Chapter 5

"Mr. and Mrs. Clark, congratulations! Your son getting into Ashford University is incredible. Like father, like son!"

"Horace has a bright future ahead of him. Looks like the Clarks have a worthy successor."

Sebastian and Molly beamed with pride.

Horace stood beside them in an expensive custom suit, looking like a prince surrounded by admirers. He accepted the praise with a reserved smile, chin slightly lifted.

At that moment, one of the guests asked curiously, "Mr. Clark, didn't you have another son? I thought there were two heirs in your family. Why isn't the other one here tonight?"

Sebastian's smile stiffened for a moment. His tone turned casual, almost dismissive.

"Oh, Brian? Don't mention it. His grades were a mess. He only got into an average in-state college. Nothing compared to Horace. An occasion like this probably feels awkward for him, so he chose not to show up."

Molly quickly added, "He's not our biological child, after all. Different genes, different results. His scores were quite a bit lower. He probably feels embarrassed, so he stayed away."

While Sebastian and Molly continued explaining things away and Horace basked in the compliments, the party slowly returned to its lively rhythm.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the entrance. The butler rushed into the hall, breathless, his voice shaking with excitement.

"Mr. and Mrs. Clark! The state officials are here. And there are a lot of university admissions officers with them!"

The room fell into stunned silence.

State officials? University admissions officers?

"They must be here for Horace," someone whispered. "There are plenty of early admission students, but only someone like Horace could attract attention from people at that level. I'm impressed!"

Sebastian and Molly were both shocked and delighted. They hurriedly straightened their clothes.

Horace lifted his back even straighter, the perfect smile spreading across his face as he prepared to receive this unprecedented honor.

A group of people in jackets quickly walked into the hall. Leading them was a senior official from the state education department.

Behind him followed several professors and recruiters wearing university badges on their chests.

Ashford University, Kingsbridge University, Bayview University, Redwood State University…

Representatives from nearly every top university in the country were there.

Sebastian's voice trembled with excitement as he hurried forward and reached out both hands.

"Mr. Roffe! Mr. Morrison! Welcome, welcome. Having all of you here tonight is truly an honor for our family."

Esmond Roffe, the Education Commissioner, immediately grabbed Sebastian's hand. His voice boomed with enthusiasm.

"Mr. Clark, congratulations! You've raised an incredible son. A true top talent for the country!"

Sebastian blinked, a little confused, and instinctively glanced toward Horace. "Mr. Roffe, you're too kind. Horace getting into Ashford University is certainly impressive, but it's not quite…"

"Horace?"

Esmond paused, looking slightly puzzled.

"Oh, your younger son? The one who got into Ashford University's physics department? Yes, I heard about that. Very good. Quite impressive."

He nodded politely.

But his attention had already drifted away, his eyes scanning the crowd, as if he were searching for something precious.

The guests exchanged confused looks.

It was obvious now. These important people hadn't come for Horace.

Horace himself had just opened his mouth to introduce himself, but he froze in place.

The color drained from his face.

At that moment, Esmond's gaze suddenly stopped at a corner of the hall.

He was looking at me.

I was standing there in simple clothes, still wearing the uniform from my shift at the coffee shop, not even having time to change.

Esmond's eyes lit up instantly. A broad smile spread across his face as he pushed through the crowd and strode toward me.

"There you are, Brian!"