Chapter 5

I focused entirely on my academic idol, as I took my seat.

"Ava's doing some impressive work on neural regeneration factors," Lily said again, clearly trying to create more chances for me to talk with him.

"Neural regeneration factors?" Ethan's eyes lit up, and he set down his wine glass. "That's a promising field. What stage are you at?"

I explained my research in detail, covering the basic theory, experimental design, and preliminary data analysis.

Ethan listened intently, nodding occasionally and asking sharp, professional questions.

"What's your take on regulating the microenvironment for neuronal regeneration?" he asked.

"I think the key lies in the precise balance of signaling molecules," I answered. "Most studies focus on single factors, but neural regeneration is a complex system."

"That's insightful," Ethan said, nodding approvingly. "Your systematic thinking is rare among young researchers."

Throughout our conversation, I sensed Simon, seated at the head of the table, listening closely to every word.

His gaze never left me, intense enough to make me slightly uneasy.

Strangely, as Ethan and I grew more engaged in our discussion, Simon's expression darkened.

His once-perfect posture stiffened, and his knuckles whitened around his wine glass.

A faint tension seemed to hang in the air.

"Your approach to carrier design is creative," Ethan continued. "If you hit any technical roadblocks, feel free to reach out. My lab's always open to talented young researchers."

"Thank you for your guidance," I said sincerely. "Your papers have been my benchmark."

The man at the head of the table looked even grimmer, his jaw tight, radiating a suppressed emotion.

Was it jealousy? But why would he be jealous?

The atmosphere grew tense until Ethan's phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and stood apologetically.

"Mr. Pierce, I'm sorry, there's an urgent matter at the lab. I have to step out." He addressed the man at the head of the table respectfully.

Mr. Pierce?

My heart raced like it had been struck by lightning.

"No problem, go handle it," Simon said, nodding with a voice that sounded strained. "Be safe."

After Ethan hurried out, the room's atmosphere lightened instantly.

The others started chatting casually, and Lily leaned in to gossip.

"Did you see? The hot guy Ethan was talking to is Simon Pierce, heir to the Pierce Group," she whispered. "Jaxperton's youngest business tycoon, worth billions."

Pierce... Pierce Group... Simon Pierce...

My blood froze, and my mind went blank.

"What did you say his name was?" I asked, my voice trembling as I kept it low.

"Simon Pierce," Lily said, looking at me oddly. "What's wrong? You don't know him? He's a legend in Jaxperton's business world. He's young and already runs the entire Pierce Group. And rumor has it he's not into women, like he's uninterested," she added.

My gaze drifted to the head of the table, where Simon was looking at me.

Our eyes met, and his ears turned red again.

The guy who blushed at the consulate because of my glance.

The man who panicked and raised his car window when I approached downstairs.

The mysterious husband who texted me about divorce, obsessed with another woman.

They were all the same person.

My husband, whom I had never met in our year of arranged marriage, was sitting right in front of me.

And he had no idea the woman across from him was Lila Vance, the wife he wanted to divorce.

This world was too small!