Chapter 122
Sebastian Evans immediately saw through Alexander Laurent's intentions.
As a man, he recognized those hidden thoughts.
They might be subtle, but they were definitely there.
And if they existed, he would notice.
Sebastian suddenly stopped and turned.
Sophia Sullivan was walking behind him, her view blocked. She almost bumped into him.
She quickly steadied herself.
"Sorry," Sebastian looked down at her. "I forgot something."
Sophia: "?"
The next second, a cup of hot milk tea was pressed into her hands.
The warm sensation spread through her palms, making her pause.
"Hold it steady. I'm not responsible if it spills."
Sophia was puzzled. "When did you buy this?"
They had been sitting face-to-face the whole time. She never saw him order.
Sebastian smirked. "That's a secret."
"Oh," Sophia nodded. "Seems like you've used this trick on plenty of girls."
"Wrong. Only you."
Sophia's smile faded.
She subtly took half a step back.
Sebastian noted her retreat. He knew not to push too hard right now.
If he scared this little rabbit into someone else's arms, it would be a total loss.
"Head back. I won't walk you up. I assume you don't want me to."
Sophia: "Goodbye."
"Mm."
Sebastian watched her cross the street before driving off.
Sophia stared at the milk tea, wondering what to do with it. She looked up and saw Alexander under a tree.
"Professor Laurent, you're still here?"
"Waiting for you." His gaze fell on the tea. "You like this?"
"Just occasionally."
Alexander stared at the cup. "I've never had it."
Sophia: "?"
"I don't know what it tastes like. Is it good?"
Sophia: "?? Would you... like to have it?"
Alexander: "Yes, thank you."
"You're welcome."
...
Sebastian felt pleased, his fingers lightly tapping the steering wheel.
He even felt patient waiting at the red light.
Charlie Lowell called. The car's Bluetooth automatically answered.
Deafening music blasted through the speakers. Sebastian frowned.
"Seb, what've you been up to?" Charlie moved to a quieter spot, but background noise persisted.
Sebastian: "Work."
"Besides work?" Charlie chuckled. "Any progress on the romance front?"
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Who's asking? Is Ethan Roscente there? Let him ask himself."
Charlie sighed helplessly, shrugging at Ethan who was smoking nearby.
"Come on, Seb! I was just making conversation!"
"Really?" Sebastian laughed softly. "Fine, I'll tell you. Is the speaker on?"
Charlie, who had just turned on the speaker: "..."
"It's on, right? Others can hear? Good. Here's the update."
Ethan paused his smoking, straightening up.
Sebastian: "Just left her place. She accepted the milk tea I gave her. Satisfied?"
"An hour ago, we were chatting at the tea shop."
"Every word is true. Feel free to verify~"
Charlie glanced at someone's dark expression: "..." Is it too late to turn off the speaker now?
Sebastian added fuel to the fire: "Hear that clearly? Need me to repeat it? Should someone record it for later study?"
Charlie: "..." Help!
"Seb, you must be busy. I'll hang up now."
The call ended abruptly.
Sebastian smiled lightly and stepped on the gas.
"Ethan..." Charlie spoke carefully. "He might be joking..."
Ethan turned expressionlessly and walked back to the private room.
Charlie hurried after him, inwardly complaining.
Julian Winston sat on the couch, signaling with his eyes: What's wrong with him? Did the cigarette ruin his mood?
Charlie: Don't ask. I'm exhausted.
Ethan called a waiter. "Open two bottles of whiskey. No one leaves until they're finished."
...
2 AM. The whiskey was gone. Everyone was drunk.
Ethan leaned against the bar, eyes closed, murmuring softly. "Sophia..."
Charlie moved closer to listen.
Julian held a cigarette. "Calling for Sophia again?"
"Yeah."
"Serves him right! The breakup was so ugly. He didn't leave her any dignity. Now he's acting like this."
"Pathetic."
"Ahem!" Charlie coughed tactically. "Enough. What now? Take him home?"
"We've all been drinking. Who can drive? Get a hotel room. He can go home after he sobers up."
"Okay." Charlie nodded.
...
Early morning. Hotel.
Ethan was woken by his ringing phone, his head throbbing.
"This better be important!" He answered without looking.
"Young Master, it's Martha. Miss Isabella has a stomachache. I don't know what to do. Can you come back?"
Ethan frowned. "If she's unwell, see a doctor. I'm not a physician."
Martha: "A doctor came. He said a pregnant woman's mood affects the baby. Having company might help. She doesn't seem to be faking. What if something happens to the child? Please come back."
Ethan didn't want to deal with it, but he remembered his promise to Victoria Roscente. He resigned himself to getting dressed.
He cursed under his breath and started getting ready.
...
At the Beverly Hills mansion, Isabella Langley knew Ethan was coming.
She applied a no-makeup makeup look and changed into a sexy off-the-shoulder gown.
Her belly was still flat, not showing the pregnancy. She had even gained a little weight from careful rest.
The silk fabric accentuated her curves, making her look alluring.
Isabella adjusted her hem in the mirror, satisfied.
Soon, Ethan arrived home.
She held her lower back and greeted him with a smile. "Ethan, you're back. I missed you so much."