The crowd erupted in applause. Voices rose and fell with "Happy Birthday!" Gwen gave a shy smile and a slight bow. "Thank you all for coming to my party." Gwen's father took the microphone, beaming. "Enjoy yourselves, everyone!" As soon as he finished, Gwen ran straight to Bram. "Bram! You made it!" She did a little twirl. "Do I look pretty today?" Bram's ears turned pink. He hadn't expected such a direct question. Even with his sometimes-clueless nature, he could only say, "You look very nice." Gwen's smile widened. She grabbed his arm. "Come on, let me introduce you to my family." "N-no, that's not necessary," Bram stammered. "I probably won't have the chance to meet them again." "Of course you will! Once I get into Prof. Reed's graduate program, you'll be helping me with my research projects! My family is very interested in my studies. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet them." Bram's lips twitched. Confident, aren't we? The exam hasn't even happened, and you're already planning research. He shot Darcy a pleading look. Darcy just shrugged. The message was clear—Just go along with it! "Gwen likes Bram," Hugo's voice said quietly from beside Darcy, a glass of champagne in his hand. He had appeared beside her at some point. Darcy glanced at him, trying to gauge his intention. Bram, like her, came from an ordinary family—his parents were teachers. Gwen was the Sterling family's treasured jewel.The two of them were... incompatible. Just like... her and Zane. "Are you asking me to warn Bram to stay away from Gwen?" Darcy asked. Hugo was taken aback, then smiled wryly. He looked directly into her eyes, his expression serious. "Is that how you see me?" Darcy averted her gaze. Hugo sighed, "I'm not like them." Darcy frowned. Them? Did he mean... Ines and Zane? What did it matter if he was or wasn't? It was none of her concern. But from his tone, he didn't seem opposed to Gwen's interest in Bram. That's a relief. We won't have a cliché scene where the rich brother throws money at the poor guy to leave his sister alone. Still, Darcy felt she should clarify. "Bram might only see her as a schoolmate. Nothing more." "I know," Hugo replied. After all, Bram's real interest is you. He kept that last thought to himself. It was getting late. Darcy really needed to leave. Suddenly, Hugo asked, "Could I ask for a favor?" "What is it?" "Prof. Reed holds a patent—the 'Automated Yield Curve Model.' We've been trying to purchase it, but through contacts, we've learned he doesn't seem interested in selling." Darcy's heart skipped a beat. So Hugo was the one who had been trying to buy her patent. Hugo continued, "I heard from Gwen that you have a good relationship with him. Could you possibly help arrange a meeting? We'd like to speak with him directly.""Why not ask Bram?" Darcy frowned. Hugo gave a bitter smile. "Bram is... quite principled. I've tried approaching him a few times, but he always leaves quickly. I even had Gwen ask, but he refused." According to Gwen, Darcy's relationship with Alistair was even closer than Bram's. If Darcy spoke up, they might actually get to meet the professor in person. Darcy pressed her lips together and shook her head. "Don't waste your energy trying to see Prof. Reed. He won't sell the patent." "How can you be so sure?" Hugo asked, surprised. "The price is negotiable. We're prepared to offer a very competitive sum." Darcy didn't want to reveal she owned the patent. Otherwise, Hugo and Zane would be hounding her constantly. She had to be diplomatic. "Prof. Reed's mind is made up. If he's refused, he won't reconsider. Save yourselves the trouble."Hugo smiled faintly, "I believe that sincere effort can move even the hardest hearts." His meaning was clear—he wasn't giving up. Fine. Let them try. Alistair was busy and wouldn't have time for them anyway. "Ladies and gentlemen, we now move to the dancing portion of the evening! For the opening dance, let's welcome our birthday girl, Miss Gwen Sterling!" Immediate, enthusiastic applause filled the room. Gwen looked at Bram, a shy, hopeful expression on her face. "Bram, would you dance the opening dance with me?" Bram was instantly flustered. He wiped beads of sweat from his temple. The heating in this banquet hall was cranked way too high. His face was completely red. He felt more awkward than when presenting to a room full of senior academics. "I... I don't know how to dance," he stammered. Gwen gave him a sweet, encouraging smile. "That's okay! I don't either! Just put your hand on my waist, move your feet, and that's it!" With that, she decisively took his hand and placed it on her waist, then draped her arm over his shoulder.