Chapter 716: Chapter 716: The Arrival of Zoe Sinclair

Behind her, there were two people following, a man and a woman, looking just like her assistants.

Their appearances were very ordinary.

So ordinary that they wouldn’t catch the eye in a crowd.

However...

Selena Kensington first glanced at the female assistant.

She felt that although the female assistant looked ordinary, her eyes were exceptionally captivating.

After looking at the female assistant, her gaze turned to the male assistant.

Her brows immediately furrowed.

Why did the man behind Zoe Sinclair seem a bit familiar?

Although his face was completely unfamiliar, Selena had a strange sense of familiarity with him.

Especially his eyes...

While they appeared perfectly normal, Selena always felt that deep within them lay emotions that contradicted his outward demeanor.

Selena observed him a little longer, preparing to withdraw her gaze.

As she did so, the ordinary-looking man suddenly turned his gaze towards her.

"..."

Selena’s heart skipped a beat as her eyes met his.

What kind of gaze was that?

Obviously calm and unfocused, as if nothing could stir his cold heart.

But, as he looked at her, his gaze gradually found a focal point.

And that focal point was Selena.

Strangely, deep within his eyes lay a hidden, fierce malice, making him seem like a god of death.

But when he looked at her, his gaze was calm, with the violent undercurrent restrained and suppressed.

A thought rapidly flashed through her mind, as Selena tried to grasp it, she realized the man only glanced at her before looking away.

Selena was startled.

But what followed was more of a complex emotion.

Could that person... possibly be Cole Vaughn?

If not, why would that gaze, and the inexplicable sense of familiarity arise whenever she saw him?

This instantly made Selena think of Cole Vaughn.

Other than Cole Vaughn, Selena had never seen such a gaze in anyone else.

Though his eyes brimming with malice, his presence, so terrifying.

Yet such a person displayed unexpected docility toward her.

But undeniably, he now stood on the opposite side of her.

Selena’s somewhat distracted gaze instantly steadied, a hint of coldness flickering through her eyes.

She tugged on Sterling Norwood’s sleeve, "Why is she here?"

Logically, even if the Dalton Family invited someone from the Sinclair Family, it should be Silas Sinclair or those accompanying him.

But it seemed she had come on her own, along with two assistants...

Selena knew Zoe Sinclair’s personality did not seem like the kind to attend this sort of banquet voluntarily.

Sterling Norwood exchanged a glance with Silas Sinclair before explaining to Selena, "Zoe Sinclair, she’s here representing The Imperial Academy of Sciences."

"The Dalton Family has donated to the academy many times, and to express their gratitude, the academy sent a representative this time."

Sterling spoke softly, his eyes carrying a gentle warmth.

Selena was taken aback.

This representative, evidently, was Zoe Sinclair.

Zoe Sinclair had joined the academy.

And now, being able to attend the Dalton Family’s banquet as a representative, it seemed her status at the academy was not insignificant...

It was understandable, given her achievements in academia and her background, the academy of the empire could hardly overlook her.

Selena calmed her mind.

Over there, Zoe Sinclair, with her two assistants, was already exchanging pleasantries with the old Mr. Dalton.

When Mr. Dalton saw her, his brows furrowed subtly for a second before he resumed his usual demeanor and chatted with her.

Zoe Sinclair’s face remained cold and arrogant, so after a few words of small talk, she moved aside with her two assistants.

Those who initially wanted to approach her due to her current status immediately stopped, seeing her icy expression.

They did not wish to hit a wall.

With Zoe Sinclair’s current status, she didn’t need to flatter anyone.

Seeing Zoe move to a corner, Selena withdrew her gaze.

Then she turned her attention to Sidney Dalton standing behind Mr. Dalton.

Since arriving, Sidney Dalton’s lips had been holding a faint smile.

Even when looking in Selena’s direction, his gaze paused briefly before quickly looking away.

As if he hadn’t noticed anything.

Selena frowned, feeling something wasn’t quite right.

Wasn’t Sidney Dalton always... vigilant?

Selena couldn’t quite pinpoint the feeling, but now found Sidney Dalton’s alertness had diminished significantly.

Even his ability to strategize seemed weaker than in the past.

In the past, Sidney Dalton could have driven Selena to desperation and swiftly devoured Stardust.

But in this lifetime, he seemed like a different person.

No...

The essence remained the same.

It was just that in the past, Sidney was always highly vigilant, only relaxing once he had fully subdued Selena.

But this time, Selena hadn’t struck him initially and instead allowed him to grow stronger.

Perhaps the ease of his growth reduced his vigilance, allowing his repressed arrogance to surface.

Creating the person he was now.

Watching him, still unaware, thinking he was about to inherit the Dalton Family, Selena slowly curled her lips into a smile.

Take advantage of this moment to bask in his triumph a little longer.

Mr. Dalton, accompanied by his two sons and some business partners, chatted briefly before preparing to host the evening’s banquet.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Dalton Family’s banquet..."

Mr. Dalton cleared his throat and spoke from the center of the banquet.

His voice resonated through the microphone across the banquet.

For a moment, everyone at the banquet paused their activities and looked towards him.

Mr. Dalton continued speaking for a few more moments.

"Today, both my sons are present. As I age, many things become increasingly difficult to manage."

Listening to Mr. Dalton’s words, the wise attendees understood immediately.

He intended to bring up the topic of choosing the Dalton Family’s heir, didn’t he?

Instantly, the aristocrats present brimmed with thoughts and began discreetly appraising Sidney Dalton and Samuel Dalton.

Standing side by side, the two naturally drew comparisons.

Compared to Sidney Dalton’s solemn, mature, and steady demeanor, Samuel Dalton appeared somewhat nonchalant and casual.