Chapter 2

The Vance family cut off all my living expenses, leaving my bank account with just a few hundred dollars.

Richard's roaring voice from the phone call still echoed in my ears.

I stared at the bank balance reminder on my phone.

I had to secure the divorce settlement soon, or I wouldn't even cover next month's lab rent.

An invitation from the Federal Institute of Technology abroad sat on my desk, asking me to join their neuroscience research project next spring.

Without funding, it was all a pipe dream.

I needed to visit the embassy today to process an academic exchange visa, preparing for the future.

The consulate sat on Fifth Avenue, its classical architecture elegant and romantic in the sunlight.

I arrived half an hour early, but the line was already long.

While waiting in the queue, I noticed a striking man ahead of me.

He stood about six feet tall, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit, the fabric clearly custom-made.

His hair was neatly combed, and his profile was sharp and defined, the kind that made women steal extra glances.

He exuded the commanding aura of a successful man, as if born to stand at the top.

Oddly, whenever I glanced at him, he seemed to sense it and shifted uncomfortably.

I was puzzling over this when he suddenly turned around.

Our eyes met, and I clearly saw his ears turn red instantly.

He looked away as if burned, fidgeting with his documents, pretending nothing happened.

It was too amusing.

A man who appeared so mature and confident, with such a powerful presence, blushed because of a stranger's glance?

The contrast was adorable.

I started observing him with interest.

Every few minutes, he'd glance back casually, then quickly look away.

Each time our eyes met, his ears grew redder.

When his turn came, the staff addressed him respectfully. "Mr. Pierce, your documents are all in order."

Pierce? The name stirred something in me, but this city had plenty of Pierces. It was probably a coincidence.

His voice was low and magnetic. "Everything's here."

He sneaked another glance at me while speaking, his ears reddening further.

I couldn't help but want to laugh.

The contrast was striking-cool and commanding on the outside, yet shy like a schoolboy inside.

When my turn came, the visa process was quick and efficient.

After getting my visa, I prepared to leave.

As I stepped out of the consulate, I was surprised to see the "red-eared guy" still there.

He stood on the steps nearby, pretending to check his phone but stealing glances at me.

I slowed my pace deliberately, curious about his reaction.

He caught my gaze, snapped his head up, and his ears turned almost crimson.

He turned away in a panic, focusing on his phone, but I saw him swallow nervously.

I stood there, watching this intriguing man with amusement.

He was undeniably handsome, with a commanding presence, yet shy like a teenager in love.

The contrast made me want to tease him a little.

I was about to walk over for a "chance encounter" when he, like a startled animal, hurriedly pocketed his phone and strode toward the parking lot.

Watching his slightly flustered retreat, I couldn't help but chuckle softly.

This shy, red-eared guy was truly entertaining.