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chapter196 

chapter196 

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She gave up her dearest love for her ideals. 

She came this far with nothing in her hands-do you have any idea how hard it was for her? 

And now you claim she wants to go back to that man! You even slander her in front of me! 

Claudine, when will you finally let go of your obsession with romance?” 

Adriana’s heartbreak was something Claudine had never expected. 

She looked at Adriana and saw, in Adriana’s eyes, the disappointment directed at her. 

At that moment, Claudine was overwhelmed with pain. 

She never imagined that the first person to doubt her, to believe she had hurt Audrey as the internet claimed, would be her mentor, Adriana! 

After saying those words, Adriana saw the redness in Claudine’s eyes and felt a twinge of pity. 

Claudine had once been her proudest student, the most talented of all! 

Even her own daughter Audrey could not compare to Claudine. 

That was precisely why she felt so much disappointment. 

She had thought that Claudine’s decision to pursue a doctorate meant she truly wanted to start her life anew. 

When she learned that Mitchell was willing to accept Claudine, she had genuinely felt happy for the child. 

But she never expected that Claudine would still be the same as before, causing such a scandal out of jealousy over a 

man! 

In this light, her daughter Audrey, though not as professionally capable as Claudine, was far more passionate about her career! 

Thinking of this, Adriana spoke again. 

“Claudine, I hope you can learn more from Audrey! 

Focus your mind on your field of study! 

You are now Prof. Hutchinson’s doctoral student-do you know how many people envy you? 

You should cherish this platform and achieve something meaningful. 

Not stir up trouble in front of me because of a man! 

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If you remain stubborn, then from now on, do not call yourself my student!” 

Adriana’s words made Claudine feel as if she had fallen into an icy abyss. 

She stood frozen, clutching her bleeding heart, watching Adriana walk away. 

Claudine thought about everything Adriana had said. 

She couldn’t understand why Adriana saw her this way. 

Her achievements in her field were visible even to her seniors, so why did Adriana think she was neglecting her stud- 

ies? 

In Adriana’s heart, Audrey was apparently perfect. 

She couldn’t comprehend it. 

Abandoning a beloved husband and newborn child, divorcing to pursue education-when did that become a role mod- 

el? 

If academics were so important, why get married and have children in the first place? 

Audrey had achieved little in Brythonia over five years, and after returning home, she relied on Damian for every- thing-how could she be considered to have come this far with nothing? 

When did Adriana become so biased toward Audrey? 

Looking at Adriana speaking kindly to Audrey in the distance, Claudine suddenly felt that their features were strik- ingly similar. 

If she didn’t know that Adriana had never married, Claudine would have suspected that Audrey was Adriana’s daugh- 

ter. 

When this thought flashed through Claudine’s mind, she was startled. 

She looked again at the two people not far away. 

Once a seed of doubt is planted in the heart, one begins to notice many details previously overlooked. 

And those details all become evidence to confirm the suspicions within. 

Claudine dared not think further. 

She didn’t really believe Audrey was Adriana’s daughter, only that perhaps they were related. 

But if a doctoral advisor and student were related, it would be strictly forbidden in universities both at home and abroad. 

If her suspicion was true and others found out one day, Adriana’s academic reputation would be ruined. 

Thinking of this, Claudine made up her mind-she had to make Adriana see Audrey’s true nature and keep Adriana away from Audrey! 

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The exhibition hall was filling up, and many antique enthusiasts began to notice Claudine. 

But they knew nothing of the situation, nor of Claudine’s professional abilities. 

They preferred to believe what was said online and started pointing fingers at Claudine. 

Some even took out their phones to secretly record her. 

Audrey noticed this. 

She watched from afar, a plan forming in her mind. 

Rather than living in fear, worried that Claudine might lose control and say something she shouldn’t— 

It would be better to push Claudine, to make her lose her composure in front of so many people! 

So that no matter how she tried to explain, it would be impossible to clear her name! 

Audrey greeted those around her and walked toward Claudine. 

Claudine looked at Audrey, and in the moment their eyes met, everything else seemed to fade away. 

From Audrey’s expression, Claudine could more or less guess what Audrey intended to do. 

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She glanced around-many people were already pointing and whispering about her, and from their looks, it was clear the words were harsh. 

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