Chapter 10 288 Vouchers She was stunned , her nose twitching . Within five years , Adriana had aged so much … " Prof. Nixon … " Adriana snorted , " What are you doing here ? " " Prof. Nixon , I'm here to see you . I … " " Have you forgotten what I said ? You chose that man over everything . I don't want to see you ever again! Don't call me Prof. Nixon ! You disgrace me ! Go away ! " With that , Adriana pushed Claudine out . With a loud bang , she slammed the door in Claudine's face . " Prof. Nixon , I know I failed you . Please … Just give me another chance . I'll take the exams again and reapply for your Ph.D. program . I mean it . Please believe in me ! " Adriana opened the door again . She looked at Claudine , her star student . The past radiance in Claudine's eyes had vanished, replaced by glistening tears , indicating how regretful she was . Adriana's students had told her about last night's auction . She was certain Claudine would come and see her . Claudine was the most talented student she had ever taught . Back then , she had tried her best to persuade Claudine to make the right choice , but to no avail . Seeing the bitter smile on Claudine's face , she could tell that things didn't turn out the way Claudine had wanted . " After a few years , you surely can talk big now . What makes you think you can reenter my Ph.D. program so easily ? " Adriana kept a straight face , and her tone was harsh . Yet , looking at her , Claudine burst into tears of joy . She knew she had earned Adriana's forgiveness . " Prof. Nixon , thank you … Thank you for forgiving me … " she said in a sobbing voice . Adriana clicked her tongue , deliberately looking disdainful . 0.0 % 03:50 Chapter 10 288 ¡ Vouchers " I didn't say that . Let me be clear - this is my last year taking Ph.D. students . You know there's only one spot . If you really want it , prove you have what it takes . " Claudine wasn't frustrated at all . Instead , she said with a confident smile , " I will , Prof. Nixon . Believe me . " While remaining unemployed after marriage , she had been sharpening her skills in cultural relic authentication and conservation . Five years ago , she had thrown away her future for a man . She'd never make that mistake again . In the CEO's office of the Barrette Group . Damian was dealing with work when Lindsay knocked on the door . " Mr. Barrette , this is the statue from last night . And here's a document requiring your signature . " She put them on his desk . He opened the box and said , " Alright . You may leave . " Then he took a photo of the statue and said to the phone gently , " I've got it . I'll bring it to you next time I'm in Nova- helm . " Noticing Lindsay hadn't left , he frowned . " Anything else ? " Lindsay shook her head . She glanced at his phone , a trace of sadness flickering in her eyes . " No. Mr. Barrette , I'm heading out . " He nodded , not saying anything . Just as he picked up the document envelope beside him and opened it , his phone on the desk buzzed . He immediately put the envelope aside . It was a message . " Thank you , Dami . I've got treat news ! I'm going home . " Remember the doctoral advisor I told you about before ? She's just announced she's accepting one Ph.D. student this year . I wanna go for it . " If it all goes well , I'll stay in the country from now on . Then I'll get to see Darla often . " Damian soon texted back , saying he'd go pick her up with Darlene the day of her return . Then he made a call to arrange for a riverview apartment for her to stay . 43.4 % 03:50 Chapter 10 288 ¡ Vouchers He had forgotten all about the opened envelope . Later , when Lindsay came in to tidy up , she spotted it and put it in the file box , assuming Damian had already re- viewed the document inside . After returning from Adriana's apartment , Claudine received a call from Damian's mother , Brandie Sullivan . " Brandie , what's up ? " " You've got some nerve asking me this ! " 03:50