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.

Attending one of the country's most elite universities had long given her a quiet confidence, a sense of being a step ahead.

But today, encountering someone whose accomplishments far outshone her own left her displeased. A part of her believed Brenna had embellished her credentials just a little too much.

Greta said, "Mom, she has only graduated for a few years. Maybe everything from her lecture cstraight from her college textbooks? The National Research Institute already has many top-tier graduates from international universities." Brenna chose not to defend her credentials. Accustomed to skepticism and underestimation, she had faced many rumors that she had advanced her career by currying favor with mentors.

She simply offered a smile, choosing to remain silent.

00% 18.12 < Chapter 208 Socializing Danika was a wise woman. After watching Brenna's lecture, she recognized its excellence. Casting a stern look at her daughter, she said, "That's not true. Brenna is indeed exceptional." She then turned to Brenna with a genuine interest as she said, "Brenna, when might you have sfree 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 Institute." Brenna sensed the sincerity in the invitation-it wasn't just a casual suggestion. She responded with a courteous smile, "I'll consider it." Danika interpreted Brenna's polite "I'll consider it" as a sign of hesitance.

Regardless of Brenna's actual willingness about the matter, Danika took the opportunity to add her on WhatsApp, aiming to keep in touch.

Giselle then moved on to introduce another friend. "This is Mrs. Richardson, who works at the stock exchange. This is her daughter, Lilith, who is studying finance." Naya Richardson was elegantly dressed, her slender wrist adorned with an expensive bracelet, a gold necklace around her neck. Her navy blue dress was clearly from a high-end brand. She exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Giselle, your daughter is truly stunning."

Brenna offered a polite greeting to her. She then noticed Lilith om Richardson's aloofness, she was wearing headphones and focused on her phone, showing no interest in talking to her. Brenna simply offered her a polite smile and moved on. Normally, she would just ignore someone like that. But today, she was being extra polite.

Giselle introduced another friend. "And this is Mrs. Rodriguez, who works in customs."

Brenna observed that Marceline Rodriguez had arrived alone and appeared serious. This prompted Brenna to moderate her approach, only saying, "Hello, Mrs. Rodriguez."

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from the doorway, "Brenna!" Brenna turned to see Ethan, whom she m hadn't seen in several days. He was still dressed in his usual black suit, but his demeanor was unusually upbeat today. He wore a smile and was holding a bag. "Happy Birthday!" he exclaimed, handing Brenna the bag, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Brenna was not surprised by his gesture. She looked inside the bag to find a white handbag, a limited edition that she had only seen in magazines previously.

"Thank you; I love it," she said to Ethan.

Ethan, noticing the diamond tiara on her head, smiled with satisfaction. "You look beautiful." 11