Chapter 307

The small restaurant outside the school gates was still bustling.

Sophia Sullivan and Alexander Laurent pushed the door open and entered.

Sebastian Evans was already waiting by the window.

"Sophia..." He stood up to greet her, his gaze intensely fixed on her face.

He completely ignored Alexander standing beside her.

Sophia gave a slight nod. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Evans."

The address "Mr. Evans" made the corner of Alexander's lips curve upward.

Sebastian seemed to notice him only then. "Professor Laurent. We meet again."

Alexander maintained his smile. "It seems fate keeps bringing us together."

Sebastian gestured with his hand. "Please, have a seat."

He guided Alexander to the seat next to his own, then pulled out the chair opposite for Sophia.

With this arrangement, the seating order became—

Alexander Laurent, Sebastian Evans, Sophia Sullivan.

"That spot faces the door directly. There's a draft. Sophia, you'll be warmer sitting here by me."

Alexander pulled out the chair next to his own.

Sophia readily agreed and smoothly took the seat.

The seating order instantly changed to—

Sophia Sullivan, Alexander Laurent, Sebastian Evans.

"Still cold?" Alexander asked gently, ignoring Sebastian's suddenly darkening expression.

"Much better." Sophia nodded.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "There is a draft over here. I'll move as well."

The final seating order was set—

Sebastian Evans, Sophia Sullivan, Alexander Laurent.

The Professor: "..."

Sebastian smiled at the girl. "I've already ordered. All your favorites."

Sophia thanked him, then suddenly remembered Alexander. "Professor, would you like to look at the menu? See if there's anything you'd like to add?"

Alexander shook his head. "No need. I'm easy."

"Please don't stand on ceremony. Order anything you'd like."

"Alright."

A sour feeling churned in Sebastian's chest.

Why didn't she ask him?

He completely forgot he was the one who had ordered all the food in the first place.

Naturally, Sophia assumed Sebastian would have considered everyone's tastes.

The dishes arrived one after another.

Even Alexander noticed Sebastian's gloomy expression.

Sophia, however, remained completely oblivious, focused solely on serving food to Alexander.

"Thank you. You should eat more yourself."

"Alright."

Watching their interaction, Sebastian's jaw tightened. His expression grew colder.

When had Sophia ever been this attentive to him?

What was so special about Alexander Laurent?

"Mr. Evans, why aren't you eating?" Sophia finally noticed him.

Sebastian's tone was flat. "Not hungry."

Sophia turned the steamed pork ribs plate to face him. "You like these. Try some."

The man's eyes lit up. "You remember I like these?"

"Of course."

Sebastian's heart leaped with sudden joy.

The next second—

Sophia: "Charlie likes crystal shrimp dumplings. Julian doesn't eat fish but loves the spicy fish head. I remember everyone's preferences."

Sebastian: "..."

There was no need to remember quite that comprehensively.

But the fact she remembered his preference was enough to brighten his mood.

Alexander chuckled lightly. "Sophia is always so thoughtful, considering everyone's tastes."

The implication: You are not special.

Sebastian smiled, not angered. "Yes, she's been like that all these years."

The subtext: I knew her long before you were even on the scene.

Sophia focused on her meal, completely missing the underlying tension.

She had been busy in the lab all afternoon and was starving.

Right now, her eyes were only for the food.

"Mr. Evans, Professor, you should eat too."

Sebastian and Alexander responded simultaneously.

They glanced at each other, coldness flashing in both their eyes.

Sebastian suddenly raised his cup. "Sophia mentioned you helped find the lab. Let me thank you on her behalf, with tea instead of wine."

Alexander didn't reciprocate. "It was a small matter. Not worthy of your thanks, Mr. Evans."

"If thanks are due, Sophia should give them. You doing it on her behalf... isn't quite appropriate."

Sophia immediately picked up her teacup. "I really should thank you, Professor. For helping us find such a great lab."

Alexander waved his hand. "You would have found one without me. It was just a matter of time."

Sophia said seriously, "Time is the most precious thing. This cup is to you."

Alexander raised his cup solemnly and gently clinked it with hers. "You're too kind."

Sebastian sighed with feeling. "The Professor went to such trouble for his students. Truly commendable. This cup, Sophia and I toast to you together."

His tone was like a junior respectfully toasting a senior, placing Alexander on a very high pedestal.

Alexander: "..."

His knuckles tightened slightly.