Chapter 121
Sophia's tongue felt tied.
She opened her mouth.
But no words came out.
The others were equally stunned.
Simon's gaze darted between Alexander and Sophia.
He looked like he'd uncovered a huge secret.
Lillian pressed her lips together.
Her eyes turned cold.
Professor Evans was the first to recover.
He spoke directly to Alexander.
"Alex, what's going on?"
Alexander's tone was flat.
"Helping out. Can't you see?"
Professor Evans raised an eyebrow.
"Helping all the way to her apartment?"
Alexander gave a quiet hum of affirmation.
"A good neighbor is better than a distant relative."
He glanced at Professor Evans.
"Better than showing up just to eat."
Professor Evans paused.
"Neighbor?"
Sophia quickly explained.
"Professor Laurent lives next door."
She looked at Alexander.
"I ran into him after leaving the lab this afternoon."
"He gave me a ride to the supermarket."
Zoe let out a sigh of relief.
She had almost thought there was something between them.
It scared her.
Simon also patted his chest.
Thank goodness it was a misunderstanding.
Lillian's expression cleared.
She gently reminded them.
"We should eat."
Zoe nodded vigorously.
Sophia ushered everyone.
"Please sit. Two more dishes are almost ready."
The meal was enjoyable.
Zoe praised Sophia's cooking endlessly.
Simon ate with his head down.
Lillian unusually finished most of her bowl.
Two dishes were particularly appetizing.
It was all Sophia's fault.
After dinner and cleanup.
Sophia saw her guests downstairs.
Alexander walked beside her.
They looked like a couple seeing off visitors.
Zoe's expression was odd.
Simon pestered Lillian.
"Lil, can I walk you?"
Lillian shook her head.
"I drove."
Simon nodded, disappointed.
"Drive safe."
Lillian didn't start her car immediately.
She found a number and dialed.
"Still in real estate?"
Laughter came through the phone.
"Yeah, it's all I know. What's up?"
Lillian bit her lip.
"I want to rent near MIT."
"A unit in a walk-up building."
"A few minutes' walk to the library."
The person paused.
"Are you sure?"
Lillian's voice was firm.
"Sure."
"Then only the old factory dormitories fit."
Lillian's eyes lit up.
"That's fine."
"But the area's rough. No proper management."
"It's okay. Please find one for me."
"Money is no object."
...
After the guests left.
Sophia and Alexander walked back.
Suddenly—
"Sophia."
Sophia turned.
Sebastian stood across the street.
Waving at her.
Alexander adjusted his glasses.
His expression calm.
Sebastian crossed the street.
"I was just coming to see you. Ran into you by chance."
"Something wrong?"
Sebastian nodded.
"Let's talk somewhere else."
"Is that okay?"
Sophia looked at Alexander.
Sebastian's gaze also settled on him.
"Professor Laurent. We meet again."
Alexander's tone was indifferent.
"Unfortunately."
"If you're looking for Sophia, you'll see me often."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes.
Alexander met his gaze.
Steady and composed.
Sophia checked the time.
"Is half an hour enough?"
"Plenty."
"Let's go to the bubble tea shop across the street."
They sat down.
Sophia got straight to the point.
"What is it?"
Sebastian looked serious.
"About the Maldives incident investigation."
"The legal team gathered some evidence."
"But it wasn't included in the report."
"I recently reviewed it and found something new."
"You might be interested."
Sophia was puzzled.
"What new finding?"
Sebastian handed her the investigation report.
"Look closely at the parts circled in red."
Sophia opened it.
Her expression grew more grave as she read.
Sebastian's voice was low.
"The oxygen tank leak."
"The venomous snake in the gift box."
"Neither could have been done by Isabella alone."
"Surveillance timestamps also prove it."
Sophia frowned.
"She had an accomplice?"
Sebastian nodded.
"Very likely."
"Legal judgment might be meaningless."
"But I chose to tell you."
"You have the right to know."
"Isabella is not simple."
"There might be someone behind her."
"Avoid contact with her if possible."
"Be cautious of your surroundings."
"Stay alert at all times."
"Call me if anything happens."
He shrugged.
"Day or night."
Sophia couldn't help but smile.
"Mr. Evans, you're a busy man."
Sebastian looked at her.
"I am busy."
"But you're always welcome to disturb me."
His gaze was intense.
"Only you."
Sophia's smile faded slightly.
"Thank you for telling me."
"I appreciate it."
Sebastian smiled.
"No trouble at all."
He said each word clearly.
"My pleasure."
Sophia lowered her eyes.
"It's getting late. I should go back."
Sebastian stood.
"I'll walk you."
They crossed the street.
Sebastian's gaze halted.
Alexander stood where they left him.
He hadn't moved.