The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 548

Julianna refuses to let her mentor be embarrassed in public. She offers a perfectly measured, diplomatic smile. "Miss Dennis, I heard you haven't undergone formal academic training or studied under a recognized mentor yet. It's completely understandable that you'd be hesitant to engage in a public discussion. Let's just drop the subject. Why don't we all grab a drink and enjoy the evening?"

It is rare for Julianna to intervene so directly, but the situation demands it. By subtly framing Tara as an uneducated amateur, she restores Howard's superiority and provides him with a graceful exit. Her suggestion to disperse the crowd is the perfect defusal tactic.

Her strategy works flawlessly. Howard's rigid posture relaxes. He mentally praises Julianna for being an exceptional student who understands the delicate art of social maneuvering. The crowd's attention shifts, easily buying into the narrative that Tara is just an arrogant novice overcompensating for her lack of a real teacher.

As the guests prepare to scatter, a booming voice echoes across the elegant hall.

"Who said Tara doesn't have a good mentor? Do you all think I'm dead?"

The voice is loud, commanding, and laced with unmistakable authority. Everyone turns to see a man in his seventies, dressed in a sharp suit, striding forward with surprising agility.

"Who said she hasn't systematically studied pharmaceutical research?" the man demands, his sharp eyes sweeping over the frozen crowd. "Who claims she has no mentor?"

The crowd is reeling. Tonight, three academicians have gathered in one room, and two of them are absolute heavyweights. These aren't standard university professors; these are the masterminds of their generation. And yet, this legendary figure is treating the supposedly uneducated Tara Dennis with deep, paternal affection.

"Mr. Yates," a bold guest finally stammers, unable to contain their curiosity. "Excuse the interruption, but is Miss Dennis your student?"

"Oh, no, not quite," Victor answers truthfully.