Chapter 327
Hannah Morse stood to the side, blinking.
She didn't dare make a sound.
This scene...
Tsk.
Sophia Sullivan's gaze shifted between the two men.
Sebastian Evans' peach-blossom eyes held a smile, appearing casual yet undeniably forceful.
He would not take no for an answer.
Alexander Laurent was much calmer, his gaze gentle.
Sophia understood. It was acceptance and encouragement.
Like the ocean accepting all rivers, nourishing silently.
Both were waiting for her answer.
Sophia was silent for a moment.
Suddenly, she noticed something and stood up, walking to the water dispenser.
She opened the cabinet above and retrieved a mug.
"I think water is better."
Alexander Laurent and Sebastian Evans' eyes met, then they each looked away.
Sebastian smiled carelessly.
"You've had a tiring morning. Get some rest. I should head back to the office."
Work was waiting for him. Taking the entire morning off was already pushing it.
"Alright, I'll see you out."
A hint of pleasure appeared at the corners of Sebastian's eyes.
"Sure."
He shot Alexander a challenging look.
Sophia walked him to his car.
Before he left, she thanked him sincerely again.
Sebastian detected the apology in her tone and gave a faint smile.
"Everything I do, I do willingly. Don't feel pressured. Between friends, too much politeness creates distance."
Sophia paused, then said nothing more.
She watched Sebastian drive away.
Turning around, she found Alexander standing under the eaves.
The man was tall and stood with perfect posture.
His calm gaze was fixed on her, clearly waiting for her to turn back.
For some inexplicable reason, Sophia suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
But then she thought, what did she have to feel guilty about?
Before she could trace the source of this emotion, Alexander was already in front of her.
"The lab is newly established. It attracted significant attention today. Your every move might be scrutinized now. At a time like this, a single misstep could lead to trouble..."
He stopped mid-sentence, noticing her slightly dazed expression, and wondered if he had been too stern.
As he considered how to lighten the mood, Sophia had already processed his words.
She nodded seriously and spoke with gravity.
"Thank you for the reminder, Professor. I understand. Everything has two sides. Building our own lab seems glamorous, but it's also like being cooked over a high flame."
The results could go either way—
It could bring honor, or it could be a case of "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"...
Hearing her words, Alexander couldn't help but laugh softly.
Why did he think his seriousness would intimidate her?
She was more clear-headed and far-sighted than he had imagined.
Alexander's tone softened.
"Your capabilities are beyond doubt. But I want to say, if you encounter any difficulties, you can always come to me... or Professor Eleanor Watson. You don't have to shoulder everything alone. We will always be your strong support."
Sophia's heart stirred, her eyes flickering slightly.
She lowered her gaze and gave a soft "Mm."
...
Meanwhile, Ethan Roscente and Fiona Valentine had long since left with the other guests.
In the car, the driver gripped the steering wheel nervously, breathing cautiously.
The two in the back seat did not speak, the atmosphere eerily quiet.
Fiona looked at Ethan.
Since getting in the car, he had been staring out the window, silent, his expression detached.
Fiona smiled, her gentle voice breaking the silence.
"Sophia is truly remarkable. To find a way out of such a difficult situation and checkmate Professor Victoria Lowell and Dean Blake Cunningham so decisively... impressive! No wonder Professor Eleanor Watson values her so highly."
Her words weren't empty praise; Fiona genuinely admired Sophia.
How many people had the courage to build their own lab like Sophia?
She certainly couldn't do it herself.
Ethan didn't speak, but the slight uplift at the corners of his eyes showed he was pleased to hear this praise.
Even proud, by association.
Fiona continued casually.
"Half the big names in the research world were there today. I had no idea she had such connections. Not to mention how effortlessly she held her own among all those luminaries. If it were me, I'd be a nervous wreck..."