Chapter 5 Yale University’s Recommendation

Miles tightened his grip on the wine glass.

He maliciously speculated that Cecilia had agreed to the divorce so readily because she'd already found herself a way out, hooking up with who knows how many men.

"Cecilia really has her ways," Thea leaned close to his ear, badmouthing Cecilia. "Miles, you've been treated so unfairly."

Cecilia noticed that malicious gaze, but she didn't care.

She was in an excellent mood today. Turning to Noelle, she blinked confidently, "Can't help it—who told me to be beautiful and charming?"

On the second-floor terrace, Felix watched everything below, listening to the conversation through his earpiece. A rare hint of amusement appeared in the man's deep eyes.

Shortly after, Roman excused himself and found Felix, asking in confusion, "Sir, you could have won easily. Why did you deliberately fall behind? And... these things you asked me to do..."

Felix swirled the red wine in his glass, his gaze remaining on that radiant figure.

"To make her remember me."

Halfway through the party, a burly bodyguard approached Cecilia and handed her a signed check.

"Ms. Cecilia, this is your prize money for winning the championship." The bodyguard spoke respectfully. "Mr. Knightley is waiting for you upstairs. Please come with me."

Cecilia took the check, glanced at the amount, and casually stuffed it into her racing suit pocket.

She patted Noelle's shoulder, signaling her friend to wait in the lounge area, then got up and followed the bodyguard to the private elevator leading to the top floor.

The room's decor was minimalist yet far from cheap.

Felix stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a wine glass.

Roman stood nearby. Seeing Cecilia enter, he politely bowed.

"Ms. Cecilia, congratulations again." Felix turned around, his gaze settling on her. "We met at Professor Hayes's place. You should remember."

Cecilia didn't sit down.

"Mr. Knightley didn't ask me up here just to congratulate me, right?" Her tone was direct, without a trace of flattery. "Just say it—what do you want?"

Felix's hand holding the glass paused, clearly not expecting Cecilia to be so straightforward.

He chuckled softly. "Since you're so direct, I won't beat around the bush either. You've probably already guessed why I went to see Professor Hayes yesterday."

"For Eloane." Cecilia replied calmly. "You want me to take over your sister's psychological treatment."

"Yes. Owen said only you can save her."

Cecilia was silent for a moment, then shook her head.

"I'm not in the right mindset or condition for that now. After three years as a housewife, my professional skills have declined too much. Find someone else."

"I don't care about those three years." Felix walked up to her, his presence imposing. "I only want results."

"Give me some time to think about it." Cecilia turned and pulled open the door, leaving behind a brief response.

An hour later, Cecilia exited the elevator, met up with an impatient Noelle, and headed toward the underground parking garage.

"What did he want? Is he trying to chase you?" Noelle asked curiously.

"Business talk. I turned him down." Cecilia answered casually.

As they reached their parking spot, a flashy Rolls-Royce was just pulling out of the exit.

The window rolled down, revealing Thea's fake face. "Cecilia, it's so late and hard to get a cab. Why don't we give you a ride home?"

"No need." Cecilia didn't even glance at Miles in the back seat.

"Don't be ungrateful." Jason leaned out from the passenger seat, mocking her. "Without the Sterling family, you can't even afford a brick in Manhattan. Why act so high and mighty?"

Noelle's temper flared instantly. She rushed forward to argue. "You bastard, say that again?"

As the tension escalated, an engine sound interrupted the argument.

Roman drove up in a low-key but luxurious business car, stopping beside Cecilia. He got out politely and bowed to her.

"Ms. Laurent, the boss instructed me to personally drive you and your friend home." Roman turned to look at Miles's group, his smile cold. "As for everyone else, please move aside. Don't block the Knightley family's car."

Miles's expression instantly turned ugly.

He watched Cecilia get into that car symbolizing the Knightley family's power and drive away, the agitation in his chest nearly bursting through.

Inside the car, Cecilia looked at the retreating streetscape outside the window, recalling the dejected look in Felix's eyes when she'd refused him earlier. Her heart wasn't actually as calm as it seemed.

The next afternoon, Cecilia received a call from Professor Hayes.

"Child, there's a teaching position opening at Yale. I've already recommended you."

Owen's tone on the phone was sincere. "I know what you're worried about, but Eloane's condition can't be delayed any longer. Taking a position at the university will also let you interact with her more naturally. Cecilia, don't let your talent rot away in that failed marriage."

Cecilia held the phone, pacing back and forth in her apartment living room.

Looking at the slightly weary woman in the mirror.

She had given up so much for this failed marriage.

The old her had been carefree, radiant, bold. Now her edges were worn smooth. She'd lost her dreams and herself for the marriage, only to be abandoned in the end anyway.

She finally closed her eyes and said in a low voice, "Alright, Professor. I'll give it a try."

The hiring process moved extremely fast.

When Cecilia returned to her Manhattan apartment after finishing her first day of work, she sensed something wrong as soon as she reached her door.

Light leaked through the door crack, and harsh voices came from inside.

Several pairs of shoes were carelessly scattered by the entrance.

"Mom, look at this carpet—reeks of poverty. When Thea moves in, it all has to go." Corinne's shrill voice came from the living room.

Rosalind sat on the sofa, rifling through Cecilia's personal belongings with disgust on her face.

"Only someone of her status would treat this cheap junk like treasure. An abandoned divorcee kicked out of the family—being allowed to live in Manhattan is already the greatest favor the Sterling family could give her."

"Miles is ridiculous too, actually planning to let her live in this apartment? In her dreams!"

Cecilia's hand gripped the doorknob, her eyes instantly turning cold.

These robbers who'd invaded her private space were truly shameless.