Over the next two days, Celeste became even busier. She was busy even on

Saturday.

Jordyn called her and, upon learning that she would be working throughout the day, asked, "What about tonight? Are you busy too, Mom?"

"Yes, I still have other things to take care of this evening."

"Dad's busy tonight too."

Celeste guessed that Trevor was probably attending the anniversary of Philip's research institute as well.

Philip had previously served for many years as the Vice President of one of the world's top three technology companies.

Within the country's Al community, he was one of the rare figures who possessed both world-class academic prestige and extensive experience leading a top-tier global corporation. The breadth of his connections and resources was self-evident.

His research institute had also recently achieved a major breakthrough. So, tonight's anniversary celebration was certain to attract an impressive gathering of leaders from both the academic and business worlds.

The chances of Trevor being there were naturally quite high.

However, Celeste didn't mention any of this to Jordyn. Nor did she tell her that she and Trevor were likely attending the same event.

She still had work to finish, so after chatting with Jordyn for a few more minutes, she hung up and returned to her work.

Celeste and Matthias arrived at Philip's anniversary banquet at 8:00 PM that evening.

Many guests had already gathered.

Philip personally came out to greet them the moment they arrived. He had

apparently instructed someone to keep an eye out for them.

"Mr. Yoder, Ms. Rodriguez, I've been looking forward to seeing the two of you."

"Professor Lancaster." The two of them immediately greeted him.

Matthias then hurriedly said, "Professor Lancaster, you're giving us too much honor."

After all, no matter how

accomplished they were, he and Celeste were still juniors before someone of Philip's stature. So, recerving such a warto personal welcome from him left them both genuinely flattered.

Philip patted Matthias on the shoulder before turning to Celeste. His face was filled with satisfaction as he sighed with admiration.

"I've been following the projects

get

you've been working on, as well a the papers you've published can only say that your generation is truly impressive.

"I've been tied up overseas these past few months and never had the chance to come back and have a proper conversation with either of you. Now that we finally have the opportunity, we really should..."

Just as Celeste had expected, the banquet that evening was a gathering of the biggest names from both the academic and business worlds.

More distinguished guests arrived as they chatted with Philip. So, he had no choice but to excuse himself and go greet them.

Celeste suddenly sensed someone watching her again the moment they were left alone.

She turned her head and spotted Quentin, who was looking at her coldly.

He made no attempt to look away even after their eyes met. He simply sipped his drink in silence, meeting her gaze head-on.

Celeste frowned.

Matthias noticed Quentin's stare as well. He didn't expect Quentin to be here either. Patting Celeste lightly on the shoulder, he silently told her not to mind him. Celeste nodded as she had no intention of paying Quentin any attention anyway. Just as she turned her gaze away, she spotted Trevor and Wynn.

Philip had long maintained a close relationship with both Lincoln's and Queenie's families. So, he smiled when Trevor walked over to greet him.

"You're late. I thought you weren't coming."

Trevor smiled back. "How could I not?"

Philip snorted dismissively. "What is there that you'd actually be afraid to do?"

Then his gaze shifted to Wynn. "So, is this your girlfriend?"