would be hard to get a cab from here anyway.’

They drove in silence, the atmosphere in the car even heavier than it had been on the way there.

Wren kept her head turned toward the window, showing him only her quiet form.

The black Bentley pulled up to the entrance of View Gardens. Wren unbuckled her seatbelt, murmured a "thank you," and reached for the door handle.

"Wait," Kaden said suddenly.

Wren froze and turned to look at him.

Kaden pulled a small velvet box from an inside pocket of his suit jacket and held it out to her.

Wren stared at the familiar ring box, her pupils constricting almost imperceptibly.

"If we’re going to put on a show, we need to do it right," Kaden said, his voice low. "You should... wear this. Grandma has sharp eyes and a keen mind. If your hand is bare, she’s bound to ask questions."

He paused before adding, "It’s what she wants, too."

Wren’s gaze fell on the box.

’She understood what Kaden meant.’

’The performance had to be complete. They couldn’t neglect the details.’

A brief silence filled the car as Kaden watched her, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

Finally, Wren reached out and took the velvet box.

Her fingertips inevitably brushed against his warm, dry palm, the contact lasting only an instant before she pulled away.

"Alright," she answered softly. "For Grandma."

She opened the box and took out the ring.

The cool touch of the metal spread from her fingertips.

She lowered her gaze and slowly slid the ring onto her left ring finger.

"I’m heading inside." Wren didn’t look at Kaden again. She pushed the door open and left without a backward glance.

Kaden remained in the car, his gaze fixed on her slender, upright back until it disappeared from view. He didn’t look away for a long time.

「A few days later.」

Wren went to Moonwater Villa to visit her mentor, Julian Hawthorne.

The scenery at Moonwater Villa was pleasant, and the air was fresh.

Wren knocked and entered, placing a gift on the table.

Julian Hawthorne was sitting on the balcony, sunning himself. He saw her but didn’t call out, pretending not to notice.

Wren was used to the old man’s eccentricities and approached him with a smile.

"Professor."

"Hmph." Julian Hawthorne grunted, glancing up at her. "Have a seat."

"Alright." After sitting down, Wren deftly prepared tea for him.

"A University’s medical school sent an invitation yesterday. They want me to give a guest lecture on the latest advancements in interventional treatments for cardiovascular disease. I found it too troublesome, so I recommended you instead."

Wren was surprised.

A University was her alma mater. For any physician, being invited back to give a lecture was a tremendous honor and a sign of great recognition.

’But this honor was originally meant for her professor.’

"Professor, is this... appropriate? After all, they invited you," Wren hesitated.

"What’s not appropriate about it?" Julian Hawthorne retorted. "It’s an academic exchange. The most capable person should do it. If you don’t want to go, I’ll just have my second student go instead."

"I’ll go, I’ll go!" Wren said hurriedly.

Julian Hawthorne made the final decision. "Alright then. I’ll send you the invitation and relevant materials later. It’s scheduled for next Monday afternoon, so you’d better prepare."

’She knew her professor was genuinely giving her this opportunity, and that he also truly needed the rest.’

Wren agreed earnestly. "Okay, Professor. I’ll be sure to prepare diligently. I won’t let you down."

"Good." Julian Hawthorne’s tone was pleased. "Oh, and after the lecture, A University should be holding a small networking dinner. It’ll be full of industry peers. You should make an appearance and meet some people. It’ll be good for your career."

"I understand. Thank you, Professor."

Monday arrived in the blink of an eye, the sun shining brightly.

Wren changed into a well-tailored, cream-colored skirt suit, paired with a light-apricot silk blouse. The outfit made her look professional, yet retained a soft elegance.

She had swept her long hair into a simple low bun at the nape of her neck, revealing a clear forehead and a slender neck.

She wore light makeup that gave her a healthy glow, and the ring on her left ring finger occasionally glinted in the morning sun.

The main gate of A University was as impressive as ever, imbued with a gravitas that came with age.

It was the peak hour just before afternoon classes, and the campus was bustling with students. The air was thick with youthful energy.

Wren walked toward the gate, carrying a briefcase with her laptop and materials.

’It had been a long time since she was last at A University. The campus had changed so much; she didn’t even remember the way around many parts of it.’

"Hey, you need some help?" A young man in a basketball jersey jogged over, a basketball tucked under his arm. He blocked Wren’s path with a dazzling smile.

A few other guys in similar jerseys stood nearby, smirking as they watched the exchange.

Wren paused, then realized they had mistaken her for a student.

’Do I really look like a student in this outfit?’

"Excuse me, I’m not—"

"No need to be shy. We love to help people out, don’t we, guys?"

The speaker nudged his friend with his elbow, and they all broke into leering grins.

Wren’s expression hardened. Not wanting to engage with them, she tried to walk around them with a cold look on her face.

Seeing that Wren was being unappreciative, the leader of the group grew impatient. He grabbed her arm and yanked her back.

"Hey, we’re talking to you! What’s with the attitude?"

"Let go!"

Wren’s sharp rebuke made the leader feel he’d lost face. Humiliated, he flew into a rage and grabbed a fistful of her hair.

"You ungrateful bitch! Do you have any idea who I am?"

"Let go! Or I’ll scream!"

Wren cried out in pain and looked around desperately for help, but the other students who saw what was happening quickly hurried away. Even the campus security guards didn’t dare to approach.

’Clearly, this guy came from a powerful family, or they wouldn’t all be turning a blind eye.’

"If you weren’t so good-looking, I’d have already stripped you naked and thrown you on the side of the road. I love watching stuck-up bitches like you all naked and humiliated. HAHAHA!"

His companions roared with laughter.

Wren struggled, then suddenly spun around, grabbing the boy’s hand and stomping hard on his instep.

The boy yelped in pain and released her. Enraged, he raised his hand to strike her.

"Damn bitch! You’re asking to die!"

Wren squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the blow, her heart seething with rage.

’Since when did A University have scum like this on campus?’

Just in the nick of time, a sturdy arm shot out, blocking the blow meant for Wren.

The boy’s descending hand was caught in an iron grip.