Destined Entwining: Capturing My Devoted Beau

Chapter 903: Chapter 444: Secret Dealings or Hidden Romance (Second Update)

Ruby Sheldon’s gaze fell on the circular dais in the middle of the hall. She let out an "oh," feeling that it made sense.

As soon as Aiden Sheldon spoke, Autumn Stetford’s attention returned.

She had been silently listening to Aiden Sheldon and Ruby Sheldon talk.

It wasn’t until Aiden said that the Sheldon Family’s assets had no overlap with Quentin Parker’s that her fingers tightened uncontrollably into fists, the veins standing out on the back of her hand.

Aiden had no idea that Autumn, through the Grant Branch, had secretly bought part of the Quentin Parker properties that Grant had acquired, then transferred them into the Sheldon Family under her own name.

In families like theirs, such asset flows were everyday occurrences, and since it was Autumn’s own property, Aiden couldn’t very well ask too many detailed questions.

Now that Quentin Parker had returned once more, Autumn instantly remembered those "additional conditions."

Perhaps she really did need to invite Quentin Parker out "for a meal."

Autumn steadied herself and smiled at Ruby. "Betty, don’t worry. As long as it’s Betty’s wish, Mom will definitely help you achieve it. Once this competition is over, I’ll go ask your grandfather and see if he can arrange it so we can have a meal with this Mr. Parker."

Ava Harlow and Spring Spencer listened quietly at the side, exchanging a glance, both pairs of eyes full of astonishment and awe.

The Stetford Family and the Sheldon Family were simply too powerful...

...

On the other side, Richard Stetford and Evan Stetford, father and son, flanked Quentin Parker on the left and right as they followed him up onto the circular dais.

The emcee handed the microphone to Evan.

Evan took the microphone and said calmly, "Fellow Daoists, friends, hello everyone. Today is the once-every-four-years Celestial Path Sect World Cup Grand Laurels preliminary."

"This year, I am in charge of hosting and organizing. Building on the previous session, we’ve improved the method by which the judges review and score."

"In the past we only had five judges from within the Celestial Path Sect. Today we’ve added five new judges. They are..."

Evan revealed the identities of these five people as scientists and Nobel Prize laureates.

"Mr. Costa, tenured professor in the physics department of a prestigious university, with considerable achievements in string theory, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate."

"Mr. Charlemagne, tenured professor in the chemistry department of a prestigious university, holder of many patents in materials science, Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate."

"Mr. Nolan, tenured professor in the microelectronics department of a prestigious university, owner of multiple chip patents, Nobel Prize in Physics laureate."

"Mr. Jonathan Stone, tenured professor in the mathematics department of a prestigious university, senior scholar in quantum geometry, dual laureate of the highest prizes in mathematics—the Fields Medal and the Wolf Prize."

"Mr. Marcus Zimmerman, attending neurosurgeon at the nation’s top-ranked hospital, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate."

The entire venue grew even more uproarious; sharp intakes of breath rose one after another, clearly audible.

Kenneth Osborne was even more moved.

His major was computer science, but he had minored in electronic engineering, and he had long heard of the famed Mr. Nolan in the microelectronics industry.

"...They’re all scientists—what are they doing here? And as judges?" Kenneth couldn’t help asking Caitlin Gilbert, "Has the Celestial Path Sect ever invited judges like this before?"

"Of course not!" Caitlin was just as stunned, spreading her hands. "Before, there were only five judges, all from our Grant Branch. I never expected that as soon as Young Master Evan took office, he’d swing such a big axe and overhaul the judging panel. I really don’t know what kind of weirdness this year’s competition is going to produce!"

The shock in Kenneth’s heart was beyond words.

His gaze roamed around the hall, searching for the figure he wanted to see, but no matter what, he couldn’t find her.

Still, considering that the main hall downstairs was full of raised platforms, with countless blind spots in the sightlines and pools of shadow in the lighting, it was entirely possible he simply couldn’t see her for the moment.

After Evan finished introducing the five new judges, he shifted the topic and turned it back to Quentin Parker.

He once again solemnly announced, "In addition to the five new judges, there is also one Supreme Judge, Mr. Quentin Parker!"

"When the opinions of our ten judges are evenly split, the Supreme Judge holds the decisive vote that determines the final outcome."

"Mr. Quentin Parker is an important figure in Chinatown. Back in the day, he negotiated many benefits for Chinatown. Let’s welcome him with a round of applause!"

A wave of enthusiastic applause instantly swept through the grand theater, joined by cheers.

Even the background music switched to a lively welcoming tune.

Once the excitement died down, Evan returned the microphone to the emcee and stepped back.

Olivia Gilbert was already standing by his side, dressed in a formal professional skirt suit. Her classical, refined features suddenly blended with a modern aura, making her presence incredibly alluring.

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