Chapter 9 The Graduation Ceremony
960 Words
A few days later, the UT-Austin Department of Architecture graduation ceremony kicked off.
Coinciding with the university's 140th anniversary celebration, this year's graduation ceremony garnered significant attention, drawing almost all the elite from Austin.
The most eye-catching ones were two people.
One of them was Trent, who was occupying a prime seat in the front row. It was impossible to ignore his charismatic presence, and most importantly, he was engaging in conversation with the university president, making everyone wonder who he really was.
And the other one was Adelyn, who had recently become a hot topic online.
Upon entering the hall with Carl, Adelyn spotted Trent immediately. She was surprised to see the typically reserved president so animatedly chatting with him, even showing a hint of flattery.
However, she failed to notice those whispers about her and Carl's relationship floating around.
Ever since Adelyn and Randal's divorce went public, speculations about her next romantic partner were rampant, with some suggesting she deserved better than to settle down again.
Randal heard the whispers around him and glanced up, looking into the distance.
He saw Adelyn in her elegant gown and paused, suspicion flickering in his mind.
It was UT-Austin's pivotal anniversary gala. Besides UT-Austin students, only the society's crème de la crème were invited. It wasn't an event open to just anyone.
Tonight, Adelyn wore a stunning white haute couture gown. The off-shoulder, high-slit design showcased her toned, athletic figure. A sapphire necklace graced her neck, perfectly complementing her dress. Her hair was styled in luxurious waves, and her makeup was impeccable. Adelyn carried herself with the elegance and poise of a high-society heiress.
She smiled and chatted with Carl. Though there was nothing overtly intimate about their interaction, their lively conversation felt like a dagger to Randal's heart.
Just then, several high-profile figures from the elite circle began walking towards Randal. These were individuals known for their discerning tastes, who only associated with society's top echelons.
Randal cleared his throat, preparing to greet them.
But to his astonishment, they walked right past him without a glance, heading straight for Adelyn!
Watching Adelyn effortlessly engage with them, Randal was stunned.
What secrets did his ex-wife hold?
Randal cursed under his breath and took a seat in the first row.
Coincidentally, Adelyn and Carl happened to be sitting beside him, with Carl separating him and Adelyn.
Randal turned to Carl and asked, "Mr. Eaton, could we swap seats?"
Carl responded politely, "You and Adelyn are divorced. Why can't you leave her alone?"
He emphasized the word "divorced," as if to remind Randal that he and Adelyn were no longer together, which really stung Randal deeply.
Randal scoffed. "Or perhaps, Mr. Eaton, you have other intentions!"
"Any man would be drawn to a woman as brilliant as Adelyn," Carl retorted.
The air between them instantly charged with tension.
Watching his sister's ex-husband, Carl felt his anger rise. If it weren't for years of self-control, he might have already thrown a punch at Randal.
Adelyn smirked and mouthed a "Thank you" to Carl, who responded with a fond smile and affectionately ruffled her hair.
Randal's face darkened as he grunted angrily and turned away.
Fortunately, the graduation ceremony commenced at that moment, with the president stepping up to the podium, and the audience fell into a respectful silence.
Soon, the vice president then took the stage to announce the top graduates!
"From the Department of Architecture, Brooke Farrant!"
At the mention of Brooke's name, a murmur spread through the crowd.
"Brooke? Really?"
"There are plenty more deserving candidates than her!"
"Well, none of them have her connections!"
The audience whispered among themselves as Brooke, dressed in her graduation robe, walked onto the stage unblushingly as if the title of top graduate rightfully belonged to her.
As soon as Brooke reached the stage, her gaze found Randal, filled with tenderness and affection.
However, her eyes turned boastful and provocative when she saw Adelyn.
Brooke believed that Adelyn must have had some insider help to defeat Barnett Construction, while she herself truly deserved the accolade of top graduate!
Adelyn watched her with a playful smirk.
Brooke's smile didn't last long as the vice president announced, "Please welcome our school's most mysterious top graduate to award the laurel to Ms. Farrant!"
Everyone knew of UT-Austin's mysterious architectural prodigy!
Even before graduating, she had participated in the design of the Coastal Library, winning numerous awards.
However, she always remained low-profile. Even though she was also a top graduate, her identity remained unknown.
Now, she was about to reveal herself!
Under the expectant eyes of the audience, Adelyn, dressed in a stunning white gown, slowly rose and ascended the stage, causing a collective gasp!
"The new head of A&C Studio? She's the mysterious prodigy from our school?"
"My God! Will Mr. Barnett regret divorcing her? His ex-wife turned out to be that architectural genius and snatched the project he thought was in the bag!"
From below, Carl watched Adelyn with a smile, unshaken by the revelations. He believed his sister deserved all the spotlight and applause!
Randal, however, wore a somber expression, his face clouded with gloom.
He stared at Carl, who showed no surprise but only admiration.
Even a stranger knew about Adelyn's secrets!
Yet he, as her husband, had been kept in the dark the whole time!
She had deceived him again!
Adelyn had always claimed that she loved him more than anything. Was this her way of "loving him with all her heart"?!
Suddenly, Randal stood up and left the venue.
Brooke, frozen on the stage, watched as Randal walked away.
Meanwhile, each step Adelyn took onto the stage seemed like a slap in her face.
Who could have thought that Adelyn was that mysterious genius?!
- Writer
