âThereâs one of his public lectures in a couple of days. Youâve been struggling with your topic, havenât you? Why donât you go? You might find some fresh inspiration.â
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 familyâs 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 familyâs 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.
However, he was always somewhat hesitant.
Mallory remembered Calvinâs appearance. âHeâs incredibly charming. I probably canât compete with the multitude of fangirls he has in his classroom.â
Her roommate pondered it and agreed with Malloryâs words, so she gave up the idea as well.
âWho knows what good karma Mr. Barrettâs wife accumulated in her past life to be able to marry him?
After all, he is Calvin!â
Mallory glanced at her motherâs message: Come to Centennial Hills tonight.
âConsider it from a different perspective. Now that Mr. Barrett is newly married, itâs even less likely that heâd be interested in any schoolgirl crushes.â
Her words brought clarity to her roommate.
âYouâre right.â
Malloryâs 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 womanâs 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 Casperâs birthday banquet. From the entrance, one could see a sea of luxury cars, including Maybachs, Maseratis, and BMWs, creating an overwhelming sight.
âMallory, greet your elders.â
The sound of her motherâs voice brought Mallory back to reality. The two people in front of her were Calvinâs parents, their faces kind and friendly.
âHello.â
That was Malloryâs 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 hadnât 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.
Malloryâs mother warned her, âTake this banquet seriously. Youâre about to graduate. It wonât hurt you to start mingling with some influential people. This is a rare opportunity, understand?â
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. âWhere is Grandpa?â
âHeâs in the study, writing with the master. Sir, please come this way.â
With so many people around, the Sadler family didnât 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.
âMallory, go and chat with your sister.â Mom hinted with a glance.
Mallory sat in place for half a minute, but eventually, she approached Zendaya.