The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 551

As the commotion finally dies down, the crowd scatters into small groups. Mr. Howard leads Julianna away to another section of the hall, while Jovani and Jade disappear into the crowd.

A steady stream of attendees attempts to strike up a conversation with Victor, eager to catch the prestigious academician's eye and expand their networks. Some even try to corner him with academic questions, but he politely and firmly declines them all. He is always swamped at the institute; the only reason he carved out time for tonight's gala is that he heard his favorite unofficial apprentice, Tara, would be here. He doesn't have a single second to waste on social climbers and brown-nosers.

"Tara, it is so good to finally see you," Victor says, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "How have you been?"

Though she isn't officially his student, he has always doted on her as if she were.

"I've been doing well," Tara replies with a soft smile.

"Joseph couldn't make it tonight, so I came in his place."

"It's probably for the best," she chuckles. "If he were here, I'm sure I'd be getting a lecture right about now."

The core team back in Sector 01's classified labs constantly asks for her. Her time there was profoundly beneficial to them all. Brilliant but remarkably patient, Tara was a phenomenal teacher. Unlike Joseph and the other senior scientists—who look harmless but can terrify an assistant with a single glare—Tara makes everyone feel comfortable asking questions.

"I promise I'll make time to visit soon," Tara assures him.

She genuinely needs to go back. Recently, she has realized that the dark forces trying to eliminate her and Danny are deeply tied to pharmaceutical research. The mysteries surrounding the shadow lab and the Alchemist Foundation are still tangled webs. She has to discuss these highly classified matters with Joseph in person. It is far too dangerous to trust anyone else.