Chapter 178 A Morning Like No Other

To put it bluntly, Jasper was practically sentenced to a life without a wife. Just the fact that he’d attended the banquetst night had surprised Sophia. But once he revealed that he needed Scarlett’s cooperation for art experiment, everything made sense–he had his eye on Scarlett’s capabilities.

Sophia naturally believed her daughter excelled in every way. Of course she was worthy of working on something like an “artificial sun.” That thought alone filled her with pride.

Most importantly, if Jasper was backing Scarlett, she’d be safe no matter what the future held.

But now…

Jasper was personallying to pick Scarlett up?

This wasn’t normal.

Not normal at all.

Sophia even wondered if her ears were ying tricks on her.“Scarlett, is that true?”

There was no dodging the question. And it wasn’t really a big deal anyway, so Scarlett simply nodded. “Mr. Jasper has a seminar at Jalindale University tomorrow. Since I’m also part of the research tearn, he wants me to attend after thepetition.”

Sophia breathed a sigh of relief.

So it was just about research.

She should’ve known. That experiment–obsessed maniac wasn’t suddenly awakening to romance. And even if Jasper iwas /ifalling for someone, there was no way she’d let her daughter be thrown into the firepit ithat /iwas the Fletcher family.

“Good. Just focus on your studies. Leave the rest to me.”

Scarlett gave her a curious nce. She’d just said it was a seminar. Why did her mother suddenly look ten

times more cheerful?

“Alright, it’s gettingte. Go get some rest, and set an rm. Don’t bete in the morning.”

With that, she dragged Taylor away.

Taylor was still fuming. “Mom, what are you doing? haven’t gotten a straight answer yet. That Jasper guy is sketchy as hell! What if he lures my sister away?”

Sophia grabbed his ear. “If any of yourpanies ever got invited to speak at Jalindale University, I’d say ithat /iwas a miracle. You end up in a room with someone like Jasper, and you’d get sold and thank him for the privilege.”

“Every time I see your face, I lose brain cells. Go to your office and finish your paperwork.”

Once he was “mommy’s golden boy.” Now he was barely worth the weeds on the roadside. His ear nearly got

torn off.

Unbelievable.

Chapter 178 A Morning Like No Other

The next morning, Scarlett was up early.

Thepetition wasn’t just a single test–it included a written exam, hands–on skill evaluation, band /ba live Q&A with judges. Final scores would be based on aposite of all three.

She needed to be fully prepared.

The Yale family hadn’t attended the banquet yesterday, but they’d sent a gift.

Wendy had been tied up with awsuit and didn’t want to bring any bad luck, so she hadn’te bin /bbperson /bStill, she sent over some useful intel on today’s participating schools.

There were three key teams to watch.

First, the Jalindale University team, led by Christian, future heir of the Sawyer family, with Aurora as bvice- /bcaptain.

Second, the Deerville University team, headed by Dreame, heir to the Houston farnily. His viceb–/bbcaptain/b, Jose, came from the Kramer family–one of the top sports car distributors in the country.

Third, the Laketown University team. No vice–captain, but their leader was a top student named Faye. Surprisingly, even though the team was full of rich heirs, they all listened to Faye without question.

Wendy had warned her to keep an eye on that group.

As for the rest–anyone who made it to thispetition was no pushover.

Scarlett let out a quiet breath.

iToday’s /iigoing /iito /iibe /iia /iibattle/i. iI /iihave /iito /iigive /iiit /iieverything /iiI’ve /ibigot/i/b.

But as soon as she stepped out the front door and into the courtyard, she noticed a group of people whispering among themselves.

She frowned.

She’d just arrived at the Lane estate and didn’t want to get involved in petty mattersb, /bso she turned to leave through the side path.

But the butler, Samson, spotted her instantly.

“Perfect timing, Miss Scarlett. You should probably handle this yourself.”

As he spoke, the crowd of servants quickly dispersed.

That’s when Scarlett finally saw him,

Connor was still there in the center of the courtyard.

His back was straight, his expression solemn. The moment he heard Samson’s voice, he turned to bface /bbher/bb. /b

The sun had just risen, and the dew refracted the light, casting a golden glow across the courtyard. Everything the Lane family had given her–from clothes to essories–was the bfinest /bbRable/b. bEven /bbthe /bfabric of her coat shimmered faintly.

b13:45 /bTue, b12 /bbAug /b

Chapter 178 A Morning Like No Other

To Connor, she looked ethereal.

For a moment, he waspletely entranced.

iScarlett/ii… /iihow /iidid /iiI /iinever /iirealize /iihow /iibeautiful /iiyou /iiare/ii? /i

Step by step, the goddess walked toward him.

With each movement, it was as if the light beneath her feet turned into glowing petals, blooming wherever she passed.

She didn’t belong to this world.

He had been bitterst night. Bitter she hadn’te out. Bitter she was being cruel.

But now, as she approached him–he forgot all of it.

506

13:45 Tueb, /bb12 /bbAug /b

From Ashes to Queen: Now I Call the Shots