Chapter 199
Hannah had been holding back the entire walk. She finally found a chance to speak. "Sophia, did you know that handsome guy who gave you the flowers? Those yellow roses were gorgeous."
Sophia nodded faintly. "An ex-boyfriend."
Hannah was immediately stunned. She didn't dare ask anything more.
Marcus glanced at Sophia but said nothing.
After the meal, the three of them went to Professor Watson's office.
There were no afternoon classes. Professor Watson planned to take them into the lab.
Hannah's eyes widened in surprise. "We're going into the lab already?"
She thought it would take at least a year before they could touch any experimental projects.
Though Marcus appeared calm, a flicker of surprise also passed through his eyes.
Only Sophia understood. Their professor's research had been delayed for too long. She desperately needed a breakthrough now.
They stayed in the lab until it was dark outside.
It was already nine p.m. when Sophia got home. She hadn't eaten dinner yet.
Exhausted, she collapsed directly onto the sofa. Her eyelids felt so heavy she could barely keep them open.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door.
Sophia forced herself up to answer it. "Professor?"
"I heard Professor Watson took you to the lab today?"
"Yes."
"Just got back?"
"Yes."
"Haven't had dinner yet?"
Alexander chuckled softly. "Wait a moment."
He turned and went back to his own apartment. He soon returned holding a food container.
"It's still warm. It'll have to do."
Sophia blinked. "This is..."
"From my family."
"I really shouldn't..."
"I've already eaten. This is extra."
Sophia was genuinely hungry. She took the container. "Thank you, Professor. I'll wash it and return it after I eat."
"Alright."
Sophia opened the container. A wave of warm steam hit her face.
The first layer held fragrant white rice.
The second layer was filled with meat dishes. Braised pork ribs with an enticing color, and tomato stewed beef brisket that smelled amazing.
The third layer had separate compartments for stir-fried seasonal vegetables and a warm, comforting soup.
...
The Laurent family estate was brightly lit.
Sylvia was restless, pacing back and forth in the living room.
Frederick was getting a headache from her movement. "What are you doing pacing around so late instead of sleeping?"
"It's your son!"
"Which son?"
"Alexander!"
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"
"He actually asked for two portions of food today!"
"What's so strange about that?"
"I suspect he has a girlfriend!"
Frederick was dismissive. "Maybe he brought it for a friend. You're overthinking it."
"He's always buried in the lab. When would he have time to make friends?"
"It's normal for a man his age to date. Haven't you been nagging him about it?"
Sylvia sighed. "I'm going to bed."
"Done pacing?"
"I need to get up early tomorrow."
She had to go check out her son's place and see what was really going on.
...
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains into the room.
Sophia was woken by the light. She got up and washed up.
Breakfast was pre-set congee, sweet and soft.
After tidying the kitchen, she left on time.
As she passed the fourth floor, she suddenly heard an exclamation from downstairs.
Looking through the railing, she saw a woman in a long dress and high heels who had tripped over garbage left in the hallway.
The third-floor residents always piled their trash in the corridor. It was dirty and messy.
This woman was clearly unfamiliar with the environment. Combined with her high heels, she had accidentally fallen.
"Are you alright?" Sophia stepped forward to help her up.
"Thank you—" Sylvia looked up and froze the moment she saw Sophia's face.
This face was very familiar to her.
The tea master at the tasting soirée who had bluntly said her tea skills were lacking.
Sylvia still remembered the other society ladies snickering at the time.
She couldn't quite explain why, but she just didn't like this girl.
Perhaps it was how dazzling she looked wearing a cheongsam.
Perhaps it was how close she was to Isabella.
Anyway, she just found her disagreeable.
Sophia also recognized the other woman. She responded coolly, "You're welcome."
She let go and took a step back.
Sylvia frowned slightly at her distant manner.
She originally didn't want to engage, but couldn't help asking, "What are you doing here?"
Sophia answered calmly, "I live here."