Chapter 252
Sophia Sullivan's cheeks warmed.
Her little scheme had been seen through.
But she didn't feel embarrassed.
It was only natural to be cautious when meeting someone for the first time.
The two elders, with their wealth of experience, would surely understand.
Florence Atlante gently patted the back of her hand. "It's good for a girl, especially a pretty one like you, to be careful. Better safe than sorry."
"You're absolutely right."
"You said my voice sounds familiar... I grew up in the neighboring city. I only came to Kyoto after high school. We shouldn't have met before."
"Right." Florence Atlante smiled.
Yet, Sophia detected a trace of disappointment in that smile.
Isaac Atlante spoke up, breaking the subtle tension. "Haven't met before? Well, meeting now is fate."
Sophia nodded with a smile.
Sebastian Evans returned with water, handing two bottles to the elders.
The rest, still in the bag, he thrust toward Sophia.
"These are for your aunt and uncle. Your aunt had a signing today, so your uncle must be here too, right?"
"Yes, he's here." Sophia hesitated, unsure whether to take it.
"Take it." Sebastian pushed it directly into her hands.
"...Thank you."
Sebastian's gaze swept over the elders. "What were you all talking about? You looked so happy."
He had seen his grandfather beaming and even his usually stern grandmother smiling slightly before he entered.
Sebastian was taken aback.
How long had it been since he'd seen them laugh like that?
Last year, when he visited them abroad, his grandmother was in the hospital, and his grandfather was worried sick.
He stayed for two weeks and never once saw his grandfather smile.
He had tried to persuade them to return home.
The Atlante family's roots were all here.
The environment at home was better for their retirement.
Better than growing old and frail in a foreign land.
But his pleas had fallen on deaf ears.
Years ago, investigators brought news that Emilia Atlante might have been taken to Europe.
For this single, unverified lead, the two had searched across Europe for nearly a decade.
If not for his grandmother's failing health, they would never have come back.
All these years, Sebastian watched, anxious and helpless.
He couldn't even make them a little happier...
But Sophia Sullivan had made them laugh.
"Thank you for looking after my grandparents."
Sophia waved her hand. "Don't mention it. The signing is almost over. Since you're back, I should head upstairs."
She said goodbye to the two elders.
Isaac Atlante and Florence Atlante watched her enter the elevator, only then learning about the novel signing on the third floor.
Sebastian briefly introduced the recently popular suspense novel, "The Seven-Day Talk."
Florence's heart stirred.
She remembered Minmin always declaring she wanted to be a writer when she was little, to write amazing stories.
Memories surfaced, her daughter's voice and smile as vivid as yesterday...
She suddenly wanted to go up and see this author, to see if her eyes also shone when she talked about her novels.
But the moment she voiced this thought, Isaac stopped her.
"Your eyes aren't well. You've been out too long today. It's time to go home."
Remembering her physical condition, Florence could only sigh and give up.
...
On the third floor, Alexander Laurent stood by the elevator, about to go down and look for her.
Ding—
The metal doors opened.
Sophia stepped out.
"Professor."
"Where did you go?"
They spoke simultaneously, but their moods were completely different.
Sophia was relaxed and at ease. Alexander could not conceal his anxiety, beneath which lay clear concern.
"I ran into Sebastian Evans downstairs. It took a moment. Professor, some water."
Sophia took a bottle from the bag and offered it to him.
Alexander glanced at the bag's logo. It was from the import supermarket across the street. Sophia wouldn't have gone that far. It could only be...
"Sebastian bought this?"
"Yes. I watched his grandparents while he went to buy water. The elders only recognize this brand."
Alexander reached out and took it.
Sophia looked toward the venue. "Is it over?"
Alexander shook his head. "Still signing. The line is long. It might take a while longer."
The memory of her earlier embarrassment was still fresh. She had no desire to go back into that crowd.
But...
Sophia looked at the book in the man's hand. "Professor, are you going to queue for a signature?"
"I'll wait until the end. No need to crowd them."
"Okay!" Sophia nodded repeatedly. Perfect!
The man chuckled softly.
Sophia: "Professor, what are you laughing at?"
"Ahem!" He cleared his throat lightly, suddenly turning serious. "Nothing."
"...?" She felt he was lying, but she had no proof!
The signing, scheduled to end at four, dragged on until five.
Alexander and Sophia were last in line. He opened the book and placed it before Isabella Sullivan.
"Sorry to trouble you, Mom. A personalized inscription, please~"
"Thank you, Auntie."
Isabella looked up. Her daughter stood before her, smiling, with Alexander Laurent beside her.
Both looked at her, full of expectation.
For a moment, Isabella was dazed. A young couple, a perfect match...
She dismissed the unrealistic thought and picked up her pen.
For Sophia, she wrote:
I will mount a long wind some day and break the heavy waves, and set my cloudy sail straight and bridge the deep, deep sea.
For Alexander Laurent:
I must reach the mountain's crest; it dwarfs all peaks under my feet.
After it was over, Alexander suggested going for a meal.
David Sullivan objected. "How can we let you do that? If anyone's treating, it should be us!"
Alexander shook the book in his hand. "A specially personalized inscription from the author herself. Isn't that worth a meal?"
David was speechless.
Was it worth it?
Of course it was!
Alexander first asked Isabella what she wanted to eat. Isabella said she didn't mind.
He asked David.
"I'm not picky. Let Sophia decide."
Alexander naturally turned his gaze to the girl.
Sophia thought for a moment. "...How about hot pot?"
All three had no objections.
On the way—
Sophia looked at her phone and suddenly gasped.
David: "What's wrong?"
"That hot pot place is too popular. There are 82 parties ahead of us. We'd have to wait forever if we go now..."
Isabella: "Shall we choose another place?"
Sophia: "But this one is really good. Authentic beef tallow broth. They say it's incredibly fragrant."
As for who said it...
No one else but her foodie friend, Hannah Morse.
Alexander was driving, eyes on the road. He chuckled. "No need to change. I already reserved a table."
Sophia: "Great!"
Several minutes later, she belatedly realized—
Wasn't this decided on the spur of the moment?
How did he reserve a table in advance?
And, out of all the hot pot places, how did he know she wanted this one?
Sophia gazed at the man's profile, lost in thought.