Today is the day of the Aethelgard medical forum, where Serena Sterling is scheduled to give her first academic presentation, an event eagerly awaited by all. Academician Qiu humbly smiled and said, "Serena is still very young and a junior. You are all her teachers, and if there are any shortcomings in her presentation, I hope you won’t hesitate to offer your guidance." One other person attended this academic forum as well, and that was Anabelle Rathborne. Anabelle Rathborne is also studying medicine, but with her grades, she wouldn’t have been able to be here; she didn’t have the qualifications. But she comes from a good family, being the eldest daughter of the wealthy Rathborne family. Now Julian Rathborne has returned, and he brought her here today to observe. However, Anabelle hasn’t seen anything worth noting. She stands in a place ignored by all, her eyes fixed intently on Serena Sterling. Anabelle watched as Academician Qiu introduced Serena to everyone, as Serena navigated gracefully the center of the dazzling lights, and as all eyes focused on Serena, with the eminent authorities expressing admiration and the distinguished talents showing appreciation and affection... Today wasn’t a mere academic forum to her, but rather Serena Sterling’s personal runway show! Anabelle clenched her fists tightly, gnashing her teeth with hatred. In the last battle, she and the entire Knight family had suffered heavy losses. Old Man Knight couldn’t even attend this forum due to the poison in his body, yet Serena Sterling was having her moment of glory. Anabelle forcefully shifted her gaze away from Serena, not wanting to look at her anymore, and searched for her father, Julian Rathborne. Julian Rathborne, the world’s richest man and a philanthropy mogul, was surrounded by many people, who diligently engaged him in conversation. Yet he paid them little heed, his gaze falling on one person. Following Julian Rathborne’s gaze, Anabelle’s eyes quickly narrowed, for Julian Rathborne was also looking... at Serena Sterling! Father was looking at Serena Sterling! Anabelle’s first thought was, could her father have taken a liking to Serena Sterling? At this moment, Academician Qiu brought Serena over to Julian Rathborne, "Serena, this is Mr. Rathborne, you should be familiar with him, right?" Serena’s bright eyes glanced at Julian Rathborne, then she gracefully smiled and said, "Of course, I’m familiar. Hello, Mr. Rathborne." Julian Rathborne looked into Serena’s sparkling eyes and nodded, "I didn’t expect Ms. Sterling to be so outstanding. Your parents must have devoted a lot of time and energy to nurturing you." Serena didn’t expect Julian Rathborne to inquire about her parents. She replied with a smile, "My father and Mom treat me exceptionally well." Julian Rathborne’s eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something, but a deep, magnetic voice interrupted, "Mr. Rathborne, what a coincidence, I didn’t expect to see you at this academic forum." Julian Rathborne turned to see Hayden Crawford approaching. Hayden Crawford had arrived! Hayden’s arrival caused a stir. Look, Mr. Crawford is here too! Serena’s long lashes fluttered slightly. Hayden had brought her here, but she had already said goodbye to him. He hadn’t left but came to attend the academic forum. Serena stepped forward, tilting her delicate, flawless face up to look at him and whispered, "Why did you come?" In the crook of Hayden’s arm was a beige coat. He curled his thin lips into a gentle, indulgent smile, "I noticed your coat was left in my car, and since I feared you might get cold later, I brought it personally." The coat in Hayden’s arm belonged to Serena. The crowd quickly deduced a critical piece of information, "So Prof. Sterling came in Mr. Crawford’s car, but Mr. Crawford is a terrible chauffeur. Prof. Sterling almost arrived late." Hayden curled his lips, "The traffic was heavy just now." "Oh, I see, I see." Everyone laughed, their teasing gazes lingering on Hayden and Serena. Serena raised a small hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her snow-white ear, her earlobes slightly red. Being thin-skinned, she felt embarrassed under their teasing. At this moment, Academician Qiu clapped his hands and said with a smile, "Alright, the academic forum is about to start. Everyone, please take your seats. Serena, come with me." Serena reached out her small hand to Hayden, "Give me the coat. You should go to the office." Google seaʀᴄh novèlfire.net Hayden didn’t oblige, "I’ll wait here for you, and then we’ll leave together." He wanted to wait here for her? The crowd quickly chimed in, Mr. Crawford’s time is incredibly precious. It’s always others waiting for him; he never waits for anyone. This is a case of one thing overcoming another. Prof. Sterling’s medical skills are impressive, and she is also quite skilled at taming Mr. Crawford. Mr. Crawford holding Prof. Sterling’s coat here feels like the loyal rock waiting for his love. Serena’s face quickly turned crimson, and she turned her head to follow Academician Qiu, fleeing in haste. The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving only Hayden and Julian Rathborne. Hayden approached Julian, his deep magnetic voice carrying an indifference, "Mr. Rathborne, you seem quite interested in Serena Sterling." Julian glanced at Serena’s departing figure, then turned his gaze to Hayden’s handsome face and nodded, "Yes, a little interest." Julian’s candid admission was almost provocative, causing Hayden to narrow his deep, narrow eyes quickly, "Mr. Rathborne, Serena Sterling is my woman!" "I can see that." Julian glanced at the beige coat in Hayden’s arm, "Otherwise, you wouldn’t have rushed over with it to reestablish your claim." "..." A layer of icy hostility surged in Hayden’s eyes, as he forced out a cold and fierce voice from his throat, "Mr. Rathborne, you’d better stay away from Serena Sterling, or I won’t be courteous to you!" Julian seemed to have heard a delightful joke, and he stepped forward, patting Hayden’s shoulder, "Young man, I can wait for you twenty years." Julian Rathborne left. Julian Rathborne departed from the academic forum, his personal butler approaching respectfully and asking, "Sir, where are we going?" Julian Rathborne uttered two words, "To the prison." The personal butler understood; Julian was going to visit Yvonne Knight. At this moment, someone hurriedly ran up from behind, "Father." Julian stopped, and Anabelle Rathborne had come running. "Father, where are you going?" Anabelle clung to Julian’s arm, acting coy, "Father, I like Brother Hayden. You must help me marry Hayden Crawford this time." Julian remained expressionless, his voice gentle, "Hayden Crawford is willing to go to war with me for Serena Sterling. So what else wouldn’t he dare to do? Annette, forget about it. Hayden Crawford will never marry you."