Tempting Him to Lose Control

Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Proud of His Wife

In the lecture hall, Simon Quinn’s presentation on intangible cultural heritage was concluding, and a smattering of applause followed.

Claire Kendall had been completely absorbed, and as it ended, she felt it hadn’t been long enough. The lecture was well worth her time.

"It’s been a great honor to be here at Quillmore University today, speaking to the students of the design department."

"I was also pleasantly surprised to see one of my former students in the audience—someone I taught during my time in Aethel."

"Claire, it feels like just yesterday, but it’s been five years since you graduated. You’re a veteran in your own right now. Why don’t you share some of your work experience with the students?"

Simon Quinn gazed at his protégée in the audience, his eyes full of warmth.

Suddenly put on the spot, Claire Kendall knew she couldn’t let the moment fall flat. She braced herself and walked onstage to take the microphone.

"Hello, everyone. I’m Claire Kendall. I wouldn’t call myself a veteran—just an independent designer who’s been in the game a little longer."

The students below chuckled, and she instantly had their full attention.

"I currently run a brand in Aethel called Moonstone, which specializes in custom cheongsams featuring traditional embroidery. If anyone is interested in this field, I’d be happy to chat."

The words had barely left her mouth when a young man in the back row stood up, his tone laced with disdain.

"Professor Quinn, Claire, I do have a question. I’ve been holding it in this entire time."

"To be blunt, this so-called intangible cultural heritage is just a bunch of old relics. Its aesthetic is out of touch with the times, and there’s no real market for it."

"A lot of students here are just like me—we only came to this lecture for course credit. Intangible heritage, embroidery... all of it is destined to become obsolete. That’s just how times change."

His attitude was exceptionally arrogant.

"Are the two of you clinging to these traditional works to build up your prestige simply because you can’t create any decent modern designs?"

All eyes turned to the student, and quite a few others nodded in agreement.

Onstage, Professor Quinn’s expression remained neutral as he struggled to maintain his composure, but the spark in his eyes had vanished. Just as he was about to speak and defuse the situation, Claire Kendall stepped forward.

"Allow me to answer that."

"You’re right, intangible heritage belongs to the past. But its beauty is timeless. You think it’s irrelevant because it hasn’t been presented to the public in a way that resonates with them. And that is precisely the work I am doing."

The hall fell silent for a few seconds.

Claire Kendall paused. "As for your second question—whether I’m clinging to traditional arts because I can’t create successful modern designs..."

She casually pointed to a row of iconic designs displayed on the lecture hall wall.

"The one hanging highest up—the Nova series—I designed that."

Claire Kendall smiled. "I believe it’s still quite popular."

The lecture hall fell utterly silent. Every gaze was fixed on Claire Kendall. A moment later, a thunderous wave of applause and cheers erupted.

"Nova! The modern collection that’s remained unsurpassed for all these years!"

"Nati? You’re Nati from OCHH?!"

"You’re a legend! Can I get your autograph?"

Outside the lecture hall, Miles Warren’s gaze never left Claire Kendall.

He watched her walk onstage with such composure, facing the challenge without a hint of fear. Standing there, she was absolutely radiant.

Miles Warren’s lips curved slightly, his voice filled with unconcealed pride as he spoke to the university administrators waiting behind him.

"That’s her."

"The distinguished graduate of Aethel University’s design department, the lead designer of the Nova series, the founder of the Moonstone brand... and my wife, Claire Kendall."

The administrators exchanged glances. They had known Miles Warren for a long time, and it was rare to hear him speak so many words at once.

The university president’s face was a mask of adulation as he chimed in, "Professor Warren, your wife is truly as talented as she is beautiful—a remarkable woman."

"The two of you are a perfect match."

Miles Warren nodded, his gaze never once leaving Claire Kendall. "That laboratory funding you applied for from the Warren Group? Go sign the papers for it tomorrow."

"Ah..." The president froze for a moment, then instantly caught on. "Thank you, Mr. Warren! Oh, no—thank you, Mrs. Warren!"

The lecture ended, and the students began to disperse.

Simon Quinn looked at Claire Kendall, his eyes welling up slightly. He nodded again and again, gratified and overcome with emotion.

"Claire, that was wonderfully said. I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you. I’m certain you will bring great prominence to the art of embroidery."

Simon Quinn glanced around, his tone filled with an elder’s concern. "Didn’t Jacob Sinclair come with you? You two were the golden couple back in university, completely inseparable!"

Miles Warren was standing just to the side of the entrance and heard every word. His lips pressed into a thin line, and the joy he’d felt moments before instantly vanished.

His hand, hanging at his side, clenched. He was waiting for Claire Kendall’s answer.

"Professor, Jacob Sinclair and I broke up. I’m married now."

Simon Quinn was taken aback. "It’s his loss, then. He didn’t know a good thing when he had it. But that’s for the best. Marriage is about finding the right person. What’s your husband like?"

A slight smile touched Claire Kendall’s lips. "He’s a doctor. He’s a wonderful person, and he treats me very well."

Professor Quinn couldn’t help but sound a little regretful. "A doctor is a fine profession, but they’re always so busy. And he won’t understand design... He won’t be able to walk the same professional path as you..."

Just as Claire Kendall was about to respond, the doors to the lecture hall swung open.

Miles Warren strode in.

Seeing him, Claire Kendall jogged over to greet him. "Dr. Warren, what a coincidence! We just finished up."

Miles Warren simply hummed in agreement, not mentioning he’d been waiting outside the entire time.

Claire Kendall linked her arm through his and made the introduction. "Professor, this is my husband, Miles Warren."

"Professor Quinn, it’s a pleasure," Miles Warren said, extending a hand.

Professor Quinn returned the handshake, studying the man before him. A flicker of suspicion crossed his face—with his commanding presence, it was clear at a glance that this was no ordinary man.

’But why does he look so familiar?’

For a moment, Professor Quinn couldn’t place him. "The world of traditional design can be quite tedious for an outsider. It’s very thoughtful of you to accompany Claire, Mr. Warren."

"Not at all," Miles Warren replied calmly. "I’ve read several of your works on traditional design, especially your reclassification of embroidery stitch techniques. I found it novel and quite profound."

Those few words made Professor Quinn’s eyes light up.

"M-Mr. Warren, you’ve read that book?" he stammered. "That is the work I’m proudest of in my entire life, yet it’s also my least recognized."

"It will get the recognition it deserves," Miles Warren said, wrapping an arm around Claire Kendall’s waist. "Professor Quinn, we must be going now."

"Wait!" Professor Quinn called out, looking chagrined. "Claire, I take back what I said earlier. Mr. Warren will be a true partner on your professional journey."

Claire Kendall blinked. "Professor, let’s get together again when you’re back in Aethel."

"Of course," Professor Quinn said with a smiling nod. As he watched the couple’s retreating figures, he suddenly remembered where he had seen the man before.

Aethel University. In his design class.

A top student from the medical school used to always sit in on his lectures.

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