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predict next quarter's market fluctuation trends … " Riley's voice was clear and confident , nothing like the quiet , withdrawn girl from a month ago .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 . [ ]