As the click of Ashley's heels faded into the distance, the amiable, "easy to manage" smile faded from Lucian's face.
Brink walked over with two glasses of champagne.
He handed one to Lucian and turned sideways to block the others' view.
"Has Ashley spoken to you?" Brink lowered his voice, unable to hide his excitement. "I had to call in quite a few favors to secure that spot. Vought was still hesitating over your age, worried you might still be in your rebellious phase and difficult to manage. But I told them you were definitely the most commercially valuable rising star right now. Once they heard there was money to be made, they finally agreed."
Lucian neither agreed nor disagreed, merely saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Professor."
Brink was very pleased to hear that.
"Come on, number one." Brink gave Lucian an affectionate pat on the back. "It's time the big names at Vought and the university got a good look at the money tree they'll be relying on."
He led Lucian and Cate through the banquet hall, amid perfume and elegant finery.
"This is Mr. Hank, deputy director of Vought's marketing department."
"This is Councillor Green from the board of trustees."
Lucian shook hands, smiled, nodded, and said the appropriate things to each of them. Meanwhile, he was building a file on each person in his head-their name, position, the strength of their handshake, their microexpressions as they spoke, and their attitude toward Cate.
Cate held tightly to his arm the entire time. She enjoyed all of it.
Every word of praise for Lucian made her share in his glory. Every envious or jealous glance cast their way felt like another stamp confirming her ownership.
Once the round of socializing was over, she gently rested her head on