The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Once His Wife, Now His Rival 208

Chapter 208 Socializing

As the evening sun set around six, guests started to arrive in succession. Besides the many colleagues from Brenna's two studios, the gathering was small-just Ableson's family and three of Giselle's close friends, who brought their children along.

The three of Giselle's friends were all accomplished women holding prominent positions, which Brenna noticed immediately.

"This is Mrs. Padilla, an engineer at the National Research Institute. Her daughter, Greta, is attending a prestigious university," Giselle said with a warm smile as she introduced them to Brenna.

Brenna found herself liking Giselle's friend. Danika Padilla was no ordinary guest; her attire was classy, and she wore elegant glasses, giving Brenna a measured smile that hinted at her friendly nature.

"Hello, Mrs. Padilla, Miss Padilla. Nice to meet you both," Brenna said with a welcoming smile. Giselle was pleasantly surprised by her daughter's warm reception, as Brenna usually maintained a reserved demeanor.

Greta Padilla, close in age to Brenna, dressed modestly and avoided fashionable trends. When she saw how stunning Brenna looked, her expression soured a little.

Danika, experienced from her tenure at the National Research Institute, had encountered many talented individuals. She regarded Brenna with respect. "I saw your recent lecture for the Harper Group online; you were impressive, particularly in your discussion on intelligent driving and futuristic flying cars. Our institute even organized a seminar on those topics after your lecture. The director is so impressed by you that he is considering inviting you to speak at the National Research Institute."

Brenna was taken aback by the compliment, feeling flattered. The National Research Institute's experts were esteemed in the academic world; she believed she wasn't worthy of giving a lecture to them.

Greta couldn't help but feel a flicker of discomfort as she took in Brenna's accomplishments. She had always stood out among her peers, nearly completing her master's degree at just twenty-one, while many of her age were still working through their undergraduate programs.

elite universities had long given her a quiet confidence, a

far outshone her own left her displeased. A part of her

has only graduated for a few years. Maybe everything from her lecture came

universities."

to defend her credentials. Accustomed to skepticism and underestimation, she had faced many rumors that she had advanced her career by

a smile, choosing to

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Chapter 208 Socializing

After watching Brenna's lecture, she recognized its excellence. Casting a stern look at

a genuine interest as she said, "Brenna, when might you have some free time? How about next Monday? Our director is keen to meet someone of your caliber and would be thrilled to have you give a lecture at the National Research

sincerity in the invitation-it wasn't just a casual suggestion.

interpreted Brenna's polite "I'll consider it" as a

matter, Danika took the

introduce another friend. "This is Mrs. Richardson, who works

around her neck. Her navy blue dress was clearly from a high-end