Chapter 120
Professor Alexander at her place?!
"What kind of medicine?"
"It's... the kind that excites men..."
Silence on the other end of the line, then a soft chuckle. "Have you really fallen so low that you need drugs to attract a man?"
Isabella Langley flushed with anger. "Just tell me if you can get it! The rest is none of your business!"
"Wait."
The line went dead after those two words.
Isabella lay on the bed, staring at the ornate ceiling.
Even the ceilings in rich people's homes were so meticulously designed.
Having experienced this kind of life, she could never go back.
She had to secure Ethan Roscente.
...
Early morning, Sophia Sullivan finished her housework, prepared lunch, and headed to the lab.
She completed two sets of data by mid-morning, pleased with her progress.
She saved the data, shut down her computer, and retrieved her lunchbox from the fridge to heat it.
Dr. Zoe Langley caught the delicious scent from across the room.
"Sophia, what did you bring? It smells amazing. Which takeout place is it from?"
Lemon chicken wings, golden brown and tempting. Garlic broccoli, vibrant green and fresh.
A perfect balance of protein and vegetables, visually appealing.
"I made it myself," Sophia said. "The chicken wings haven't been touched yet. Would you like to try one?"
Zoe swallowed hard.
"Don't mind if I do!"
She promptly helped herself to one.
The chicken wing was crispy outside, tender inside. "So good! You made this yourself?"
"Yes."
Zoe wasn't exaggerating. She rarely enjoyed food that suited her palate so perfectly.
Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked.
Well-seasoned, richly fragrant.
Sophia smiled lightly. "It's just ordinary home cooking."
Zoe shook her head. "Not ordinary. This home cooking is exceptional!"
"What's exceptional?" Dr. Simon Lowell perked up at the mention of food.
"Sophia's cooking. Incredibly delicious! We have a master chef hiding in our lab!"
Sophia laughed. "Don't listen to Zoe's exaggeration. It's just average."
Simon stared at the plate of chicken wings, his eyes lighting up.
"I just ate, otherwise I'd definitely try one! Sophia, are you cooking again tomorrow?"
He had already eaten, feeling it inappropriate to share a girl's lunch.
But hearing Zoe's praise made him curious.
"I'll probably make something else tomorrow."
"I see..." Simon's face fell with disappointment.
Zoe's eyes also showed clear disappointment.
Sophia chuckled softly. "I've been in the lab for a while but haven't officially treated everyone to a meal. Since it's Friday today, how about after work? We can go out, or come to my place..."
"Your place!" Zoe immediately chimed in. "It's settled then. We'll come over at six."
"Okay," Sophia nodded. "I'll send the address to the group chat. I need to go grocery shopping first. You can come over after you finish work."
"Sure!"
Professor Quincy Evans asked, "Should we inform Alexander?"
Zoe said, "You inform him."
"Alright." Quincy took out his phone. "I'll ask if he's finished his class..."
At two in the afternoon, Sophia turned off her computer, tidied her lab station, and quietly left.
Just outside the door, she ran into Alexander Laurent.
"Going grocery shopping?" he asked.
Sophia was slightly surprised. "You know?"
"Yes, Quincy texted me. Let's go."
"?"
Alexander said, "Aren't you going to the supermarket? I'll drive you."
"Not busy today?"
Alexander replied, "Not particularly."
He could be busy, or not. It depended on the person.
"Okay, thank you."
She had been considering taking a taxi. Alexander's arrival was like a timely rain.
Money saved.
As it turned out, Sophia not only saved money but also effort.
All the grocery bags were carried by Alexander.
Sophia felt there were too many and wanted to share the load.
The man sidestepped her attempt. "No need. I've got it."
Back home, Sophia put on her apron and began preparing dinner.
"By the way, do any of them have dietary restrictions?" she suddenly remembered.
Alexander said, "Quincy doesn't eat shrimp. Everyone else is fine."
He rolled up his sleeves and entered the kitchen. "I'll help."
...
At six, the four lab members—Zoe, Quincy, Simon, and Lillian—left the lab for Sophia's place.
"Professor Evans, did you inform Professor Laurent?" Lillian Lopez asked suddenly.
She hadn't originally planned to come but changed her mind upon hearing Alexander would be there.
Simon thought his persuasion had worked.
Quincy said, "I did. His class ended a while ago. Not sure why he didn't return to the lab."
"But he said he'd come. He's probably going straight there."
Zoe exclaimed, "Huh? He's really coming?"
Quincy laughed. "What? You don't want him to come?"
Zoe pouted. "Don't put words in my mouth. When he's around, everyone feels pressured. We can't really let loose..."
"How loose do you want to be?" Quincy teased. "A wild horse needs reins. Alexander's presence will keep you in check."
"Pfft! You're the wild horse!"
Passing a flower shop, Zoe saw jasmine in full bloom and bought a bouquet as a gift.
Quincy and Simon each brought a basket of beautifully packaged fruit.
To Sophia's surprise, Lillian also brought a gift.
"Self-blended perfume. Top notes of orange, base notes are elegant. I think you'll like it."
"Thank you." Sophia was somewhat surprised but accepted it with a smile.
Zoe noticed Alexander wasn't there. "Should we call Professor Laurent? Why hasn't he arrived yet?"
Mainly, his lateness would delay dinner.
The aroma had already captivated her soul. Waiting another minute was torture.
Quincy took out his phone, about to dial, when he saw Alexander emerge from the kitchen wearing an apron, carrying a pot of soup to the table.
His movements were practiced, unlike someone doing it for the first time.
Quincy: ?
Everyone: !