Chapter 130

"Absolutely! Didn't you notice Dean Whitmore himself came to welcome her?"

All eyes turned to Penelope with a mixture of awe and jealousy.

Penelope had arrived with Alistair, chin lifted at a haughty angle that gave her the appearance of a preening swan. The sheer confidence emanating from her made her seem untouchable, her presence commanding the space around her.

As Penelope and Alistair paused, her gaze first landed on Harrison. She gave her a dismissive once-over before shifting her attention to Nathaniel.

"Mr. Falcon, Harrison dropped out at sixteen. Rumor has it she sleeps through Dean Whitmore's lectures. What exactly qualifies her for Willowridge University?"

Arabella seized the moment, nodding vigorously. "Exactly!"

Nathaniel's expression remained unreadable as always. He glanced at Harrison before responding, "She'll apply herself here."

Arabella opened her mouth again. She'd heard Harrison only got into Willowridge because Nathaniel personally intervened with Alistair. He'd never made such a request for anyone else - Harrison was the sole exception. The thought burned in her chest.

But before she could speak, Alistair cut in, his tone firm. "That's enough. I trust Harrison will take her studies seriously from now on."

Alistair clearly had to step in for his nephew. At his words, Arabella fell silent.

Alistair's demeanor shifted as he announced excitedly, "I have important news - Dr. Sinclair is coming!"

Dr. Sinclair was coming?

A subtle change flickered across Nathaniel's face. He and the renowned doctor had missed each other twice already. Now the legendary physician was coming to Willowridge?

Arabella, who idolized Dr. Sinclair, leaned forward eagerly. "Dean Whitmore, is this true?"

Penelope smiled knowingly. "Of course. Dr. Sinclair is giving a lecture at Willowridge. We'll finally meet the doctor in person."

Dr. Sinclair had always been an enigma, disappearing for three years. Few had ever seen the medical prodigy face-to-face.

Arabella grew even more excited. "Dean Whitmore, are you Dr. Sinclair's apprentice?"

Alistair seemed lost in memory as he began recounting, "Years ago, a rare plague struck Santorina. The WHO sent me to develop a vaccine. There was one medical equation I couldn't solve no matter how I tried. One day, frustrated, I went for a walk. When I returned, the equation was solved - by Dr. Sinclair."

He paused, smiling. "I didn't even know Dr. Sinclair was there at the time. When I went looking, they'd already left. But I got their contact from the staff."

"I messaged them and was fortunate enough to become their apprentice."

The group listened, captivated.

Suddenly, Arabella turned to Penelope. "If Dean Whitmore is Dr. Sinclair's apprentice, and you're his apprentice, what's your connection to Dr. Sinclair?"

Penelope opened her mouth, but a melodic voice interrupted. "She's Dr. Sinclair's grand-apprentice."

Penelope froze. She looked up at Harrison, who had spoken unexpectedly.

Harrison stood composed, her bright eyes sparkling with amusement as she added, "When Dr. Sinclair arrives, you should greet them properly."

Penelope was speechless.

Sensing the tension, Alistair cleared his throat. He turned to Harrison. "Harrison, what happened with Julian wasn't your fault. I'll handle it."

Harrison met his gaze steadily and nodded. "I trust you, Alistair. I know you'll take care of it."