Chapter 210
They were staring, to be precise.
Staring at her and Julian Winston.
Olivia Lopez: "Those two are so lovey-dovey."
Martha: "It's the first time the young master has been so enthusiastic about a girl."
Olivia Lopez: "Olivia isn't an ordinary girl. Her family background and refinement are outstanding. That boy finally has good taste."
"He knows how to focus on what's important."
"If they work out, I'll be laughing in my sleep."
"Does the young master look a bit stiff?"
Olivia Lopez squinted for a closer look.
"Olivia's body is tense too."
They were close, but it felt strange.
Downstairs, Julian Winston whispered, "Don't move. My mother is watching."
Olivia Lopez: "When did your mother get here?"
"She was here before you answered the phone."
Oh no. She felt even more guilty.
Olivia Lopez muttered, "Just hugging? Not kissing?"
Her words clearly reached Olivia Lopez's ears.
Olivia Lopez was always bold and decisive.
She looked up and met Julian's gaze directly. "Kiss me."
The man's Adam's apple bobbed.
His eyes darkened instantly, like a turbulent abyss.
He suddenly gripped her waist.
He lowered his head and kissed her.
Olivia Lopez froze.
Their lips met, warm and wet.
"Oh! They really kissed! Let's go, let's go. Don't disturb the young people."
The sound of footsteps faded away.
Slap!
A crisp sound.
Julian Winston was stunned. "You hit me?"
Olivia Lopez's legs felt weak. "Who told you to actually kiss me?"
That slap was just to push him away.
It wasn't a real slap.
"Wasn't it your request?"
Olivia Lopez gritted her teeth. "It was just an act!"
"My mother is sharp. Would a fake kiss have fooled her?"
Damn acting for real.
Julian Winston snorted coldly. "I'm the one at a loss for kissing you. Plenty of women are lining up begging for my kiss."
Olivia Lopez gave a fake smile. "What a coincidence. Plenty of men want to kiss me too."
The man was speechless.
After a long moment, he said quietly, "Is their technique better than mine?"
Olivia Lopez: "You're very average. I've experienced better."
Julian's face darkened.
Olivia Lopez's voice came from upstairs. "Olivia, time for your treatment—"
"Coming right away!"
Olivia Lopez turned to grab her phone from the couch.
Her puppy had sounded so pitiful earlier. She needed to reply to his message.
Julian Winston snatched the phone first.
Olivia Lopez: "Give it back."
Julian Winston: "No phones during beauty treatments. Focus on accompanying my mother. Don't slip up."
That made some sense.
Olivia Lopez turned and went upstairs.
Julian Winston stared at the phone, clenching his jaw.
...
Early morning, Sophia Sullivan headed to school.
She glanced at the neighboring unit—
The door was closed. It was quiet.
She suddenly realized she hadn't seen Alexander Laurent for a long time.
She used to run into him often when going out.
But recently, there had been no sign of him.
Maybe he was busy and staying at the lab.
Sophia didn't think much of it.
She returned from the library at eight in the evening.
As she entered the building, a figure brushed past her—
Alexander Laurent was out for a night run.
She quickly called out, "Professor—"
The man didn't react at all and ran straight ahead.
Sophia was stunned.
Was her voice too soft? Or was he wearing headphones?
She went home and changed into workout clothes, planning to go for a run.
She could also ask Alexander Laurent about purchasing a CPRT Dynamometer.
Buying the equipment made her think of Alexander Laurent and Professor Eleanor Watson first.
Professor Eleanor Watson's health wasn't great. She often went to the hospital. Sophia didn't want to bother her.
If word got out that she was buying the equipment with her own money, the scandal of Professor Victoria Lowell monopolizing the lab would also be exposed.
Given the old lady's temper, she would definitely rush to the hospital to confront the department.
The department clearly favored Professor Victoria Lowell.
Professor Eleanor Watson would only get more upset and harm her health.
It was better to ask Alexander Laurent.
But he hadn't replied to her messages. Her calls went unanswered.
Sophia guessed he was too busy.
It was rare to run into him today.
She had already arranged to meet Sebastian Evans tomorrow, but she still preferred asking Alexander Laurent.
She had thought about the reason.
Perhaps it was because Alexander Laurent was upright and reliable. His help made her feel secure.
She didn't have to worry about owing a favor or how to repay it.
As for Sebastian Evans…
His intentions were too obvious. Too direct.
So direct it made her retreat.
Sophia searched along her usual running route.
She circled twice but didn't see Alexander Laurent.
She ran another lap. Still no sign of him.
She had done enough exercise and was sweating. She headed home.
The door was slightly ajar.
She rinsed the rice and peeled the yam, setting the timer. There would be hot porridge tomorrow morning.
She kept an ear out for any movement outside the door.
After cleaning the kitchen, the neighboring unit was still quiet.
Sophia knocked directly on the door. "Professor Laurent, are you home? I have something to ask."
No answer.
"Professor?"
Still no sound.
Had he not returned? Or had he left again?
...
At the lab—
Professor Quincy Evans' eyes widened. "You're back?"
Alexander Laurent: "Working overtime."
"You've been pulling all-nighters for three days. You said you'd rest tonight. You just left a few hours ago and you're back to work overtime?"
Alexander Laurent: "Is there a problem?"
Professor Quincy Evans: "I think you're the one with the problem."
Alexander Laurent fell silent.