Chapter 141

Celine entered the backstage area. As per her instructions to James, it had already been cleared out. She was completely alone. She sat in front of the vanity and began tying her long, silky black hair into a low ponytail, revealing her slender, swan-like neck. Then, she applied a light, refined layer of makeup. A final touch of lipstick brought the look together. Celine rarely wore makeup, as her natural features were already pure, delicate, and almost ethereal. But now, with just a subtle enhancement, her beauty seemed otherworldly. From outside, James's voice echoed through the lecture hall. "Good morning, everyone." Celine rose from her seat and walked to the stage curtain, lifting a corner to peek out. Her gaze swept across the massive hall. Every seat in the thousand-capacity auditorium was filled, a sea of faces buzzing with anticipation. Cameras clicked and whirred incessantly, several television stations broadcasting the event live. At the podium stood James, speaking