Chapter 82: Willow James–I’ve Got My Eye On Her!
Serena’s eyes widened as Willow produced her invitation.After the attendant checked it, he bowed.“Ms. James, please come in.”
Willow entered the ballroom, completely ignoring Serena, Fletcher, and North. Serena asked the attendant, “Did you check carefully? Was that really an invitation? Why is hers different from Fletcher’s?”
The attendant explained patiently, “That lady had a special guest invitation directly from the
ganizers.The gentleman had a corporate invitation.”
North muttered, “It sounds like the special guest invitation is more prestigious.” Fletcher’s face hardened. “To my knowledge, the Summit organizers have never issued special guest invitations to the ALI Math Competition gold medalist.After winning, she would need to partner with a university to get an invitation.“But the university invitation was different from the one Willow presented.
Serena
chuckled malevolently.“Willow didn’t get
fake invitation, a
did she
The attendant insisted, “The invitation has a security code. I wouldn’t make a mistake!” Serena scoffed.“Security codes can be forged. I’ll call the hotel manager to confirm!”
Watching them leave, the attendant muttered, “Ridiculous!”
He
contacted the
organizers.“Ms.
James,
special our
guest,
has
arrived.
On the second floor, the staff member entered a lavish room.Seated in ornate chairs were leading tech moguls, including Xia Shangyu, the chairman of the ALI Math Competition committee and chief advisor to a drone company.He was speaking with the organizer of a top international computer science conference and the head of Huake Academy’s information center. The mast prominent figure was Lucian Caldwell, seated at the head of the table.He looked regal in á modern interpretation of a traditional Chinese tunic suit.He tapped his fingers lightly on the table.No one dared disturb his thoughts.
The staff member whispered to Xia Shangyu, who announced, “Ms. James has arrived.* A mogul rose, straightening his clothes.“I’ll greet her.“He rushed out, followed by several others. “Willow James–she’s ours! The Chuangwei Algorithm Center gets her! Forget about it, Old Song!”
“Let’s compete fairly! I’m her senior, so I get dibs!”
“You’re in automotive! Why are you competing with us?!I’m first, I’m first!”
The men nearly came to blows, blocking the doorway.
Willow entered, a waiter approaching with a tray.She took a glass of champagne. “Lily’s mom!“A parent greeted her.Willow remembered this woman had sneered at her when Lily was almost expelled, deleting her online apology.The woman’s husband had since issued a formal apology on the company’s official account.
“Ms. James, you look stunning!Is that Valencia haute couture? I didn’t see that style at the spring
11:50
show?*
Isadora
ames–Ive Got My
Menu
said
it’s
not
for public sale,”
Willow replied, eliciting a
gasp.
‘Not for sale?! You met Isadora?I’m so envious!Mr. Caldwell is so kind to you! Even after the divorce, you’re still treated like a VIP!”
Before Willow could clarify the dress’s origin, a piercing gaze settled on her.Mrs. Caldwell stormed towards her, her expression menacing.
have even
an invitation?” “How did you get in? Who brought you? Do you
illow calmly sipped her champagne. Mrs. Caldwell’s eyebrows twitched, sensing Willow was Haunting her presence.
Willow set down her glass. “Mind your own business.“She should’ve brought a cleansing amulet; she’d encountered too many unwelcome people.
“You said you’d report me to the National Affairs Committee, ruining my reputation!But they said they never received any such report!“Mrs. Caldwell gloated, believing Willow’s threats were empty.A woman sidelined for seven years wouldn’t have access to any incriminating information. Willow replied smoothly, The National Affairs Committee receives many reports daily; processing takes time.Please be patient, Mrs. Caldwell.”
Mrs. Caldwell scoffed.Then Serena arrived, fuming.“Xiaodong, that’s Willow James!”
