"That''s enough now," Dan Zimmer called out just then, stopping the exchange..


    At the same time, the chief of Flora Hall shot the ashen-faced Bill a vicious re. "Let''s save the catching up forter. We should continue the ceremony for now."


    With that, the rowdy hall quieted down, and everyone watched as Frank walked onstage and sat down beside the other bigwigs.


    "Hehe." He chuckled and winked at Winter.


    On the verge of tears earlier, she was hiding a smile under her palm-her dear brother never lied, and the bigwigs were here at his invitation!


    She earnestly felt blissful to see the surprise that Frank prepared for her!


    On the other hand, Bill was murmuring to himself, "H-How is this possible? How..."


    He was deathly pale even as he copsed limply on his chair, staring nkly at Frank as he chatted with the other bigwigs around him.


    Around him, the convocation ceremony remained lively-Winter was especially brimming with confidence as she went on stage to give her speech.


    Through it all, her eyes were glued to Frank as if to report all her aplishments, and Frank was nodding in satisfaction.


    He was relieved-not only did Winter always behave, but she also excelled in her studies and showed great talent for medicine.


    Frank made up his mind, and was determined to groom her along with Kat Yego, who was innately gifted in martial arts.


    Even as he vowed to realize both girls'' potential, the ceremony moved on, with the bigwigs now presenting the graduates with their certificates.


    "Hehe." Gerald smiled as he shook the hand of one of the students. "Congrattions on your graduation. As an alumnus of Riverton University, I''m sure you will be a pir of Draconia''s medicine field."


    It was a line for formalites, but it was a lifetime honor for the students.


    Each of them were encouraged zealously and vowed right then to do their best in service of the country.


    When it was Bill''s turn, however, he found Frank standing between him and Dan Zimmer, grinning ear to ear. "So, Mr. Jackson... I heard you said something about your father inviting the VIPS here?"


    Bill flinched but promptly forced an awkward smile on his pale face. "Of course not, Professor Lawrence. It doesn''t sound like me, for I''d never have the influence to invite so many VIPS. I''m sorry, I was blind and ignorant. Forgive me!"


    Hearing his please, Frank had no intention to get petty with a mere student and waved him off. "Well, since you''ve confessed, I won''t press the issue." This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    "Thank you... Thank you, Professor Lawrence!"


    Bill was bowing so low and humbly he could well kneel.


    Seeing that, the other students were chuckling in contempt.


    "He really knew how to put on a show, saying that his father knew Gene Pearce and invited the VIPs..."


    "Oh, just drop it. He only overreached."


    "I mean, did you see how confident he was, puffing his chest and making himself out for someone important?" "Well, he''s basically kneeling to Professor Lawrence now."


    "I heard he''s chasing after Professor Lawrence''s sister too... The sheer audacity!"


    "I''d be hiding in a hole somewhere if I were him, instead of being an eyesore." "Shush. He''s Dan Zimmer''s student. It''s really harsh to speak too much here."