Chapter 407
“Online tutoring,” Harvey explained as they moved to the music. “Think about it. Parents are desperately hunting for tutors. It’s expensive, inconvenient, and the commute alone wastes time and money, not to mention parents have to chaperone. If top-tier educators taught online, kids could learn from home. It’d be far cheaper than in-person centers. Parents would line up to pay for it. And for the teachers, it’s a lucrative way to monetize their weekends p>
“It’s a solid concept,” Mira acknowledged. “But right now, the average household― especially outside major cities-doesn’t own a computer. The lack of hardware is a massive bottleneck for market penetration p>
“Later this year, iOS and Android smartphones are set to launch in our market,” Harvey countered. “Phones are about to become highly intelligent and universally accessible. Soon, everyone will have one. When that happens, kids can take classes straight from a phone or a tablet. I genuinely wanted to launch this myself, but my plate is too full p>
“Let’s revisit this after the college entrance exams. With the academic pressure right now, if I lose focus, I might blow my chances of getting into the same university as you p>
“Why are you so obsessed with going to the same university as me?” Mira asked, raising a brow.
“I want to follow your lead. Honestly, in my entire life, I’ve never respected anyone— not even my own parents-as much as I respect you p>
“Do whatever you want,” Mira replied, genuinely surprised by the depth of his admiration.
As the song ended, they stepped off the dance floor and headed back toward their table. Suddenly, Roxanne intercepted them.
“Beautiful dancing, Harvey,” Roxanne smiled warmly. She gestured toward a pretty girl in a lavender gown standing nearby. “This is my cousin, Piper Bennett. She was hoping for a dance. Would you do me the honor of accompanying her p>
Roxanne had no intention of letting Mira solidify a bond with Harvey Rivers. If Mira secured the backing of the Rivers family, she would become an absolute nightmare to deal with.
Piper, who looked to be in her early twenties, offered a polite nod. She extended her hand, her lips curving into a delicate smile. “I’m Piper. It’s a pleasure to meet you p>
But Harvey wasn’t interested in
playing social games. “My apologies. I’m exhausted, and I’m done dancing for the night. He wasnt some desperate playboy eager to entertain every woman thrown his way.
“Excuse me?” Roxanne blinked, stunned by the blunt rejection. Every single guest tonight had treated her with total reverence. How dare he embarrass her?
Defeated, she offered a tight smile and retreated. Catching the eye of a familiar
maid, she murmured a few quiet instructions before returning to her seat beside Grandma Evelyn.
Moments later, that same maid approached Mara with a tray of drinks.
“Would you care for a beverage, Miss Mercer p>
Mara glanced at the selection. “I don’t like any of these. I’ll just grab something myself in a minute p>
“As you wish, Miss Mercer. But please be careful near the beverage tower in the main hall. It’s currently quite unstable p>
While they spoke, another maid had quietly walked over to the towering display of crystal glasses and juices. Pretending to adjust the
arrangement, her hand slippede
beneath the base silent peoplno
unscrewing a critical load-bearing bolt.
The casual warning caught Mara’s attention. She glanced toward the beverage
tower and noticed Mira walking directly toward it.
It was a gift from the heavens.
Mara immediately stood up and power-walked toward the display.
Mira was reaching for a bottle of fresh pear juice. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. Her martial arts instincts flared instantly as she registered Mara lunging forward arm outstretched inca violent shover Adrenaline spiked, and MÃra threw herself backward, away from the towering glass.