Chapter 246
So slender...
We cannot accept these gifts.
We've done nothing to deserve them.
We are not family.
Nor are we close friends.
Regardless of their value.
We cannot take them.
You and Sophia are over.
You are strangers now.
There is even less reason to accept anything from you.
Isabella's voice was gentle.
But her tone was firm.
She remembered the first time she met Ethan Roscente.
She and David Sullivan had waited nearly half an hour at the restaurant.
Ethan arrived empty-handed.
He simply called them 'Uncle' and 'Auntie'.
Then buried himself in his food.
He hardly initiated a single conversation the entire time.
Only one phrase came to Isabella's mind then.
He was not her match.
Such a man was utterly wrong for her daughter.
But Sophia Sullivan was hopelessly devoted.
After he made an excuse to leave, she desperately tried to justify his behavior.
Isabella said nothing.
Her heart ached.
It ached for her daughter's compromises.
It ached even more for her lack of respect.
If a man doesn't respect your parents.
How much can he truly respect you?
She had arrived that day full of joy.
She left deeply worried.
She could have broken the truth down for Sophia.
She could have even insisted they break up.
But Isabella didn't.
She knew that unless Sophia saw it through.
She would always hold a grudge, given her personality.
Children grow up. You have to learn to let go.
Let her find her own way.
But that act of letting go.
Resulted in news of her abandoning the combined Master's and Ph.D. program.
The cost was too high.
Fortunately, it was all in the past.
Sophia was starting a new life now.
If you feel even a shred of remorse.
Please, do not disturb her again.
Isabella's tone was gentle.
Her words were cruel.
Ethan swayed slightly.
Auntie...
David Sullivan came out upon hearing the commotion.
His expression turned cold.
What are you doing here?
Uncle...
Ethan tried to speak.
David waved his hand to cut him off.
Since it's over.
Let's go our separate ways.
Wish each other well.
Please leave.
Their words were identical.
Ethan lowered his gaze.
His lips pressed into a tight line.
Sorry for disturbing you.
He turned and went downstairs, gifts in hand.
He ran into Alexander Laurent returning from the lab.
Their eyes met.
Alexander's expression remained unchanged.
A storm raged in Ethan's eyes.
As they passed each other.
Ethan heard David's enthusiastic greeting.
Alexander, you're back?
I haven't finished reading the paper you sent.
Thank you.
An electronic copy would have been fine.
Yet you printed and mailed it.
That was very thoughtful.
Alexander's voice was warm.
It was no trouble.
I remembered you preferred reading printed copies.
I wanted to bring it directly.
But Sophia said you had returned home.
It was already printed.
No sense in wasting it.
David nodded repeatedly.
That makes sense.
Such a thick stack would be a shame to waste.
Mm.
By the way, I made ribs today.
Have you eaten? Come join us.
Alexander's lips curved.
Then I won't stand on ceremony.
Why be polite? You're practically family.
Let me go home and drop my things first.
You can drop your things later.
Come in for some tea first. It's freshly brewed.
It's at its best right now.
Any later and it'll be over-steeped.
Alright.
David turned happily and called into the house.
Sophia, Alexander is back.
Wash a cup and come out.
Okay.
The moment Sophia's voice sounded.
Ethan's heart shattered.
Into a million pieces.
David's warmth toward Alexander.
Compared to his cold sharpness toward Ethan.
The contrast was stark.
Ethan didn't hear the rest.
He was already two floors down.
A faint door closing sound echoed.
Probably Alexander entering Sophia's home.
Ethan returned to his Beverly Hills mansion with the ungiven gifts.
Martha had already finished cleaning and left.
The house was empty and silent.
Once again cold and lonely.
He went upstairs to the master bedroom.
The vanity at the foot of the bed had been neglected for a long time.
It held unused skincare products.
Their owner had abandoned them.
Just like she had abandoned him.
Ethan opened the drawer.
It once held a check.
A land deed.
And a diamond bracelet.
Several diamonds formed the Sagittarius constellation.
For Sophia's 22nd birthday.
He had specially commissioned the famous designer John Smith to design it for her.
A symbol of the eternal star in his life.
To surprise her.
Ethan had deliberately picked a fight.
He ignored her calls and blocked her on WeChat.
Until midnight on her birthday.
He appeared at the MIT gate with the bracelet.
To give her the biggest surprise.
But for some reason.
Although she accepted the bracelet.
The misunderstanding was cleared up and they made up.
Ethan felt she wasn't truly happy.
She wore the bracelet a few times after that.
But it seemed cursed.
Every time she wore it, they would have a huge fight.
Later, she locked the bracelet in the drawer.
And never wore it again.
Ethan, I don't want to fight.
I really don't.
After every fight, it feels like our feelings fade.
We drift further apart...
Back then, she sat down to talk seriously.
But he had just come from a gathering that night.
He seemed sober but was actually drunk.
He didn't hear a word she said.
Just mumbled vague agreements.
The next day, when Sophia asked, he was clueless.
For the first time, he saw undisguised disappointment and sorrow in her eyes.
...
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Sophia's home was warm.
Here, Alexander, try this.
David smiled and picked up a rib for him.
Thank you, Uncle. I can help myself.
How is it? How does it taste?
Delicious.
David's smile widened.
Then have some more.
Alright.
After eating, let's play a game of chess.
Uh...
We can play a game.
But can we not call each other 'bros'?
Alexander ate his food with a wry smile.
After the meal, David set up the chessboard early.
Waiting for Alexander to play with him.
Alexander rolled up his sleeves.
Let me help clean the kitchen first.
David waved his hand.
No need, no need. Sophia will take care of it.
It wasn't that he doted on his daughter.
He had already cleaned up after cooking.
Everything that needed washing was washed. Everything was put away.
Not much was left to do.
Alexander was silent for a moment.
I ate too much. I need to move around.
I'll help clean up first, then play.
David didn't overthink it.
Is that so? Then thank you for your hard work.
It's no trouble.
Alexander carried the dishes into the kitchen.
Sophia was tying her apron.
Her hands reached behind her back, movements stiff.
She seemed to be having trouble.
Alexander spoke up at the right moment.
Need some help?
Sophia paused.
Sorry, Professor. My hands are oily, I don't want to get it on the...
No wonder her movements were so awkward.
Let me.
Alexander picked up the two straps.
He tied a knot deftly.
As he tightened it, both straps cinched inward.
The girl's waistline was instantly accentuated.
So slender...
Alexander wondered if his hands could span it completely.