chapter41 Claudine , who could have remained Mrs. Barrette , was now working as a maid for a professor ? No matter how Audrey thought about it , it just didn't seem possible . Adriana explained . " Don't listen to his nonsense . That's my former student , Claudine . Don't be fooled by her youth ; her academic research is no less impressive than yours . " I won't sugarcoat it - this year's PhD spot , you won't be able to compete with her . " Adriana had always been straightforward , never one for beating around the bush . She did appreciate Audrey , but compared to Claudine's talent , there was still a significant gap . Upon hearing this , Audrey didn't seem discouraged at all ; instead , she still smiled sweetly . " Then Ms. Hogan must be truly outstanding in her academic research . I should learn from her . " Adriana hadn't expected this young woman to be so magnanimous , and her gaze grew even more appreciative . " Claudine is the most talented person I've ever met . Even if you can't study under me , if you have the chance to be around Claudine , you will benefit greatly . " Raymon , standing by , urged them on . " Let's go eat . If the coconut chicken is overcooked , it won't taste good . " Audrey , being perceptive , noticed that they had no intention of asking her to stay , so she spoke up . " Prof. Nixon , I know you already have a suitable candidate in mind for your PhD student , but getting into your pro- gram is my greatest wish . May I give it a try ? " Adriana replied , " Of course ! I recruit students from all backgrounds . As long as you have the ability , feel free to ap- ply ! " Audrey said , " Thank you , Prof. Nixon . Then I won't disturb you any longer . Goodbye ! " She smiled and bid farewell to everyone , but as she turned to leave , the smile on her face had completely vanished . At that moment , only the strap of her bag knew how much she was holding back ! She truly hadn't expected Claudine to be Adriana's prized student . Judging by Adriana's tone , this PhD spot was clearly reserved for Claudine . 0.0 % 08:55 chapter41 1 † 288 Wouchers She had seen Claudine host auctions and knew she was indeed capable . But artifact restoration and auctioneering were two completely different things ! She simply couldn't believe that Claudine was as brilliant as Adriana claimed . If she were truly that talented , how could she have been willing to stay with the Barrette family for five years ! Besides , didn't Prof. Palmer just call her a " little housekeeper " ? It was probably just that she was good at serving people and winning them over . But in academic research , being good at serving people was hardly enough ! Audrey was confident she could surpass Claudine professionally . However , she still needed to let Damian know about this . His wife , just to get into a PhD program , was actually willing to work as a housekeeper for a professor . If Damian knew about her lowering herself like this , he would never agree ! Audrey went straight to Damian's company . " Dami , I'm at your company now . " She sent a voice message on her phone . Not long after , the receptionist's phone rang . " Alright , Ms. Powell ! " The receptionist put down the phone and walked over to Audrey . " Ms. Lavigne , the president is not in the office right now . Please take the president's private elevator and wait for him in his office . " " Thank you ! " Audrey spoke politely, but her demeanor already made it clear she saw herself as the president's wife of the Barrette Group . She walked ahead , waiting for the receptionist to press the elevator button for her . Claudine had thought her mother would be waiting at the airport , but on the way she received a call from Lindsay , saying her mother was now downstairs at the Barrette Group . She immediately turned her car around and headed to the Barrette Group . As soon as she entered the lobby , she saw that familiar figure . Damian's matchmaking candidate . 41.9 % 08:55 chapter41 At the front desk , the receptionist was respectfully escorting her into the CEO's private elevator … 1288 Vouchers Damian left his mother at the front desk , lied that he wasn't in the company , and in the blink of an eye , invited his new lover into his office ! He wasn't even pretending anymore ! Claudine knew in her heart that this marriage would probably end soon . At that moment , Audrey had already stepped into the elevator and was about to turn around . Claudine was also a bit curious about what kind of stunning beauty this woman was to make Damian so infatuated . " Claudy , Mom is here ! " A familiar hometown accent caught Claudine's attention - it was her mother , who had spotted her and was waving . " Mom ! " Claudine replied with a smile . She turned , wanting to take another look at the woman in the elevator , but the doors had already closed . Bridgette Dunlap walked up to Claudine and waved her hand in front of her daughter's eyes . 80.4 % 08:55