Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1044

"I appreciate the gesture, Chancellor," Sebastian replied, keeping his tone measured while a wave of eager anticipation washed over him.

He didn't want to push his luck, but he was thrillingly expectant.

Given the impenetrable crowd around Lillian, it would have been unseemly for men of their status to physically shove their way through.

Since they were both high-profile figures, forcing a path was out of the question.

Satisfied with the luncheon arrangement, Julian and Sebastian stepped away from the chaos.

Seeing Sebastian's intense interest in Lillian, Julian personally escorted him toward the main auditorium.

Chancellor Whitmore, having just seen Leonard off, returned to coordinate the rest of the day's festivities with the other university officials.

Around Lillian, the suited entrepreneurs were gradually pushed out by a wave of energetic, starry-eyed college students.

Without an opening to pitch business deals, the corporate suits gave up.

Since Lillian wasn't particularly fond of talking business in this kind of setting anyway, she happily engaged with the students, answering their rapid-fire questions with effortless grace.

She hadn't heavily applied her makeup today, opting for a chic, youthful, and elegant look that easily bridged the age gap between her and the undergrads.

The massive crowd of students practically escorted her all the way to the auditorium.

When it was her turn, Lillian stepped onto the stage with a warm, confident smile. She had prepared for this moment, and her delivery was flawless.

"I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to stand here and address all of you today. It is a profound honor. Truly.

Years ago, I let my professors down, and I've carried that guilt with me for a long time.

Down in the back rows of the auditorium, Bella Ward had managed to sneak in.

She had initially followed Julian and Sebastian's path but found herself wedged among the students near the back.

She listened to every word of Lillian's speech. Bella had to admit, Lillian's reputation as the legendary Li was well-deserved. Even though Lillian had simplified the technical concepts for the students, Bella found herself completely lost.

Lillian was undeniably brilliant.

Terrifyingly brilliant.

Bella knew Lillian was a VIP guest today, adored by the faculty and idolized by the students.

As much as Bella wanted to cause a scene and humiliate her, she wasn't entirely stupid. Everyone here was chronically online—they all knew about the bitter feud between the two women.