Chapter 43
Sophia Sullivan walked alongside Sebastian Evans, a paper bag in her hand, as they entered the MIT campus.
They strolled down the tree-lined path, chatting casually.
Sophia noticed Sebastian was remarkably knowledgeable, effortlessly engaging with any topic.
His tone was gentle, his manners impeccable. Being with him felt like a warm spring breeze.
As they passed a stone wall covered in ivy, Sophia turned her head and caught sight of a familiar figure.
Professor Alexander Laurent had just finished his class and was heading to the lab. He looked up and met Sophia's smiling eyes.
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Sebastian beside her.
"What a coincidence. Just finished class?" Sophia initiated the conversation.
Alexander nodded. "Heading to the lab. And this is?"
"My friend, Sebastian Evans. I'm showing him around campus." She turned to Sebastian. "This is Professor Alexander Laurent."
Their eyes met. Sebastian's lips curved into a slight smile as he extended his hand. "I've heard so much about you, Professor Laurent."
Alexander shook his hand. "Likewise."
Both the Laurent and Evans families were prominent in their circles. They had heard of each other long before this meeting.
A subtle, unspoken tension hung in the air, unnoticed by Sophia, who only thought their handshake lasted a bit too long.
Alexander was the first to release his grip. "I should get to the lab."
Sophia watched him leave. Sebastian studied her thoughtfully. "You two are close?"
"Not really," she replied dismissively.
Sebastian didn't press further.
That evening, Sophia received a text from Sebastian.
[Thanks for showing me around campus today.]
She replied: [Anytime.]
She put her phone down and sank into her soft pillow.
The pillow still carried the faint scent of sunshine and clean laundry.
She fell asleep quickly.
Without intense studying, Sophia slept in until eight—a rare luxury.
The old neighborhood was full of life. Downstairs, she ran into neighbors returning from grocery shopping and walking their dogs.
Everyone greeted her warmly.
Sophia smiled and returned their greetings.
She turned into the adjacent old street. At the corner was a breakfast shop known for its rich soy milk and crispy fried dough sticks.
As soon as she entered, she spotted Alexander's back.
She crept up behind him and playfully tapped his shoulder, then quickly slid into the seat opposite.
Seeing his completely unfazed expression, Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you surprised at all?"
"Second time," Alexander said, dipping his fried dough stick into the soy milk. "You did the same thing last week. Besides, you're not much quicker than Erbai."
Sophia glanced at the large yellow dog tied up by the door. "..."
Before she could retort, the elderly woman wrapping wontons came over, smiling. "Here again, sweetie? The usual?"
Sophia nodded. "One fried dough stick, twelve wontons."
The old woman worked deftly, soon bringing over the wontons, the fried dough stick, and a side of pickles Sophia loved.
Sophia's eyes curved into smiles. "Thank you, Grandma."
"Eat it while it's hot," the old woman said warmly.
The wontons had thin wrappers and generous fillings, served in a milky-white bone broth with a sprinkle of green scallions. The aroma was irresistible.
Sophia looked at Alexander. He always ordered the same two things. It seemed so monotonous.
"Maybe try something different next time?"
Without waiting for his answer, she fetched a clean bowl, put two wontons in it, and pushed it toward him. "Want to try?"
Alexander hesitated for a moment, then picked one up and tasted it carefully.
Sophia blinked expectantly. "Well?"
Seeing her eager expression, he nodded. "Not bad."
Sophia raised her eyebrows triumphantly. "Of course it's good. I recommended it."
Alexander gave a light chuckle.
...
Charlie Lowell: "Hey, Sebastian. Birthday's coming up, right? How are we celebrating this year? Racing? Cabaret show? Or something wild—strippers everywhere?"
Julian Winston immediately chimed in: "Great idea."
They both looked at Sebastian.
When it came to partying, he was the expert.
Despite his polished, suit-and-tie appearance, he partied harder than anyone.
"Keeping it simple this year. Just a birthday party."
Charlie: "??"
Julian: "???"
Sebastian: "Problem?"
"That doesn't sound like you, man," Charlie said, looking him over. "You feeling okay?"
Julian raised an eyebrow. "A birthday party? Sounds like something my old man would throw."
Who even had birthday parties these days?
"Unless..." Charlie's eyes lit up. "It's that kind of party?"
Julian immediately sat up straight, eyes gleaming.
Sebastian: "Get your minds out of the gutter. It's a proper gathering. Private estate on Goldcrest Road. Invitations will be sent out in a few days."
With that, he stood up and left.
Charlie and Julian exchanged a look, then both turned to the window—
The sun wasn't rising in the west, was it?
...
Sophia was surprised to receive Sebastian's call.
Hearing his birthday party invitation made her even more astonished.
"Me?"
"Yes."
Sophia frowned.
Ethan Roscente would likely be at Sebastian's birthday party. She didn't want to see him.
"It's just a small gathering with friends. Charlie will be there too. Not going to grace us with your presence?" Sensing her hesitation, Sebastian pressed, "Or are you afraid of something?"
Sophia tightened her grip on her phone, silent.
"You and Ethan are over. He's serious with his new girlfriend now. Are you scared to come because you're not over him?"
Sophia frowned. "Of course not. We're completely done."
Sebastian's lips curved. "Then there's no need to avoid him. I'll text you the address. Remember to come."
He hung up before she could respond.
...
On the day of the party, the estate was elaborately decorated and buzzing with excitement.
Ethan arrived late with Isabella Langley.
Isabella handed her coat to a waiter and entered arm-in-arm with him.
Goldcrest Road was prime real estate. Sebastian had pulled strings to acquire this private estate.
It was designed by a renowned architect and carefully arranged by a feng shui master.
They passed through a courtyard with rockeries and entered the banquet hall.
Ethan offered his congratulations first.
"Happy birthday."
He tossed Sebastian a set of yacht keys, a gift tailored to his taste.
Sebastian caught them. "Thanks."
Ethan smiled and was about to say more when his gaze shifted and abruptly landed on a familiar figure.