Chapter 315
The Global Scholars Forum commenced with thunderous applause filling the grand hall.
The host beamed at the audience. "Today's most anticipated moment has arrived - the debut of Mr. Nathaniel and our brilliant freshman. I can see everyone's eager to meet this extraordinary young woman!"
All heads turned toward Nathaniel and the vacant seat beside him. An excited voice called out from the crowd, "We've waited long enough! Bring out the prodigy!"
With an amused chuckle, the host announced, "Without further ado, please welcome our opening speaker for the Global Scholars Forum!"
The moment had come for the genius freshman's grand entrance.
The buzzing auditorium fell into complete silence, every breath held in anticipation.
Arabella and her classmates practically vibrated with excitement. "She's coming! This is really happening!"
Margaret, Penelope and Victoria had been searching for Harrison since arrival, but she remained elusive.
Giving up their fruitless search, they focused on the stage. Their primary purpose for attending was about to be revealed - uncovering the identity of this mysterious academic phenomenon.
Isabella, however, seethed with barely concealed jealousy. She couldn't wait to see what this so-called genius looked like - probably some socially awkward bookworm!
Sebastian clutched his bouquet of red roses, his palms damp with nervous sweat.
He mentally berated himself - since when did the notorious playboy of Willowbrook get this worked up over a girl's appearance?
"Nathaniel, I'm finally going to meet my dream woman!" he whispered, voice uncharacteristically shaky.
Nathaniel lifted his gaze toward the podium. A slender figure stepped into view.
She wore a crisp white blouse paired with a tailored black skirt that accentuated her graceful silhouette. The minimalist outfit highlighted her natural elegance. Her dark hair was swept into a high ponytail, her only accessories being quiet confidence and poise.
As she moved from shadows into spotlight, her composed demeanor commanded attention.
Reaching the microphone, her bright eyes surveyed the audience. A gentle smile curved her lips as she introduced herself.
"Good afternoon everyone. I'm Harrison Whitmore."
Harrison. She said Harrison.
Her melodic voice resonated through the sound system, clear as crystal. Nathaniel, who had been lounging indolently in his seat, suddenly straightened. His intense gaze locked onto Harrison, unable to look away.
Shock rippled through him.
It was her... It was actually her!
Harrison was the genius freshman!
Margaret and Penelope sat frozen in their seats.
"Harrison?" they gasped simultaneously.
"Oh my God! Arabella, look! It's Harrison!"
The surrounding students grabbed Arabella's attention. When Arabella saw Harrison on stage, her face drained of color. She couldn't form words.
How could this be Harrison? Wasn't she supposed to be the class sleeper?
The most stunned reactions came from Isabella and Victoria. When Harrison appeared, they both shot to their feet, disbelief twisting their features.
"This can't be Harrison!" Victoria muttered, struggling to comprehend. "No, it's impossible! She left school at sixteen..."
Murmurs of admiration rippled through the crowd.
"Finally! The genius freshman is here! I heard she skipped grades just like Mr. Nathaniel, earning dual master's degrees from Westfield by sixteen before taking a break from formal education."
Isabella inhaled sharply. That was correct - Harrison had stopped attending school at sixteen.
But there was a world of difference between "dropped out" and "stopped attending after completing degrees."
It turned out Harrison, like Nathaniel, had earned dual master's degrees by sixteen.