Like a puppet master pulling the strings, I got up and followed Soren without even asking what it was about. Behind me, I could faintly hear the others in an uproar.
“Isn’t that the distinguished alumnus who gave a speech just now? The one who donated 195,000,000 dollars?
That’s him!”
“Oh my god… He seems so familiar with Taylor! I never knew they were acquainted.‘
“Tee–hee! He’s even more handsome up close! And tall! He’s literally the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life!”
They were still talking, but their voices faded into the background. My mind was completely taken over by thoughts of Soren
He led me to the front, where the main table was.
As we walked, he explained, “The faculty deans were saying that this year marks the 30th anniversary of your fashion design major, along with the science, arts, and fashion faculties.
“They’re planning to organize an academic and cultural exchange event, and I immediately thought of you. They’d like to have a chat and see if you have any ideas.”
I snapped out of my daze, my fight–or–flight instincts kicking in. “No, no, no… I can’t do it…”
But Soren grabbed me, chuckling “Why do you seem so afraid? The faculty deans aren’t going to gobble you up.”
“No, I can’t do this. My mind is completely blank right now–let alone come up with any ideas.”
I knew the faculty deans weren’t actually going to eat me, but… how should I put this? I could be brave enough to fight my family and ruthless enough to battle Edward to the death. I could most definitely annihilate Candy until she begged for her life.
But professors? I had always been terrified of them–let alone faculty deans.
Sitting down at the table with so many of them, expected to present my ideas, felt even more daunting than taking an exam back when I was a student.
Still, no matter how much I protested, Soren refused to let me go. In fact, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and gently pushed me forward.
“Relax, I’ll be here the entire time. Just speak your mind–don’t worry about anything.”
Well… It seemed I had no choice now.
I greeted the faculty deans politely, and a waitress brought over an extra chair so I could sit next to Soren.
Seated beside me was the vice–rector, who also happened to be in charge of the fashion design faculty.
His interest was immediately piqued when he learned I had built my own brand and made a name for myself in the international fashion industry.
“You’re such a humble person, Taylor,” he remarked. “Someone as accomplished as you should be promoting yourself more socializing with the academy and engaging in marketing.”
One of the faculty deans kept showering me with compliments and raised his glass. “Cheers, Taylor. I hope you’ll be kind enough to support your juniors who are striving to achieve what you have as a former graduate.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 220
As flattered as I was, I secretly admired how sly he was. He may have been toasting me, but I knew he was also putting pressure on me.
Still, I supposed he was a fine faculty dean–willing to lower his status for the sake of his students.
1 raised my glass in response, but before I could take a sip, Soren suddenly pulled my hand back. “Allow me to drink on her behalf, sir.”
Before I could even react, Soren had already clinked glasses with the faculty dean and downed the drink in one go.
I turned to look at him, my gaze landing on his Adam’s apple as he tilted his head back. The way it moved as he swallowed exuded an intense masculine allure, making my heart race. My ears turned red.
1 had originally thought I would only sit there for a short while before returning to my table. But somehow, I ended up staying until the entire dinner party was over..
+25 BONUS
Chapter 221
