He was responsible for sorting out the guest list, and he could vividly remember the names of all the three-star and more famous writers that would be present today. He also knew the disciples of these writers since they often came around the Association.

He had never seen Maria before, so he was sure that she was playing a trick. He heard her say her teacher’s last name on the phone, and just Like Enzo, he misheard it for "Mr. Williams". He was more than certain that none of the writers that would be present today had that surname.

“What's so funny?” Maria asked irritatingly.

“I'm laughing at your act! Can't you tell?" the man said and then turned to Enzo and the others.

“You all look familiar. You've been volunteers here before, right? Do you really believe her? You know what, fine! Let's wait for that teacher who's supposed to let you in!”

This man's words clearly intimidated the volunteers and put a damp on their moods.

Yes, they believed Maria, but before this arrogant staff member, they didn't know what to believe or what to do.

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the entrance. It seemed as if some big shot had shown up.

This made the man frown. Did Maria really call someone important? The name "Williams" Maria had mentioned on her call wasn't on the List though. Was her teacher a big shot from Broome?

When the man finally saw the person that caused that commotion, he felt relieved.

It was someone he knew, and he definitely didn't go by the name Williams. So he was obviously not there for Maria.

It was the secretary general of the Writers' Association of Sheffield, the acknowledged next president of the Association, Merlin Newman. Merlin was Curt's student, and the second youngest three-star writer in history.

“Mr. Newman, why are you here so early?" The man walked up to him and greeted with a flattering smile.

"If I had received news of your early arrival, I would have come and welcomed you in person.”

Enzo, Dora and the other volunteers all cheered up when they saw Merlin. Their depression flew out the window in that moment.

Merlin Newman was their idol in the literary circle.

The man reached out to shake hands with Merlin, but to his greatest shock, Merlin strode past him and walked straight to Maria and the others.

The man watched the scene in stunned silence.

"Excuse me... Are you Maria?"

Books had always been Merlin's thing since his childhood. He was handsome enough to become a big star, but he much prefered to bury himself in books every chance he got.

He was well and educated, but he had never been interested in the show business and as such, hadn't watched the reality shows Maria had been in.

The only reason why he was able to recognize Maria immediately was that

Curt had told him she would certainly be the most beautiful girl in the hall.

And he had to admit that she was indeed the prettiest. His eyes were drawn to her the moment he stepped inside.