“There’s one of his public lectures in a couple of days. You’ve been struggling with your topic, haven’t you? Why don’t you go? You might find some fresh inspiration.”
Calvin, a former researcher at the Academy of Sciences, came from a highly prestigious family. His grandfather made significant contributions to the current Wavery. The Barrett family’s status in Wavery was so high that it surpassed all others. Even several Sadler families combined could not match them.
Calvin was only twenty-five that year. He got married last year, and his wife was said to be his childhood sweetheart. They maintained a low profile in public, to the extent that not even a photo or the name of his wife could be found.
After his marriage, he resigned from his research position and ventured into business, primarily running country clubs, which was considered somewhat shady. His family’s status paved the way for a smooth career.
However, among his peers in Wavery, Calvin had the least pretensions apart from Dexter. The patents he held and the articles he had published were more than enough to qualify him to teach in universities.
A However, he was always somewhat hesitant. Mallory remembered Calvin’s appearance. “He’s incredibly charming. I probably can’t compete with the multitude of fangirls he has in his classroom.”
Her roommate pondered it and agreed with Mallory’s words, so she gave up the idea as well.
“Who knows what good karma Mr. Barrett’s wife accumulated in her past life to be able to marry him? After all, he is Calvin!”
Mallory glanced at her mother’s message: Come to Centennial Hills tonight.
“Consider it from a different perspective. Now that Mr. Barrett is newly married, it’s even less likely that he’d be interested in any schoolgirl crushes.”
Her words brought clarity to her roommate.
“You’re right.”
Mallory’s roommate left early for a night class, while Mallory took a taxi to Centennial Hills, a well-known affluent neighborhood. On the side of the road, a few women were gathered around a young woman, talking. In the midst of their shoving, half of the young woman’s underwear was exposed.
She wore the famous brand Agent Provocateur. Tired of the same old scenes, Mallory averted her gaze. Upon reaching the destination, Mallory finally understood why her mother had called her.
That day was Casper’s birthday banquet. From the entrance, one could see a sea of luxury cars, including Maybachs, Maseratis, and BMWs, creating an overwhelming sight.
“Mallory, greet your elders.”
The sound of her mother’s voice brought Mallory back to reality. The two people in front of her were Calvin’s parents, their faces kind and friendly.
“Hello.”
That was Mallory’s first visit to the Barrett residence. The house, styled in traditional architecture, spanned over six hundred square meters. At that moment, it was filled with people scattered here and there.
Rumor had it Casper hadn’t hosted a birthday banquet for many years. That was because his youngest grandson passed away on his birthday. To prevent everyone from recalling that tragic event, the old man simply decided not to hold any more banquets.
However, he seemed to have let go of the past this year. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, Mallory saw Zendaya sitting in a wheelchair. She was left in the corner, groomed like a beautiful doll, an empty shell without a soul.
Mallory’s mother warned her, “Take this banquet seriously. You’re about to graduate. It won’t hurt you to start mingling with some influential people. This is a rare opportunity, understand?”
So, she changed into the dress her mother had brought for her, a one-shoulder gown in green. When she leaned forward, a hint of cleavage could be subtly seen. Calvin got out of the car, gift in hand, and saw that scene as he passed by the garden.
Mallory stood before the gardenia flowers, engaging in a lively conversation with a scion. The scion peeled a piece of candy and brought it to her lips. Mallory extended her tongue and took it in.
Calvin watched that scene, showing no reaction, and continued to walk forward. “Where is Grandpa?”
“He’s in the study, writing with the master. Sir, please come this way.”
With so many people around, the Sadler family didn’t have the qualifications to dine at the same table as the Barrett family. Therefore, despite the relatively small Barrett residence, Mallory never had the chance to meet Calvin.
“Mallory, go and chat with your sister.” Mom hinted with a glance. Mallory sat in place for half a minute, but eventually, she approached Zendaya.
