The hall responded with scattered claps that quickly grew louder.
The VC nodded, satisfied… but only for a moment.
Because then...
His eyes paused.
Locked.
On someone in the crowd.
For a split second, his composure cracked.
His eyes widened, just slightly, but enough.
Then, just as quickly, he recovered. His face smoothed out, professional again.
But the damage was done.
He had seen him.
Without drawing attention, he leaned slightly toward the attendant beside him and murmured a few words. The attendant stiffened, then nodded quickly before hurrying off.
Moving carefully through the side aisle, the attendant made his way to the registrar.
The registrar, already seated with an air of importance, frowned when he saw him approaching mid speech.
"What is it?" he whispered sharply, clearly annoyed.
The attendant bent close and relayed the VC's message.
And just like that...
The registrar's expression changed.
Confusion.
Then disbelief.
Then… shock.
