The Scent of 40

Chapter 40

Then, Jacob asked, “What about the coffee…”

“Take it away. Just pour me a glass of water.”

“Noted.”

At noon, Matthias attended a social event while Celeste ate alone in the cafeteria. Her colleagues were polite but distant, but Celeste didn’t mind.

After lunch, she resumed work. At around 5:00 pm, she approached Yandel and asked, “Can you take a look? I’m almost done.”

“What?” Yandel was taken aback. At first, he stared at the content sent, feeling perplexed. However, as he continued reading, his eyes widened in disbelief.

“You… You’re all done?” This was more than ten days of work for Quentin. He couldn’t believe she had figured it all out and completed it in less than a day.

Celeste replied, “Yeah.”

Yandel was left amazed and utterly speechless. He realized that Celeste not only did the work excellently but also offered him new concepts for his remaining tasks that he hadn’t considered before.

Upon hearing this, one by one, the other colleagues gathered around. After they grasped the full story, they were equally astounded.

After Yandel regained his composure, he stared at Celeste in disbelief. you pursuing a PhD?“.

Celeste paused and replied honestly, “I didn’t apply for a PhD.”

It was utterly inconceivable that a group of PhD candidates and postgraduates from esteemed universities found themselves outmatched and defeated by an undergraduate student.

“Why didn’t you pursue a PhD? Are you having financial difficulties?”

However, Celeste certainly didn’t appear to be someone who couldn’t afford further education. Moreover, her outstanding professional skills proved that tuition fees should be the least of her concerns.

Celeste cast her gaze downward and replied, “No, it’s simply due to some personal matters.”

She smiled and added, “If I have the chance in the future, I will think about furthering my studies.”

After engaging in conversation with several colleagues and assisting a few with their work challenges, Celeste left the office just before 7:00 pm.

As she stepped out of the office, she spotted Matthias waiting at the door. “You’ve managed to dispel everyone’s biases on your very first day, and you’ve earned their respect. I can’t say I’m surprised.”

Celeste chuckled, “Dinner on me?”

Matthias asked, “Isn’t that why I’m here?”

Celeste smiled as she left the office alongside him. 20 minutes later, they arrived at the restaurant. As Celeste ascended the stairs, a child ran over.

To evade the child, she stumbled backward. Just as she was about to lose her balance, Matthias immediately

reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, securing her and helping her regain her footing.

Celeste exhaled in relief and was about to thank him when she spotted Trevor and Miles nearby. They noticed her as well. Trevor stopped, while Miles appeared curious.

She averted her gaze and gently pushed Matthias away. Matthias didn’t spot Trevor and Miles and simply asked worriedly, “Did you sprain your ankle?”

Celeste shook her head. “No.”

“That’s good. Let’s go.”

“Sure.” Celeste ignored Trevor and Miles, heading upstairs with Matthias.

Miles was surprised by Celeste’s reaction. “That was your wife, wasn’t it?”

Trevor remained silent.

“She acts like she doesn’t notice how we feel, and she still chooses to be close to Matthias. Could this be her new tactic to capture your interest?”

Before Trevor had a chance to speak, he chuckled. “She must be overthinking.”

Trevor simply replied, “Let’s go.”