Chapter 480

"Wait... why is everyone middle-aged?" The boyfriend blurted out in confusion.

The crowd erupted instantly.

"What's wrong with middle-aged people? Looking down on us?"

He frantically waved his hands. "No! I just meant at your age—"

"We appreciate literature! Got a problem with that?"

"Exactly!"

The boyfriend gaped. "Victoria Langley's fanbase is this... diverse?"

"Humph! We've been her readers since twenty years ago. Just got busy raising kids and building careers—no time for online fandom. But we always bought her books legally."

"Damn right! We didn't quit the literary scene—just had offline lives!"

Evelyn scanned the room, realizing the audience truly spanned generations.

After a brief host introduction, Victoria Langley glided onstage to thunderous applause.

"Oh my god—"

"Victoria looks so young and gorgeous!"

"That face... completely defies expectations!"

She wore an onyx qipao with a beige cardigan. The swaying hem accentuated her orchid-like grace.

"Thank you all for taking time—"

Victoria bowed deeply.

Sincerity always moved hearts.

The applause surged like tides.

Evelyn stood among the crowd, watching her radiant mother, lips curling unconsciously.

During signing time, the room buzzed with energy.

Jostled by the flow, Evelyn tried sidestepping when a sudden shove sent her stumbling forward.

Strong arms encircled her waist just before impact.

"Tha—Professor Klein?" Her eyes widened. "Why are you here?"

Adrian cleared his throat, releasing her.

His fingertips still tingled.

Her waist was impossibly slender.

He picked up the dropped book—Seven-Day Tales gleaming on the cover.

"Supporting your mother's release."

"You read this genre?"

"Mhm."

Evelyn's expression twisted. "Could've asked me for a signed copy. Why brave this mob?"

"Different meaning."

"How's it—"

Another wave of people crashed into them.

Face-to-face, the impact sent Evelyn colliding against his chest.

Her cheek pressed against his warmth. She froze.

Adrian stiffened.

Now she was in his arms. One slight pull...

His steady breath above, rapid heartbeat beneath her ear—Evelyn's own breathing hitched.

She tried retreating, but another shove came.

This time, the impact was firmer.

"Professor, I swear I didn't—"