Chapter 268
She noticed Stuart walking in, a huge figure draped in a custom suit that seemed to suck up all the light around him.
His hair, cut short, carried the chill of winter, and with him, an aura of undeniable authority. The moment he entered, the buzzing chatter of the grand auditorium faded into silence.
Stuart’s gaze swept the room, searching, but not finding Morwenna, a flicker of impatience crossing his features.
That impatience lent him an air of dangerous charisma, making him all the more intriguing.
Somewhere in the hushed quiet, a swallow was heard, loud as a gunshot in the silence.
That lone swallow seemed to break a dam, and whispers bubbled up amongst the students like a pot coming to boil.
“God, how can anyone be that rich and that handsome?”
“Keep it down, will you? I’ve heard Mr. Hetfield has quite the temper.”
“Doesn’t look like it to me. Everyone’s staring, and he hasn’t bit anyone’s head off.”
“I can’t even… A man in a suit is my ultimate weakness. Utterly beguiling.”
like..
“It’s all about the man wearing it. The average Joe in a suit just looks like he’s selling insurance.”
Hidden away, Morwenna peeked out, equally astounded.
Stuart had mentioned he’d come to see her, prompting her immediate refusal.
After all, Rosefrost University had strict policies about visitors, and someone of Stuart’s caliber would undoubtedly cause a stir.
Yet, she hadn’t expected him to appear in such a dramatic fashion.
It was sensational, sure, but it wouldn’t impact her.
Suddenly feeling flushed, Morwenna convinced herself Stuart was there for her.
Being the first to speak, she couldn’t leave. So, she quickly texted Stuart, “Sir, you look smashing in that suit. I’m speaking on behalf of the freshmen soon and performing in a play.”
Morwenna felt like a child scoring a perfect hundred, eager to show off to her parents.
Whether it was her speech or her role in the play, she’d earned it all on her own merit.
She tended to keep to herself, but with Stuart, she couldn’t help wanting to share.
Stuart, now seated among the guests of honor, relaxed his impatient scowl and casually adjusted his shirt cuff, causing quite a few hearts to flutter.
The dean himself made a point of sitting next to Stuart, engaging him in conversation.
The Hetfield Group’s generous annual donations to various schools made Stuart a highly valued benefactor, especially to Rosefrost University, the crown jewel of Rosefrost Hollow’s educational institutions.
Hence, the dean paid him particular attention.
With a smile, the dean asked, “Mr. Hetfield, what brings you to this year’s freshman welcome party?”
Usually, the dean would make a brief appearance at these events, but the news of Stuart’s visit prompted a last–minute invitation to several prominent young entrepreneurs from the city.
These typically proud business moguls jumped at the chance to attend upon hearing of Stuart’s presence, leading to an unprecedentedly illustrious guest list.
Had the dean known sooner, he might have even bolstered the event’s program to match the occasion’s newfound prestige.
As Stuart leaned back, ready to respond, the emcee’s booming voice announced, “Please welcome our Freshman Representative, Morwenna Winslet, to the stage.”
As Morwenna, clad in a shimmering silver gown, made her way to the podium, Stuart’s initial response was cut short. He had intended to say he was there for his “little one,” but considering Morwenna’s wish for discretion, he simply stated, “Just here to kill some time.”