Chapter 147
Just a Little?
Sophia Sullivan finished clearing the breakfast dishes and began cleaning.
The apartment had gathered a thin layer of dust after being unoccupied for half a month.
She spent the entire morning cleaning before it was spotless.
After her nap, she changed clothes and prepared to go grocery shopping.
Olivia Lopez's call came through suddenly.
"Mimi, are you home?"
"Yes, what's wrong?"
"I suddenly crave your cooking."
Sophia detected the low spirits in her voice.
"Did something happen?"
"No... I just miss you." The voice on the other end sounded muffled.
Sophia didn't press further. "Come over. I'll cook for you."
"Great! I'll be there in forty minutes!"
Sophia hurried out to shop.
She had just returned home when Olivia arrived.
Olivia hugged her tightly the moment she stepped inside. "You're the best. You bought all my favorites."
Sophia heard the grievance in her words and guessed it was related to Aunt Bai.
"Go sit down first. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Okay!" Olivia nodded obediently.
Fifty minutes later, the meal was on the table.
Every dish was tailored to Olivia's tastes.
"Mimi, do you have any alcohol? I feel like drinking."
"There's beer in the fridge."
"Yes, please!"
Olivia had the next day off.
Sophia also had two consecutive days off.
They didn't eat much, but the alcohol disappeared quickly.
Beer isn't very strong, but she kept drinking one can after another.
Eventually, Olivia's cheeks flushed red, and her gaze grew hazy.
As dusk fell, she showed no signs of stopping.
"Where's the alcohol? I'll grab two more bottles—"
Olivia suddenly stood up, swaying unsteadily toward the refrigerator.
She nearly stumbled after just two steps.
Sophia quickly steadied her.
"Be careful!"
Olivia pouted. "I'm not drunk! I just tripped!"
Sophia muttered under her breath, "Drunk people never admit they're drunk…"
Olivia's hearing was sharp. "Don't believe me? I can drink a few more bottles!"
"...There's no more alcohol at home."
"Then let's go buy some!"
Sophia was stunned.
Olivia picked up her jacket and was about to head out.
Suddenly, she paused. "No, I can't drink and drive. I need to find someone to drive."
She took out her phone and fumbled several times before finally dialing.
"Hello? I'm at the original steel mill dormitory on College Road. Come pick me up. I need to buy alcohol!"
There was a two-second silence on the other end. "...Where are you?"
Olivia found the voice familiar but couldn't place it.
"Open the door now."
Olivia frowned. "Why should I listen to you?"
"..."
Sophia hadn't expected her to actually call someone.
A knock sounded at the door.
She opened it to find Alexander Laurent standing there, phone still pressed to his ear.
Sophia fell silent.
Did Olivia do this on purpose?
Why did she have to call Alexander Laurent?
Anyone else wouldn't have arrived this quickly!
Ten minutes later.
Sophia settled Olivia into bed and gently closed the door.
Turning around, she saw Alexander sitting in the living room.
His gaze was fixed on the empty beer bottles.
"..."
"Did she drink all of this?" The man's voice was calm but carried an underlying pressure.
"I had a little too."
"Just a little?" Alexander looked directly at her.
Sophia gave up resisting. "Two bottles... I'm not drunk."
Olivia had been mixing drinks because she was upset, so she got heavily intoxicated.
Alexander rubbed his temples. "Sit still. I'll clean up."
Sophia's reaction was a beat slow.
By the time she processed his words, Alexander had already rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning.
She blinked in surprise, then obediently sat back on the sofa.
By the time everything was tidied, it was already nine in the evening.
"Wait a moment. I'm going to take out the trash."
Sophia stood up. "I'll come too. I want some fresh air."
"Put on a jacket."
"Okay."
The hallway light was dim.
Alexander walked ahead, with Sophia following behind.
His tall figure cast a long shadow.
She stepped on the shadow as she walked.
"Aunt called me this afternoon." Alexander spoke suddenly.
"About the blind date?"
Olivia had complained a few times before, so Sophia could guess.
Alexander hummed in agreement.
After disposing of the trash, they walked side by side under the streetlights.
"The Laurent family doesn't need arranged marriages.薇薇 understands this."
That's why she couldn't comprehend Nina White's pressure to marry.
But Nina White believed matching social status was an ancestral rule.
She herself had married into a prominent family through arrangement and was very satisfied.
Her husband was gentle and considerate, and their marriage was happy.
Because she had benefited from a well-matched marriage, she wanted the same for her daughter.
But Olivia was rebellious by nature.
After graduating, she had enjoyed years of freedom...
Sophia pressed her lips together.
"She had a big fight with Aunt. She won't return to the Laurent family for a while."
Alexander's voice remained calm. "Fortunately, she has you. I'll have to trouble you to look after her recently."
Sophia replied, "Professor, there's no need for formalities. Olivia is my friend."
She just hadn't expected...