Everyone present was well aware of this, including Elton himself. Seeing that she had successfully put Elton in his place with her words

Maria turned around to return to the corner.

“Wait!" Elton suddenly called out to stop her, with a sneer spreading across his face. "It's true that you barely have any talent, and you won't achieve anything even if you were trained in physical combat. Luckily for you, I happen to need an assistant in my lab. If you are willing to take me as your master, you'Ll be taken care of."

The obscene motive behind Elton's offer to Maria shone through in his words.

Most of the people who were confused about Elton's intention before were clear about it now.

Enlightenment dawned on the faces of both Mr. Gonzales and Patricia.

"Mom, why would Mr. Acosta ask Maria to be his assistant? Does she even deserve it?"

Vivian complained in a low voice.

After all, this ceremony was being held for her, but Maria had somehow stolen the spotlight. How annoying!

"Shh, don't talk nonsense. You shouldn't put down your peers Like that in public!"

Patricia warned her daughter under her breath. But at the same time, her mind was racing.

It was obvious that Elton had designs on Maria.

Patricia knew that Elton enjoyed a high status in the Jenkins family as a grade three pill alchemist, but the truth was, she looked down on him.

After inquiring about the art of pill alchemy, she had learned that talented pill alchemists would usually reach grade three before they turned thirty and continue reaching higher grades after that.

Obviously, Elton was not one of them.

He was already more than 4@ years old, but still remained a grade three pill refiner. It was obvious that he had limited talent and lacked initiative.

Patricia had already decided that they would only allow Elton temporarily to initiate Vivian into the field.

Afterward, they would find a more qualified teacher for her.

Now, seeing that Elton was interested in Maria, Patricia couldn't help but scheme in her head.

ALL she had to do was suggest to the old Mrs. Jenkins that Maria should be betrothed to Elton. This would stop Maria's marriage to Anthony, and permanently put her under Elton's control. In that case, Maria will never be able to win against Vivian in the future!

As for Elton, as long as he could get Maria, he would be grateful and serve the Jenkins family wholeheartedly. In particular, he might instruct Vivian without reservation. Furthermore, Mrs. Jenkins might reward Vivian with more training resources because of this great feat.

Patricia's lips curled up into a complacent smirk.

A plan like this which aimed to seek gains at the expense of others could only be thought of by someone as selfish and vicious as Patricia was.

"Well, what do you think? Would you like to be my assistant? Go on, don't be shy to admit it!"