Chapter 251
This was so embarrassing.
Alexander Laurent shielded her as they pushed through the crowd.
Finally, she could breathe fresh air.
Sophia Sullivan sighed in relief.
She looked up and met the man's amused eyes.
"Professor... I'm sorry..."
Alexander pointed to the side of her face. "Your hair is stuck."
"...What?"
Sophia reached up to feel.
She couldn't find the right spot.
Alexander gently brushed it aside for her.
His fingertips grazed her soft skin.
His movements paused slightly. "There."
Sophia tucked the strand behind her ear.
It was all because the venue was so crowded.
Sweat had made her hair stick to her face.
How mortifying.
Remembering how she had crashed into his chest.
Sophia's cheeks burned.
Her heart raced.
She couldn't stay here any longer.
"Professor! I'm going to buy water!"
She turned and ran before he could respond.
She ducked into the elevator.
Sophia ran down to the first floor.
She looked back and didn't see him.
Only then did she relax.
Turning around, she nearly bumped into Sebastian Evans.
He was accompanied by two elderly people.
The old gentleman had snow-white hair.
Deep wrinkles were etched between his brows.
He looked stern and imposing.
The old lady had a softer expression.
But her eyes seemed vacant and unfocused.
She walked slowly with a cane.
Noticing Sophia's gaze.
The old lady turned her head blankly.
She soon looked away.
Sebastian was surprised.
He was specifically accompanying his grandparents on a walk today.
They had just returned from abroad.
His grandmother had been hospitalized due to acclimation issues.
They were passing by after her discharge today.
She suddenly wanted to visit the bookstore.
He hadn't expected to run into Sophia here.
Remembering Isabella Sullivan's book signing.
It was indeed today.
Her presence here made sense.
They exchanged brief greetings.
Sebastian introduced his grandparents.
Isaac Atlante studied the young woman before him.
Most young people these days pursued extreme thinness.
This girl was different.
Her face was round and her complexion glowed.
Her figure was proportionate and healthy.
A high ponytail looked fresh and neat.
Her eyes were especially bright.
They curved like crescents when she smiled.
They reminded him of another pair of eyes.
Sophia greeted them politely.
The old gentleman rarely showed a smile.
Sebastian was inwardly astonished.
His grandfather was usually very serious.
He seldom showed such kindness to younger people.
According to the old family servants.
His grandparents used to have cheerful personalities.
Everything changed after their second daughter went missing.
They now lived abroad long-term.
Largely because of that reason.
Thinking of his missing aunt.
Sebastian looked at his grandparents.
This regret was likely irreparable.
"A-Seb, I'm thirsty." The old lady suddenly spoke.
"I'll buy water." Sebastian looked at Sophia. "Could you stay with them for a bit?"
"Should I go buy it?"
"Grandmother only drinks a specific brand. I need to go to the supermarket across the street."
"I'll wait here with them then."
"Thank you."
Sebastian quickly left.
Florence Atlante pulled Sophia to sit down.
"Good child, how do you know A-Seb?"
"Through a friend."
Ethan Roscente counted as that friend.
"He rarely makes female friends. You're the first!"
Sophia thought to herself.
You just haven't seen how quickly he cycles through girlfriends.
"Things have changed so much..." the old gentleman mused.
Sophia detected a note of nostalgia.
She spoke about the recent changes in Kyoto.
Isaac listened attentively.
"Are you from here?"
"I grew up in Lin City."
She described the scenery of Lin City.
The old gentleman's memory gradually sharpened.
"Lin City... I've been there before..."
As the head of the Atlante family.
Younger generations were usually nervous around him.
But Sophia was natural and poised.
"How old are you, young lady?" Florence suddenly asked.
Sophia answered truthfully.
The old lady asked about her family and work.
Sophia remained polite.
But didn't reveal too much.
Isaac was somewhat surprised.
His wife was unusually talkative today.
Florence sensed her wariness.
She explained with a smile.
"Your voice sounds very familiar, like I've heard it somewhere before... Don't mind my questions."
Sophia realized the old lady's eyesight was poor.
People appeared as blurry outlines to her.
She could only grasp general shapes.
Even though she couldn't see features clearly.
The voice felt familiar.
She felt an unconscious sense of closeness.
That's why she asked a few more questions.